The document discusses the topic sentence and outlines. It states that a topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph that expresses its main idea in one clear statement. Good topic sentences have the topic and a controlling idea. An outline organizes the supporting details of a paragraph in a hierarchical structure with the topic sentence at the top level. The document provides examples of effective topic sentences and outlines on the topic of impressing a potential employer in a job interview. It emphasizes dressing appropriately, being punctual, and researching the company as important factors for making a good first impression in an interview.
2. The Topic
Sentence
It is usually the first sentence of a
paragraph, which states its main idea.
It must state only ONE idea clearly
At the beginning of the paragraph, it
creates expectations about what is coming
next.
A topic sentence is neither too general nor
too specific.
3. Some
Examples
• Teamwork is important.
• Teamwork is important because it delivers better
results, promotes a sense of achievement and
friendship, and encourages multi-disciplinary work.
• Encouraging teamwork in the classroom has
multiple benefits.
4. Writing an effective topic sentence
• When you must write a paragraph, your first task is to choose an academic topic to
base your ideas. Then, you need to write an effective topic sentence. This is one of
the most important parts of the process.
• Sometimes, you might have a topic you want to write about, but you are not sure
which angle to take. If that is the case, you can generate some ideas by using
different strategies. You can use these techniques alone or with a group in order to
stimulate your thoughts.
• There are different ways to come up with possible ideas. You can use the link below
to access a video that will give you some tips to follow when brainstorming.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSufG-AIQYo
6. Getting Ideas
With the freewriting technique,
you write freely on a topic without
stopping. You don't stop the flow of
your ideas by worrying about correct
grammar or whether what you say is
important enough to write down. After
you freewrite, you can decide which of
your ideas could be useful.
These are some guidelines to follow when
freewriting:
• Give yourself a time limit.
• Write the topic at the top of your paper.
• Write as much as you can about the topic.
• Do not worry about grammar, spelling,
organization, or relevance.
• Write until your time is up.
• Read your freewriting and underline the main
idea(s).
• Repeat the process, this time using the main
idea as your freewriting topic.
7. Let’s Practice
Choose ONE of the topics below and, using
one of the techniques explained before, get
as many ideas as you can in five minutes. Be
ready to share your ideas.
• Downloading music, books, and movies
• Swapping and sharing online
• Online shopping
• Selling online
8. The topic sentence is the most general sentence of your paragraph as it summarizes its content. It
states the focused main idea of the paragraph in a complete sentence.
A good topic sentence has two elements: (1) the topic itself and (2) the controlling idea.
Teamwork is important for the success of an organization.
(1) The topic: Teamwork
(2) The controlling idea: is important for the success of an organization
Before writing the topic sentence, you need to think about the topic and the controlling idea.
Remember! Your controlling idea leads the content of your paragraph.
9. Let’s Practice
• Teamwork is important in the classroom for three main reasons.
• Disagreements in the family may be personal, financial, political, or emotional.
• Some special skills are necessary to solve conflicts between groups.
• Three basic character strengths support a person's ability to work on a team.
• School uniforms can help students to feel more unity as a student body.
• Children’s summer vacation at their grandparents' farm was filled with hard work
and fun.
10. Let’s Practice
• Teamwork is important in the classroom for three main reasons.
• Disagreements in the family may be personal, financial, political, or emotional.
• Some special skills are necessary to solve conflicts between groups.
• Three basic character strengths support a person's ability to work on a team.
• School uniforms can help students to feel more unity as a student body.
• Children’s summer vacation at their grandparents' farm was filled with hard work
and fun.
11. Let’s Practice
In groups of three, write topic sentences for
each of the following topics.
• Downloading music, books, and movies
• Swapping and sharing online
• Online shopping
• Selling online
12. Outlining
An outline is a sketch in
which you write words or
phrases to guide you in the
process of writing your
supporting ideas and
examples.
The structure of an outline
will look like this:
*Sometimes, you might not have minor details. That will depend on how much information you want or need to provide.
13. Example
Impressing a Potential Employer
Topic sentence: Therefore, being prepared to leave the best impression on the
interviewer is essential to get a job.
A. Find out about the company’s dress code
1. Formal clothing and its relevance
2. What wearing appropriate clothes tells
B. Be punctual
1. 10-15 minutes before appointment
2. What being late communicates
C. Do some research about the company’s activities
1. Informed questions and seriousness
2. What not being prepared means
Concluding sentence: Although there are many more actions to take, dressing
appropriately, being punctual, and showing knowledge about the company will
help an applicant to make a good first impression since the beginning and to be
more likely to get the position they want.
14. Impressing a Potential Employer
Some people say that it takes 30 seconds to make a good first impression and 20 more meetings to change a bad first
impression, but second chances are scarce at a job interview. Therefore, being prepared to leave the best impression on
the interviewer is essential to get a job. The first action to take is to find out about the dress code of the place and dress
accordingly. Most companies require their employees to wear formal clothes, but if it is not the case, the applicant will not
get the job just because they are wearing business clothing. Dressing appropriately will tell the interviewer that the
interviewee took their time to learn about the company. The next point to keep in mind is punctuality. An applicant must
arrive 10-15 minutes before the interview starts. Showing up late just tells the interviewer that the person does not really
care about the job or that they are not responsible enough to get the position. Finally, it is really useful to do some research
about the company and what it does, so the interviewee can ask informed questions and demonstrate how serious they
are about the job. Failing to do so shows lack of interest and professionalism, something that, for sure, will not help to meet
the objective of obtaining the job. Although there are many more actions to take, dressing appropriately, being punctual,
and showing knowledge about the company will help an applicant to make a good first impression since the beginning and
to be more likely to get the position they want.
15. Final tips to write a composition
1. Avoid the use of the pronouns "I," "we," or "you."
2. Write an original title (your topic sentence is NOT a title). When you write a
title, you must capitalize the content words (nouns, verbs, adverbs, and
adjectives), but do not do so with function words (articles or prepositions).
3. Write meaningful and complete sentences with a higher level of
construction. At this level, you can do this by joining sentences into compound
sentences.
4. Indent the first sentence of your paragraph. This means that you need to
leave 5 spaces at the beginning of your paragraph.
5. Do not use the word “thing(s)” as it is a vague word; instead, try to find an
appropriate word. Also, avoid the phrases “kind of” and “sort of.”
6. Do NOT use contractions, for they are very informal.
7. Revise your paragraph before preparing your final draft.
8. Your paragraph will need a heading with your basic information. Follow the
example that your professor will give you.
