English for Academic Purposes 12 – 13
Semester 1 Block 1
A topic sentence usually consists of a topic and a controlling idea. The topic tells the reader what the paragraph will be about, and the controlling idea tells him what the writer will say about the topic.
Example:
Reading in a foreign language is an excellent way for students to improve their vocabulary.
The topic is usually a noun phrase and the controlling idea usually contains a verb. The topic often comes first in the sentence, but this is not always the case (see task 2).
Task 1
Read the paragraph below and…
a) Underline the topic sentence
b) What is the topic of the paragraph?
c) What is the controlling idea?
d) Underline the concluding sentence.
Seminars in the British university system
Seminars are a very important feature of the British university system, particularly in the arts and the social sciences. Many academics consider them to be even more important than lectures. One of the reasons is that seminars are much smaller than lectures and this allows tutors to give more focused support to their students. Furthermore, the reduced size allows greater interaction and gives students more opportunities to express and defend their views. Since students usually have some choice in the subjects discussed, seminars are also more tailored to their individual interests. If they are well-organized and students are enthusiastic, the seminar can be a valuable means to promote student intellectual development.
Task 2
Read the paragraph below and…
a) Underline the topic sentence.
b) Identify the topic and the controlling idea
c) The paragraph has three supporting ideas. Can you find them?
d) How are each of the supporting ideas developed?
The University Library
Even in the days of the Internet the university library can still be an important tool for students. Firstly, the library is a far more focused source of information than the internet, as its collection has been carefully selected. Librarians usually work together with lecturers to ensure that the library collection closely matches the needs of its users. Therefore, students can be confident that they will find material which is useful and, because it has been chosen by experts, of high quality. In addition to selecting material, library staff can also help users find the information they want. This may mean helping readers conduct a catalogue search or using their expert knowledge to direct users to the most appropriate online databases. Librarians also share that knowledge with readers by offering short training courses. For example, they may train readers in searching online. In summary, the university library continues to be important because of its role in selecting material, helping users to find appropriate sources and providing training in information skills.
Task 3
Each of the supporting sentences in a paragraph should serve some purpose. Sentences may, for example, give reasons, details, examples and definitions. Read the paragraph below and decide if each sentence gives a reason, a detail, an example or a definition.
“In recent years all British universities have adopted the semester system. A semester is a period of time which lasts for half the academic year. Semester 1, for example, starts in September and finishes in January. Previously the academic year had been divided into three terms: autumn, winter and spring. Most courses consist of modules that last for one semester, and exams are held at the end of each. Britain began using semesters to make it easier for international students to move from one country to another.” (Bailey, p.32)
Task 4
Look at the topic sentence below. Discuss in groups. Can you think of ideas to develop the paragraph?
Playing sports in high school has several benefits for students.
Notes
Task 5
Complete the paragraph for homework.
References
Zemach, D. and Rumisek, L. (2005) Academic writing from paragraph to essay. London: Macmillan.
Bailey, S. (2003) Academic Writing. London: Routledge.
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University modified 24/08/2012 KOT Page 3 of 3