Reading & Language System: Theme Exercise Use of English

Introduction In this session, we will learn about… –The format of the theme exercise –Key knowledge tested in the theme exercise: paragraph structure –Keywords in doing the exercise: Transition markers

Format of Theme Exercise A passage of around 200 – 300 words Complete the paragraphs by choosing the most suitable sentence Things to look for… –Symbol for a new paragraph (Topic sentence) –Development of idea 1 idea in 1 paragraph Paragraph structure 1 tense in 1 paragraph –Signpost words (e.g. for example / however) –Pronouns + relative pronouns

The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic.

Types of Paragraphs The narrative paragraph tells a story The persuasive paragraph. tries to convince the audience The descriptive paragraph describes something The expository or explanatory paragraph gives information or explains something

The Topic Sentence The topic of a paragraph is introduced in one sentence. This is called the topic sentence.

The topic sentence talks about the main idea briefly. Through the centuries rats have managed to survive all our efforts to destroy them. We have poisoned them and trapped them. We have fumigated, flooded, and burned them. We have tried germ warfare. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Entwetok atoll in the Pacific after World War II. In spite of all our efforts, these enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructible of pests. main idea

A topic sentence may be developed by giving examples. A topic sentence may be developed by giving examples. A topic sentence may be developed by telling an incident A topic sentence may be developed by telling an incident A topic sentence may be developed by giving details. Developing a Paragraph

We can develop or explain the main idea by giving examples or telling an incident. Through the centuries rats have managed to survive all our efforts to destroy them. We have poisoned them and trapped them. We have fumigated, flooded, and burned them. We have tried germ warfare. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Entwetok atoll in the Pacific after World War II. In spite of all our efforts, these enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructible of pests. Giving examples Telling an incident

Unity in the Paragraph Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. main idea sentence

The concluding or clincher sentence Restate the topic sentence in different words. A clincher sentence or concluding sentence clinches the point made in the paragraph. It summarizes the paragraph.

The concluding sentence sums up the main idea made in the paragraph. Through the centuries rats have managed to survive all our efforts to destroy them. We have poisoned them and trapped them. We have fumigated, flooded, and burned them. We have tried germ warfare. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Entwetok atoll in the Pacific after World War II. In spite of all our efforts, these enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructible of pests. main idea concluding sentence

Coherence in a Paragraph Stick to the point: The ideas have a clear and logical relation to each other. Put details or examples or incidents in logical order Chronological Explaining with examples Compare and contrast

Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph Chronological order to begin with first meanwhile later afterwards finally Explaining with examples for example for instance namely specifically as an illustration Contrast however nevertheless nonetheless yet on the (contrary / other hand) Transition words Addition moreover furthermore besides in addition equally important

Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph Similar ideas also in the same way similarly likewise Important ideas certainly indeed in fact of course for certain Conclusion / Summary all in all in brief in conclusion to conclude to sum up Transition words

Sample: UE Section B (1998) Many of your friends attend tutorial schools. Your teachers, however, feel that attending such schools is highly undesirable. Your class teacher has told you to write an essay discussing the pros and cons of attending tutorial schools. Write the essay, and at the end state your personal view, providing justification for your opinion. Give your essay a title.

Points to Note Give your essay a title (Attending Tutorial Schools – Is it a smart choice?) Pos (acquire exam techniques in a short period of time) (get exam tips) Cons (lose interest in school) (exam-oriented) Your personal view (disagree) Justification for your opinion (learning is not all about exams – there are many other things to learn in schools, e.g. interpersonal skills and time- management skill)

How should the paragraph look like?..\..\S7 Writing\Question Analysis_Past Papers\UE Section B_1998_Model Essay.doc..\..\S7 Writing\Question Analysis_Past Papers\UE Section B_1998_Model Essay.doc

Now, try to write the rest of the essay!!