Topic Sentences/Body Paragraphs
Online Writing Lab. 通邮讲座
猫头鹰在线写作实验室
Jeenn Lee Hsieh 谢振礼
ielts360toefl@hotmail.com
If a thesis in the introduction is a road map to an essay, then a topic sentence is a guide to a body paragraph. Therefore, you should think of sentences as kinds of mini-theses, enabling the development of each body paragraph in an essay.
The topic sentence of a paragraph should convey that paragraph's content. It serves as a signpost of the paragraph's main idea. The topic sentence is usually, but not always, the first sentence of the paragraph because it gives a preview of the supporting sentences to follow.
The supporting sentences after the topic sentence help to develop the main idea. These sentences give specific details related to the topic sentence. (A final sentence of the paragraph or concluding sentence often restates or summarizes the main idea of the topic sentence.)
A good body paragraph has
a topic sentence (signpost sentence) stating the main point of the paragraph,
supporting sentences with relevant examples and specific details as proof of your point,
logical, coherent thoughts that are developed in logical order from one sentence to the next, and
a concluding sentence that wraps up the point of the paragraph.
Examples of Topic Sentences:
1.There are many contributing factors to global warming.
2.Dogs make wonderful pets because they help you live longer.
3.Cooking requires a number of different skills.
4.Graduating from university is important for many reasons.
5.The population as a whole was unevenly distributed.
6.There are several advantages to growing up in a small town.
7.There are so many different things to see at the zoo.
8.City life has several drawbacks.
9.Fast food is not only fast but also cheap and tasty.
10.Dangerous sports appeal to the basic human desire for thrills.
11.Eating healthy can change your life.
12.The punishment of criminals has always been a problem for society.
13.There is little doubt that extracurricular opportunities at universities are a positive and critical component of students' overall development.
14.Granted that the dorm has some surprises, the real shock comes from the dinning hall.
15.Bullying can happen to anyone or be done by anyone, but how it can happen?.
16.Talking on a cell phone in public is rude because it is inconsiderate of others.
17.Obesity is on the rise in many countries and the leading cause of numerous medical problems.
18.Online learning has its problems.
19.One of the most important qualities for successful language learning is being confident.
20.Video games can be both entertaining and educational.
Developing a paragraph from a topic sentence:
1>Video games can be both entertaining and educational. # Users are transported into virtual worlds which are often more exciting and engaging than real-life pastimes. From an educational perspective, these games encourage imagination and creativity, as well as concentration, logical thinking and problem solving, all of which are useful skills outside the gaming context. Furthermore, it has been shown that computer simulation games can improve users' motor skills and help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as flying a plane.
2>There are many reasons why some people are against wearing a school uniform. # For one thing, they do not like the style of the uniform. The navy blazers and tight trousers or plaid skirts are too conservative for them. Secondly, the uniform is not comfortable. They prefer to wear baggy pants and sweaters instead. Finally, they want the freedom to express their freedom through their personalized ways of dressing.
3>There are good reasons why some people feel the need to make significant changes to their lives from time to time. # Firstly, any new situation that a person encounters can be an opportunity to learn and grow as a person. A new job, for instance, might present challenges that push the person to adapt, acquire new knowledge, or add to his or her skill set. Secondly, a change can represent a break with the past and an old routine which has become boring and unpredictable. Finally, as well as making life more fun and interesting, new experiences can be good for our physical and mental health.
4>On the other hand, it is understandable why people might avoid change. # Whenever people are forced to change their lifestyles, jobs or even to move house, they are likely to experience stress and worry as they try to adapt to the new situation. By contrast, we feel comfortable and confident when we stay with what we know. The decision to persist with a course of action or stick to one chosen path often leads to greater success in life. For example, by staying in the same job for many years, a person can become an expert in his or her field, which will lead to better opportunities for promotions and career progression.
5>Among the numerous factors that can lead teenagers to give up on their education and drop out of school is that they lack positive role models in their lives.# The lack of an encouraging adult in their lives can cause them to think negatively about themselves and it does not allow them to live up to their full potential. Also, the lack of a role model can cause them to get involved with the wrong kind of people and activities. When students et involved in these types of negative situations, they usually do not focus on school. This can lead many impressionable young children to give up on their education.
6>Credit cards have a lot of advantages. # First of all, credit cards are convenient because you do not have to carry a lot of cash around. You can buy the products and services you need even if you do not have cash in your pocket. In addition, credit cards are very helpful in emergencies. Finally, you can become a better money manager as you learn to use credit cards responsibly.
7> Contrary to what many out-of-shape people may think, exercise is not a waste of time. # First of all, exercise conditions and strengthen the body's most important muscle, the heart. A stronger heart provides increased energy and stamina. Exercise also changes the way people look. Muscle tone develops and posture improves as the body becomes stronger. When people look better and feel better, their self-esteem increases and they become more confident. Finally, the fitness gained through exercise helps fight off illness and disease.
8>Vegetables and fruits are an important part of a healthy diet. # First, fruits and vegetables are packed with the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your body functioning smoothly. In addition, they give you the that kind of carbon elements which you need for energy. Besides, they have lots of fiber to help your digestive system work properly. Finally, many scientists believe that the nutrients in fruits and vegetables can fight diseases. So, if you can eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, you will be on the road to better health.
9>Charity for the poor works to the interest of society. # Charity helps poor people eat better, have a shelter and medicine so that they live better lives. Without charity, the poor may not find basic resources to get by in life. As a consequence of being left alone with their misfortune--hungry, ill and homeless--poor people may contract diseases, die early, and engage in crimes. Most likely, they become bad role models for their children, too. These end-results harm a society.
10>One of the strongest arguments in favor of limiting the amount of time that youngsters spend in front of screens is that children need to be more active in order to have a healthy lifestyle # Research shows that there is an increasing number of overweight children in the developed world, and that there is a link between the amount of time spent in front of screens and being overweight. If children were not allowed to be on screens, they would find other ways to entertain themselves, and this would include playing outdoors games and sports. Research also shows that active children grow into active adults, which means that restricting screen time for children would have a life-long impact on the people concerned.
