doctorate students writing/speaking class

Doctorate Students Doctorate Students Writing/Speaking ClassWriting/Speaking Class

Week 5Week 5

““Writing Support Paragraphs”Writing Support Paragraphs”““Topic Sentences”Topic Sentences”

““Supporting Sentences”Supporting Sentences”

The Format of aThe Format of a 5-paragraph Essay 5-paragraph Essay

Introductory paragraphIntroductory paragraph Supporting paragraph #1Supporting paragraph #1 Supporting paragraph #2Supporting paragraph #2 Supporting paragraph #3Supporting paragraph #3 Concluding paragraphConcluding paragraph

““Supporting”Supporting”

This word supporting is used to show that This word supporting is used to show that these paragraphs are these paragraphs are supportingsupporting or or provingproving the the main idea of the purpose statement. Therefore main idea of the purpose statement. Therefore all of the supporting paragraphs are directly all of the supporting paragraphs are directly related to the purpose statement. related to the purpose statement.

What is a supporting paragraph?What is a supporting paragraph?

A supporting paragraph is a group of related A supporting paragraph is a group of related sentences that develops sentences that develops one main ideaone main idea. .

This type of paragraph is made up of three kinds This type of paragraph is made up of three kinds of sentences that develop the writer’s opinion, or of sentences that develop the writer’s opinion, or feeling about a subject. These sentences are: feeling about a subject. These sentences are: (1(1) Topic sentence) Topic sentence(2) S(2) Supporting sentences upporting sentences (3) T(3) The concluding sentencehe concluding sentence. . Today our focus is on writing good paragraphs Today our focus is on writing good paragraphs using these three types of sentences. using these three types of sentences.

Why are paragraphs important?Why are paragraphs important?Most papers will be about a certain topic that will Most papers will be about a certain topic that will have several different ideas. have several different ideas. For example, the topic For example, the topic

“ “Chinese is the most difficult language in the worldChinese is the most difficult language in the world”, ”, has several different ideas that I want to write about: has several different ideas that I want to write about: 1. Chinese has 4 tones, 1. Chinese has 4 tones, 2. Chinese characters2. Chinese characters3. Chinese idioms. 3. Chinese idioms. The purpose of a paragraph then is to separate the The purpose of a paragraph then is to separate the different ideas in a paper. different ideas in a paper. So each of these So each of these different ideas will have its own paragraphdifferent ideas will have its own paragraph..

Writing a good support paragraphWriting a good support paragraph

The first thing you must do when writing The first thing you must do when writing a support paragraph is to first write a a support paragraph is to first write a good topic sentence. It will be the most good topic sentence. It will be the most important sentence in the entire important sentence in the entire paragraph.paragraph.

Topic SentenceTopic Sentence

A topic sentence is very similar to a purpose A topic sentence is very similar to a purpose statement. statement. The main goal of a purpose statement is to The main goal of a purpose statement is to

tell the reader what the main topic and idea tell the reader what the main topic and idea of the of the entire essayentire essay is going to be about. is going to be about.

The goal of a topic sentence is to tell the The goal of a topic sentence is to tell the reader what the topic and main idea of reader what the topic and main idea of each each paragraphparagraph is going to be. is going to be.

Topic SentenceTopic Sentence

Just like a purpose statement, a topic Just like a purpose statement, a topic sentence will contain a main idea. After sentence will contain a main idea. After the topic sentence has been written the topic sentence has been written correctly it will be clear to the reader correctly it will be clear to the reader what the paragraph will be about. The what the paragraph will be about. The topic sentence will answer a question that topic sentence will answer a question that the reader can ask (what, why, how). The the reader can ask (what, why, how). The answer to the question is what is written answer to the question is what is written in the rest of the paragraph. in the rest of the paragraph.

ExerciseExercise

Exercise: I will list a number of topic sentences Exercise: I will list a number of topic sentences and I want you to determine what the main and I want you to determine what the main idea of that paragraph will be.idea of that paragraph will be.

