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Excercises

1. Write down a Topic Sentence ( Simple , Compound, Complex , and Compound-Complex Sentences) for the following subtopics. Circle the topic and underline the controlling idea.

Subtopics Examples

a. Pronunciation : Speakers of British English do not always pronounce r.

. schedule: In British English it is pronounced [shed-u-al];

in American English it is pronounced [sked-u-al]

b..Spelling : colour/color; realise/realize; defence/defense

c.Vocabulary : petrol/gas; biscuit/cookie; pocket money/allowance;

bonnet/hood

2. Write down the whole paragraph : Use transition signals to connect the supporting sentences smoothly. Youmay use the transition signals suggested for each topic, or you may use others notlisted. Add other sentences without transitions if you need to in order to explain the

topic completely.

1.the most noticeable difference

2.for example

3.another difference

4.for example

5.a third difference

6.such as

7.finally

8.for instance

9. in conclusion

3.Write down the supporting sentences for the following topic sentence.

Sometimes I enjoy being alone

First, circle its topic and underline its controlling ideas. Second, use the transitional signals mentioned below.

Sometimes I enjoy being alone.

for instance on the other hand

moreover therefore

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Choose one of the two topic sentences that follow and write a paragraph that

develops it. Use transition signals to connect the supporting sentences smoothly. You

may use the transition signals suggested for each topic, or you may use others not

listed. Add other sentences without transitions if you need to in order to explain the

topic completely.

Examples :

Sentence 1.There are four noticeable differences between British

and American English.

1.the most noticeable difference

2.for example

3.another difference

4.for example

5.a third difference

6.such as

7.finally

8.for instance

9. in conclusion

Here are some possible subtopics for your paragraph. You may, of course, use your own if you wish.

Subtopics Examples

1. Pronunciation : Speakers of British English do not always pronounce r.

. schedule: In British English it is pronounced[shed-u-al];

in American English it ispronounced [sked-u-al]

2..Spelling : colour/color; realise/realize; defence/defense

3. Vocabulary : petrol/gas; biscuit/cookie; pocket money/allowance;

bonnet/hood

Sentence 2. Sometimes I enjoy being alone.

for instance on the other hand

moreover therefore

Rule : Don't Overuse Transition Signals

Read your paragraph aloud and pay attention to your own language. Are you using

too many transition signals? Too many can be distracting rather than helpful. There

is no rule about how many to use in one paragraph. Use them only when they will

help your reader follow your ideas.