Answers to Post 4 Exercises (Topic Sentence)

Exercise 1

A.

Possible topic sentences are #2 and #4.

#1 merely announces the writer's plan,

#3 is a title and not a complete sentence, and

#5 is too general.

B.

Possible topic sentences are #4 and #5.

#1 and #2 are not complete sentences and

#3 relies on the vague word "interesting."

Exercise 2

1.     a

2.     b

3.     a

4.     b

5.     b

Exercise 3

A.

Regardless of how we spend our time, there are only 24 hours in a day. In order to do well later in life, students must develop sound time-management skills early in their academic careers. The first step is to get enough sleep at night. Students are less able to accomplish anything if they’re just too tired. But then they need to set priorities. Is one assignment due tomorrow, while another is due next week? Do tomorrow’s assignment first. It’s useful to create a schedule of upcoming tasks a few days ahead of time, and then stick to it. Each evening, the student can create a to-do list to accomplish the next day. By staying on top of school work this way, students will develop time-management skills they can use in their jobs, and even use to manage a family schedule.

Bicycle tours provide tourists with a wonderful way to visit Paris. Riding a bike instead of getting around by car or bus gives visitors the chance to talk to shop owners or stop at little bistros and meet Parisians. Visiting this way lets tourists see more of the real life of the city, rather than just the big tourist attractions. Many travel companies now offer bicycle tours, with guides who lead riders to interesting sites. For those adventurous travellers, renting a bike (and buying a map!) is a great way to find the truly out-of-the-way places. Of course, no visitor to Paris should miss attractions like the Louvre or Eiffel Tower, but only a bike tour will afford a closer view of real Paris life.

B.

(A topic sentence can be written in many different ways.)

1.) Paul has many hobbies. (Instead of many you can use: a lot of, several)

2.)

a.     My mother is great cook. (Instead of ‘great’ you can use similar adjectives: very good, fantastic).

b.     My mother’s cooking is very good.

3.)

a.     I have (got) problems with my car.

b.     I have difficulties / troubles with my car.

4.)

a.     I have (got) a great job.

b.     I have (got) a fantastic / perfect / a very good job.

 5.)

a.     My holidays / vacations were a disaster.

b.     My vacations / holidays were disastrous / terrible.

6.)

a.     There are some important considerations on gift giving.

b.     Before we give a present to someone, it is important to consider where the person comes from.

7.)

a.     I love the many wonderful things brought by autumn. (Instead of wonderful, you can use amazing.

b.     Autumn is the season I like most.