1. There are several advantages to growing up in 1. There are several advantages to growing up in a small town. a small town.

The rest of the paragraph will answer the The rest of the paragraph will answer the question— “What are the advantages?”question— “What are the advantages?”

Topic Sentence ExerciseTopic Sentence Exercise

2.2. People can avoid computer viruses by taking People can avoid computer viruses by taking certain precautions.certain precautions.

What precautions can people take?What precautions can people take?3. Fixing a flat tire on a bicycle is easy if you 3. Fixing a flat tire on a bicycle is easy if you

follow these steps.follow these steps.What are the steps?What are the steps?

4. Effective leadership requires specific 4. Effective leadership requires specific qualities that anyone can develop.qualities that anyone can develop.

What are the qualities?What are the qualities?

Topic SentenceTopic Sentence

In general, the English structure of writing is In general, the English structure of writing is to tell readers what you will be writing about to tell readers what you will be writing about in a paragraph before you begin to write about in a paragraph before you begin to write about it. Thus, the common practice in writing a it. Thus, the common practice in writing a paragraph is to begin with the topic sentence paragraph is to begin with the topic sentence and to follow it with supporting sentences. By and to follow it with supporting sentences. By using this method the reader can more easily using this method the reader can more easily identify the main point that the writer is identify the main point that the writer is making.making.

5 Things You Should Know5 Things You Should Know

1. There is only 1. There is only oneone purpose statement in an essay. purpose statement in an essay.

2. There can be 2. There can be manymany topic sentences depending on how topic sentences depending on how many paragraphs you have.many paragraphs you have.

3. Topic sentences 3. Topic sentences mustmust be complete sentences, they are be complete sentences, they are not written like headlines. not written like headlines.

4. The purpose statement is usually the last sentence of 4. The purpose statement is usually the last sentence of the introduction while the topic sentence is usually the the introduction while the topic sentence is usually the first sentence of each supporting paragraph.first sentence of each supporting paragraph.

5. Good topic sentences should 5. Good topic sentences should notnot be facts that everyone be facts that everyone already knows and believes. already knows and believes.

Poor Example: “Exercise is good for you.”Poor Example: “Exercise is good for you.”

Topic SentencesTopic Sentences To get a better understanding of topic To get a better understanding of topic

sentences we are going to look at an example sentences we are going to look at an example of a 5-paragraph essay. Look at the article of a 5-paragraph essay. Look at the article “Children and Video Games” on your handout.“Children and Video Games” on your handout.

Do not read the entire article. Instead first Do not read the entire article. Instead first read the purpose statement which is in read the purpose statement which is in BoldBold at at the end of the introduction.the end of the introduction.

Then read each of the three topic sentences Then read each of the three topic sentences which are underlined. which are underlined.

Do you see how the topic sentences are related Do you see how the topic sentences are related to the purpose statement? (previous slide)to the purpose statement? (previous slide)

Topic Sentence ExercisesTopic Sentence Exercises

We are now going to take some time to We are now going to take some time to practice writing good topic sentences. We will practice writing good topic sentences. We will be using the handout that I have given to each be using the handout that I have given to each of you. of you.

Topic Sentence ExamplesTopic Sentence Examples

1. Love is such a wonderful thing that I believe 1. Love is such a wonderful thing that I believe it is necessary for everyone to love and be it is necessary for everyone to love and be loved in order to have a joyful life.loved in order to have a joyful life.

2. Exercising outside several times a week can 2. Exercising outside several times a week can greatly lessen the stress of most people.greatly lessen the stress of most people.

Topic Sentence ExamplesTopic Sentence Examples

3.The Internet, which is widely used among 3.The Internet, which is widely used among university students, has enhanced the ability university students, has enhanced the ability for students to do research. for students to do research.

4.As a basketball player, Yao Ming has done a 4.As a basketball player, Yao Ming has done a great job of introducing Chinese culture to the great job of introducing Chinese culture to the United States. United States.

