Pertemuan 7 Effective Topic Sentences Matakuliah : Writing III Tahun : 2006-2007 Versi : 3 Pertemuan 7 Effective Topic Sentences

By the end of this session the students are expected to be able to Learning Outcomes By the end of this session the students are expected to be able to Write effective topic sentences Use transitions words and phrases

Outline of Materials Effective topic sentences Parts of a topic sentence Specific examples to support your ideas Words and phrases to signal examples, sequences Subordinate clauses

Effective Topic Sentences A topic sentence is the most general statement in a paragraph. It shouldn’t be too narrow or too broad. It declares the main idea It should capture the interests of the readers Consider these sentences: 1. My lecturer gives us an assignment every week. 2. My lecturer’s teaching methods help me to understand the materials.  The second sentence is more effective because it raises the question: “What are the methods that this lecturer use?”.

Parts of a topic sentence A topic sentence consists of two parts: The topic The controlling idea(s) Example: My best friend taught me three valuable lessons topic controlling idea At three critical stages of mental development, musical training helps a child’s mind to develop.

Giving Specific Examples Giving specific examples are important to illustrate your points. It also helps to help readers remember what they read. Use sensory details to give examples.

Be specific. Words such as: nice or thing(s) are not specific. tips Be specific. Words such as: nice or thing(s) are not specific. Today’s weather is very nice (Cool? Warm? Bright sunny day?) They always do that thing before sunset. (what thing?) The most important thing in life is honesty.(virtue? character?)

Useful Words and Phrases To introduce sentence-long example: For example,… For instance, … To introduce words or phrases as examples within sentences: such as … like … To introduce items in a series: first, second, also, next, in addition, also, finally,… To point to items from a group/category: One, another, the other, … Some, others, the others, …

Conclusions A topic sentence will be effective when it raises the readers’ interests A topic sentence consists of two parts: the topic and the controlling ideas Giving specific examples are important to illustrate your points/ideas.