1 About Topic Sentences 1.Finding good topics 2.Common errors Complied by Ms. Terri Yueh

2 What is a good topic sentence? General subject Limited subject A Good topic sentence MarriageHoneymoon A honeymoon is perhaps the worst way to begin a marriage. ChildrenDiscipline of children My husband and I have several effective ways of disciplining our children. SportsPlayers’ salaries High players’ salaries are bad for the game, for the fans, and for the values our children are developing.

3 Common Errors in topic sentences  Announcements rather than Statements  Statements that are too broad  Statements that are too narrow  Statements that contain more than one idea

4 Common Errors in topic sentences  Announcements rather than Statements 1.The subject of this paper will be my sister. 2.I want to talk about the crime wave in Taiwan. 3.Christmas is on December 25 th.  Statements that are too broad 1.My parents have been the most influential people in my life. 2.Crime is a major concern of everyone in Taiwan.

5 Common Errors in topic sentences  Statements that are too narrow 1.My parents had only one child. 2.In the last year there have been over 20 robberies in our neighborhood.  Statements that contain more than one idea 1.My parents helped me grow in important ways, although in other respects I was limited. 2.The “baby boom” generation has had many advantages, but it also faces many problems.

6 Requirement of Good Topic Sentence  Be complete  Be clear  Be specific  Find the right word

7 Find the right word  Avoid cheap substitutes  Avoid tired substitutes  Avoid weak substitutes  Avoid wordiness  Avoid “ this, that. It ” errors  Be careful of connotation of words