Topic Sentences—Exercise # 2Topic Sentences—Exercise # 2

Now we are going to do exercise # 2 on your Now we are going to do exercise # 2 on your handout. Read through the following handout. Read through the following paragraphs and write an appropriate topic paragraphs and write an appropriate topic sentence for each one. These paragraphs do sentence for each one. These paragraphs do not have a topic sentence.not have a topic sentence.

Exercise # 2--ExamplesExercise # 2--Examples

1. Opening a savings bank account for a young 1. Opening a savings bank account for a young child and giving them some money each child and giving them some money each month to deposit in this account can be a month to deposit in this account can be a very helpful thing.very helpful thing.

2. Miami is one of the best places in the United 2. Miami is one of the best places in the United States to take a vacation.States to take a vacation.

3. Throughout different periods of his life, Paul 3. Throughout different periods of his life, Paul has had different types of hobbies.has had different types of hobbies.

Support SentencesSupport Sentences

Today we have talked about the Topic Today we have talked about the Topic Sentence which is usually the first Sentence which is usually the first sentence in a paragraph. Again it is sentence in a paragraph. Again it is identical to a purpose statement except it identical to a purpose statement except it is the main idea for is the main idea for onlyonly one or more one or more paragraphs, paragraphs, not the entire essaynot the entire essay. .

The next part of a paragraph is made up The next part of a paragraph is made up of support sentences.of support sentences.

Support SentencesSupport Sentences

Definition:Definition:

Supporting sentences are sentences that Supporting sentences are sentences that directly relate to the topic sentence and help to directly relate to the topic sentence and help to answer the question asked by the main idea. answer the question asked by the main idea.

Supporting Sentences develop the topic Supporting Sentences develop the topic sentence by giving specific details about the sentence by giving specific details about the topic. topic.

Paragraph StructureParagraph Structure

Topic Sentence

Supporting Sentence

Supporting Sentence

Supporting Sentence…

(Concluding Sentence)

Different Types of Support SentencesDifferent Types of Support Sentences1. Facts-information that is easy to verify1. Facts-information that is easy to verify

-Yao Ming is a great basketball player. -Yao Ming is a great basketball player. -BNU is the top-ranked teaching university in China.-BNU is the top-ranked teaching university in China.

2. Examples- these must be related to your main idea2. Examples- these must be related to your main idea-Chinese has many idioms, for example, I still -Chinese has many idioms, for example, I still remember the first time I heard the idiom remember the first time I heard the idiom 马马虎虎。马马虎虎。

3. Physical Description-describe how something looks, 3. Physical Description-describe how something looks, smells, tastes, sounds, feelssmells, tastes, sounds, feels-Beijing can be as hot as a sauna in the summer.-Beijing can be as hot as a sauna in the summer.

4. Personal Experience-stories or events from your 4. Personal Experience-stories or events from your own lifeown life-I remember when I first learned to ride a bicycle and -I remember when I first learned to ride a bicycle and how difficult it was. how difficult it was.

The Importance of UnityThe Importance of Unity

It is important that It is important that allall of your support sentences are of your support sentences are directly related to the topic sentence. One way to directly related to the topic sentence. One way to help you do this is to change your topic sentence into help you do this is to change your topic sentence into a question and see if all the supporting sentences help a question and see if all the supporting sentences help to answer this question. to answer this question. Example: “Students should develop the habit of Example: “Students should develop the habit of exercising at least once a week.”exercising at least once a week.”

-The question would be: -The question would be: ““Why should they develop this habit?”Why should they develop this habit?”

The following support sentences should all be related The following support sentences should all be related to this question you have asked.to this question you have asked.

Analyzing the Support SentencesAnalyzing the Support Sentences

There are several reasons why many American There are several reasons why many American women wait until they are 30 years old or older women wait until they are 30 years old or older to have their first baby. Some women have to have their first baby. Some women have good jobs and want to continue their careers. good jobs and want to continue their careers. Many American women want to have two Many American women want to have two children. Other women don’t want the children. Other women don’t want the responsibility of having children until they are responsibility of having children until they are older. Still others are waiting until they are older. Still others are waiting until they are financially secure before they start a family.financially secure before they start a family.

