ASH 2008

Analyzing topic Analyzing topic sentencessentences

Analyzing topic Analyzing topic sentencessentences

English for Academic Writing English for Academic Writing DLLDLL

ASH 2008

A GOOD TOPIC SENTENCE ..

states the topic of the paragraph

A good topic sentence identifies the focus

REFER TO PAGE 2 IN YOUR WORKBOOK

ASH 2008

Nuclear power is our greatest hope for solving the

energy crisis.

Look at the topic sentence above.1. What do you think is the topic of

this sentence?

2. What is the focus?

ASH 2008

Nuclear power is a huge threat to life on the

planet.1. What is the topic of this

sentence?

2. What is the focus?

Notice that both sentences have the same topic, Notice that both sentences have the same topic, but the focus is different.but the focus is different.

ASH 2008

Exercise- For each statement below, underline the topic and draw a circle around the focus.

1. Mahatma Gandhi was an influential leader.

2. Email is a great way to stay in touch with your family and friends.

3. The clothes we wear often reflect a lot about our personality.

4. The Japanese subway system is very efficient.

5. My older brother is a perfectionist.

ASH 2008

Analyzing topic sentences ; more tips

• A topic sentence must be a complete sentence to perform all the necessary functions

• A topic sentence cannot be a question.

• Phrases such as “I think” or “in my opinion” may muddle or weaken topic sentences.

ASH 2008

• The topic sentence should provide clear relationships among all of its elements so that it can provide a framework for understanding the rest of the paragraph.

• A topic sentence needs to be clear and specific, so that it can predict and summarize the rest of the paragraph for the reader.

ASH 2008

• A topic sentence must be coherent so that the reader can use it as a key to the rest of the paragraph.

• Because the topic sentence is a reference for the rest of the paragraph, it needs to be exceptionally clear.

ASH 2008

Too general? Too specific? Just nice?

• Swimming is fun.• I swim laps for 30 minutes every

morning.• Exercising every morning has several

positive effects.