Advanced Writing (Compilation) Lesson 3 PDF

Dr. Hossein Mohseni Advanced Writing (Compilation) 16 Session 3 Paragraph Organization: Topic Sentence 1. A paragraph is like a...

Dr. Hossein Mohseni Advanced Writing (Compilation) 16 Session 3 Paragraph Organization: Topic Sentence 1. A paragraph is like a sandwich. The topic sentence and concluding sentence (which is not always necessary) are the two pieces of "bread" enclosing the “meat"- the supporting sentences. 2. Topic Sentence: The first sentence of a paragraph is usually called the topic sentence. 3. In native writings, topic sentences may be placed as the second sentence, in the middle or at the end of the paragraph. Sometimes in such writings, topic sentences of paragraphs are implied or suggested. WE WILL NOT DO THAT IN OUR WRITING. 4. The topic sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph. It has two parts: Topic (Theme): The topic names the subject of the paragraph. Controlling Idea (Limiting Statement, New Information): The controlling idea tells the main idea of the topic. It is called the controlling idea because it controls, or limits, the topic to a very specific idea. Here are examples of topic sentences with the same topic but different controlling ideas: Some hobbies are relaxing. Topic Controlling idea Some hobbies are too expensive. Topic Controlling idea Some jobs are dangerous. Topic Controlling idea Some jobs are repetitive and boring. Topic Controlling idea Some jobs are perfect for students. Topic Controlling idea Practice  Dr. Hossein Mohseni Advanced Writing (Compilation) 17 5. A topic sentence must not be a simple fact or a specific detail (Not Too General, Not Too Specific). A surprise party is a kind of party. (too general) There were 14 guests at my surprise birthday party. (too specific) A job is part of life. (too general) An increasing number of people in the United States work 50 hours a week. (too specific) Practice Identify the suitable topic sentences. What is wrong with the others? 1. It is estimated that leisure travelers spend more than $500 billion in the United States. 2. Research shows that there are three main purposes for leisure travel. 3. Digital cameras have several advantages over film cameras. 4. Digital cameras are a common form of technology these days. 5. Digital photos ate composed of small squares, just like a tiled kitchen floor or bathroom wall. 6. Learning the meanings of the abbreviations used in text messaging is like learning a new language. 7. BRB, BTW, CU, and "F2F are abbreviations. 8. Smart phones can perform a variety of useful functions. 9. Consider these four factors when buying your next phone. 10. Cats have certain characteristics that make them good family animals. 11. Animal shelters take care of homeless dogs and cats. 12. It is a good idea to volunteer at an animal shelter.  Dr. Hossein Mohseni Advanced Writing (Compilation) 18 Practice Read each paragraph. Circle the best topic sentence in the list. Then write it on the line. Paragraph 1 Mountain Climbing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Trail climbing is the easiest. Climbers just walk along trails to the top of a mountain. The trails are not very steep, and the mountains are small. The second type, rock climbing, takes place on steeper slopes and bigger mountains. Climbers generally have to use special equipment such as climbing shoes, ropes, and metal nails called pitons. The third type is ice climbing. Ice climbing takes place only on very high mountains and requires a lot of special equipment. Equipment used in.ice climbing includes ice axes and crampons, which are spikes attached to a climber's boots for walking on ice and hard snow. In short, mountain climbing can range from an easy walk to a challenging trek. a. There are three main types of mountain climbing. b. Mountain climbing requires special skills and equipment. c. The sport of mountain climbing is practiced worldwide. d. Mountain climbing is one of the most difficult sports. Paragraph 2 Regional Foods in the United States -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For example, Kansas City, in the very center of the United States, is known for its beef, and Kansas City barbecue is everyone's favorite way to enjoy it. In Boston, people love baked beans. In the Southwest, chili, a stew made of meat, beans, tomatoes, and hot peppers, is the regional dish. Wisconsin, a state with many dairy farms, is famous for its cheese. Go to Maryland and Virginia for egg cakes, which are fried egg and breadcrumb patties. In the Northeast, try fish chowder, a rich fish, potato, and onion soup. Indeed, many U.S. cities and regions have a special food for everyone to enjoy. a. There is a variety of food in the United