1. Pertemuan 7 Effective Topic Sentences
Matakuliah : Writing III
Tahun :
Versi : 3
Pertemuan 7 Effective Topic Sentences

2. By the end of this session the students are expected to be able to
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session the students are expected to be able to
Write effective topic sentences
Use transitions words and phrases

3. Outline of Materials
Effective topic sentences
Parts of a topic sentence
Specific examples to support your ideas
Words and phrases to signal examples, sequences
Subordinate clauses

4. Effective Topic Sentences
A topic sentence is the most general statement in a paragraph. It shouldn’t be too narrow or too broad.
It declares the main idea
It should capture the interests of the readers
Consider these sentences:
1. My lecturer gives us an assignment every week.
2. My lecturer’s teaching methods help me to understand
the materials.
 The second sentence is more effective because it raises the question: “What are the methods that this lecturer use?”.

5. Parts of a topic sentence
A topic sentence consists of two parts:
The topic
The controlling idea(s)
Example:
My best friend taught me three valuable lessons
topic controlling idea
At three critical stages of mental development, musical training helps a child’s mind to develop.

6. Giving Specific Examples
Giving specific examples are important to illustrate your points.
It also helps to help readers remember what they read.
Use sensory details to give examples.

7. Be specific. Words such as: nice or thing(s) are not specific.
tips
Be specific. Words such as: nice or thing(s) are not specific.
Today’s weather is very nice (Cool? Warm? Bright sunny day?)
They always do that thing before sunset. (what thing?)
The most important thing in life is honesty.(virtue? character?)

8. Useful Words and Phrases
To introduce sentence-long example:
For example,…
For instance, …
To introduce words or phrases as examples within sentences:
such as …
like …
To introduce items in a series: first, second, also, next, in addition, also, finally,…
To point to items from a group/category:
One, another, the other, …
Some, others, the others, …

9. Conclusions
A topic sentence will be effective when it raises the readers’ interests
A topic sentence consists of two parts: the topic and the controlling ideas
Giving specific examples are important to illustrate your points/ideas.