Paragraph Writing Developing Topic Sentences Topic Sentences example essay topic

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1. Paragraph Writing (i) Developing Topic Sentences Topic sentences introduce paragraphs; they inform readers about what the paragraphs would be about. They are normally found at the beginning of a paragraph, and are often the first sentence. However, they can also be found in the middle of a paragraph, in the last sentence of a paragraph, or may not be stated at all (i.e. implied).

A topic sentence always contains the topic discussed by a particular paragraph, as well as the controlling idea (or main idea). A controlling idea states the writer's opinion or stance towards the topic. Example: topic controlling idea Firstly, examinations are stressful. In this example, the topic of the paragraph is examinations. The writer's opinion about examinations is that they are stressful. This is the controlling idea or main idea. (ii) Developing Supporting Details Supporting details provide information to 'support' and explain the controlling idea.

They often answer the following questions: Why? When? Which? What? Who? How?

For example, supporting details for the topic sentence above would have to explain why and how examinations are stressful. Please peruse Unit 2 of the textbook for further reference and exercises. 2. Sentence Pattern (i) Simple Sentences A simple sentence contains one single independent clause. Examples: I like fried rice. Sarah bought a black dress yesterday. (ii) Compound Sentences A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses.

Example: independent clause 1 independent clause 2 We ate some spaghetti, and we had chocolate cheesecake for dessert. ( ) Complex Sentences A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: independent clause dependent clause She is skinny although she eats a lot. (iv) Compound-complex Sentences A compound-complex sentence contains more than one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: dependent clause independent clause 1 independent clause 2 Although we were tired, we had to stay up till 3 a.m. and study for our Mathematics examination. 1.

When? Which? What? Who? How?