Writing Tip: Topic Sentences
by Linda Galloway
Writing Tip: Topic Sentences
Many cultures do not require a topic sentence at the beginning of an academic paragraph, but English writing will always be clearer if it begins with this focus. Students can simply begin with the topic of the writing and an opinion word. At first the topic sentence may be very vague, but it will help the writer to begin, which is usually the hardest step. For example, ‘Chocolate is delicious’ can help writers begin to list reasons why they think this. Once they have a few reasons, they can improve the topic sentence by giving some of the sub-topics: ‘Chocolate is delicious because of its rich and complex tastes.’
To help students recognize effective topic sentences, give them contrasting topic sentences on topics they are likely to be interested in, such as the following sets:
1a) [My hometown] is a good place to visit.
1b) [My hometown] is a good travel destination because of its natural, historical, and cultural sights.
2a) My university major is [whatever it is] because it will get me a good job.
2b) My university major is [whatever it is] because it will prepare me for the future in several ways.
2c) My university major is [whatever it is] because it will teach me specific techniques, introduce me to a professional discipline, and help me to make connections which will prepare me for a professional life.
Effective topic sentences help the writer to stay on topic and help the readers logically connect the ideas as they read them in the paragraph. Longer writings will have thesis sentences with topic sentences in each paragraph, but writing thesis sentences works the same way.
Tags: Writing; Topic Sentences
Setting Goals & Studying
by Jill Nagrodsky
Setting goals and studying go hand in hand.
Students need to have goals that are short and long term. Students want to think about and need to discuss what they are going to do. They may be learning English to improve job skills for work in their home country. Others are going to get a college degree in an English-speaking country. To reach any of their goals, students need good study skills. Here are a few tips to share with students.
1. Have a good place to study.
Is this place away from distractions?
Do you have a positive attitude about your study area?
Are you feeling glad you are there?
Do you have all the materials you need to complete your assignments?
Is there enough light so you do not tire your eyes?
2. Take a break away from studying.
Pay attention from the very beginning of the study period and plan when you will take a break.
Be sure you turned off your phone at the beginning of the study period so you can enjoy using it on your break.
Move away from your study area to take your break.
Set a time limit for your break and stick to this limit.
3. After your study break:
Review what you accomplished before your break.
Try to summarize what you learned or did in a few sentences.
See what you are going to do in the next part of your study period and set a goal for what you want to accomplish next.
Write some study questions after you preview the work you are going to do.
This information works well with Now We’re Talking, Book 1, Unit 8, Goals & Dreams.
Tags: Study skills; Goal setting
Study Skills and Concentration
We can have the best content in the world to teach our students but sometimes it is still not enough for them to learn everything in a limited amount of time.
We need to work with them on study skills and concentration to go along with our content. A set of questions like this used on a daily or weekly basis may help.
- Do you have a place to do your work away from distractions?
- Are you taking notes in class and reviewing them a few minutes a day?
- Can you make a check mark on paper every time your mind wanders?
- Do you try making a concept map or word cloud to study?
- Are you using a free tutor at the tutoring center?
- Are you taking short breaks to keep your energy up?
- Do you set a goal of how long it will take to complete an assignment?
- Do you use a calendar that shows when tests and assignments are due?