Analyzing the Support SentencesAnalyzing the Support Sentences

The packaging of many products can be very The packaging of many products can be very wasteful. Often the package is twice as big as wasteful. Often the package is twice as big as the product. Packaging is used to protect the product. Packaging is used to protect things that are breakable. Many food items, things that are breakable. Many food items, for example, have several layers of extra for example, have several layers of extra packaging. Most of these extra layers are packaging. Most of these extra layers are absolutely useless.absolutely useless.

Analyzing the Support SentencesAnalyzing the Support Sentences

Running has many positive effects on the Running has many positive effects on the body. First of all, it increases the efficiency of body. First of all, it increases the efficiency of the heart and lungs. Running also helps the the heart and lungs. Running also helps the body develop greater physical endurance, body develop greater physical endurance, however it is true that many people prefer however it is true that many people prefer swimming. Finally, it helps the body become swimming. Finally, it helps the body become more mechanically efficient.more mechanically efficient.

Support Sentences ExerciseSupport Sentences Exercise

Look at the handout for Support Sentences. Look at the handout for Support Sentences. We are going to do Exercise # 1.We are going to do Exercise # 1.

Exercise # 1Exercise # 1 in the handout: in the handout:

First read the paragraph and cross out the First read the paragraph and cross out the sentences that do not belong. The topic is sentences that do not belong. The topic is about Mozart. There are many things we about Mozart. There are many things we could write about him, but the main idea is could write about him, but the main idea is related to related to his accomplishments and why they his accomplishments and why they are remarkable even todayare remarkable even today. Remember that . Remember that each sentence should be related to this main each sentence should be related to this main idea. idea.

Revised Mozart ParagraphRevised Mozart Paragraph

Mozart’s accomplishments in music seem Mozart’s accomplishments in music seem remarkable even today. remarkable even today. FirstFirst, he began , he began composing music at the age of five composing music at the age of five and and his first his first concert tour of Europe was at the age of six. On concert tour of Europe was at the age of six. On his first tour he played harpsichord, organ, and his first tour he played harpsichord, organ, and violin. He violin. He alsoalso published numerous published numerous compositions before reaching adolescence. compositions before reaching adolescence. Mozart composed over six hundred musical Mozart composed over six hundred musical compositions. His most notable works are his compositions. His most notable works are his operas, symphonies, quartets, and piano operas, symphonies, quartets, and piano concertos. concertos.

Supporting Sentences—Exercise # 2Supporting Sentences—Exercise # 2

Now we are going to do exercise # 2.Now we are going to do exercise # 2.

Write at least four different supporting Write at least four different supporting sentences for the two topic sentences on your sentences for the two topic sentences on your handout. handout.

Exercise # 2 example paragraphExercise # 2 example paragraph

Having a part-time job can benefit students in Having a part-time job can benefit students in many ways. When I was a student I found that many ways. When I was a student I found that my part time job helped me learn more about my part time job helped me learn more about my own strengths and weaknesses. A part my own strengths and weaknesses. A part time job can also give students valuable time job can also give students valuable experience in learning how to interact with experience in learning how to interact with different types of people. Another advantage different types of people. Another advantage is that they can give a student an opportunity is that they can give a student an opportunity to interact with society. One of the most to interact with society. One of the most important benefits though is that it allows the important benefits though is that it allows the student to earn money and be more student to earn money and be more independent. independent.

If we have time…If we have time…

To end the class today I want to give you To end the class today I want to give you several minutes to read through the essay several minutes to read through the essay “Children and video games”. In groups of 2-3 “Children and video games”. In groups of 2-3 summarize what the author is trying to summarize what the author is trying to communicate in this essay. communicate in this essay.