States. b. Food in the United States varies from sweet desserts to spicy stews. c. Different regions of the United States have their own traditional foods. d. Food in the United States is quite delicious. Paragraph 3 Why Everyone Should Try Yoga -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First, it is easy to get started. Unlike other forms of exercise, yoga does not require a lot of special equipment or clothing, and it can be done almost anywhere. Next, yoga.is a good form of exercise regardless of people's age or physical condition when they start out. However, most important are the benefits of yoga. It improves body strength and flexibility and is an excellent way to relieve stress. It is clear that yoga.is an easy-to-do and beneficial way to get exercise. a. Yoga is a way to strengthen the body and the mind. b. Yoga is becoming popular with people of all ages. c. Yoga is an excellent form of exercise for several reasons. d. Yoga is an example of how getting exercise reduces stress.  Dr. Hossein Mohseni Advanced Writing (Compilation) 19 Practice Read each paragraph. Identify the topic and the controlling idea. Then write an appropriate topic sentence on the line. Paragraph 1 A World of flavors ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Even small towns in the United States have at least one pizzeria and one Chinese restaurant. Every midsize town has at least one taqueria, where you can get a delicious Mexican taco or burrito. French food has always been popular, and hot dogs and hamburgers, German in origin, are found everywhere. More recently, Middle Eastern shish kebab, Japanese sushi, and English fish and chips are increasingly available in the United States. These examples show that American cuisine is actually quite international. Paragraph 2 Skipping Breakfast ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some people say that they skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. Another reason people give is that they simply don't like breakfast. Others say that the reason is cultural. People in their home culture usually consume only two meals a day, and breakfast isn't traditionally one of them. The most common reason people give is lack of time. They Uke to stay in bed until the last minute,, and then they have to rush to get to work or to school on time. To sum up, there are a variety of explanations for not eating breakfast. Paragraph 3 Grand Canyon, Grand Vacation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First of all, travelers should decide what time of year they would like to visit the Grand Canyon. It can be very cold in winter, and it sometimes snows throughout the month of May. However, summers are hot, and because the Grand Canyon is a popular tourist destination for families on vacation, it can be very crowded during the summer months. Another thing to think about is where to stay. There are hotels in and near the Grand Canyon, but they are not cheap. Some travelers prefer camping as a way of enjoying nature and saving money. Finally, visitors should consider the various ways to see the canyon. Possibilities include the lookout points along the South Rim, the Skywalk on the West Rim, or a helicopter ride. In conclusion, any trip to the Grand Canyon is sure to be fantastic, and with a little planning it can be even better.  Dr. Hossein Mohseni Advanced Writing (Compilation) 20 6. One way to write good topic sentences is to limit your topic with controlling keywords or phrases. The nature of these words and phrases can pertain to: place, time or period of time, quality (description), similarities, differences, a list of things and aspects, effects, and causes and reasons. Practice Write a topic sentence for each of the topics listed below. The topic is given. Your job is to limit it in the way(s) which have been suggested. A. Topic: John F. Kennedy (aspect) (place) John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic president elected in the United States of America. aspect place B. Topic: shopping for food (place) (aspect) (differences) C. Topic: study habits (number) (effect) D. American food (differences)  Dr. Hossein Mohseni Advanced Writing (Compilation) 21 7. One way to write good topic sentences is to limit your topic by posing pertinent questions. This can help you identify your controlling words and phrases. Practice (Assignment 1) First, write at least two pertinent questions for each topic. Second, identify the keywords (at least two) in your hypothetical answers to those questions. Third, write two different topic sentences on the bases of these keywords. Finally, in each topic sentence, identify the topic and controlling idea. A) Smoking B) Problems between generations C) Registration process at a university