Download I. Read the following paragraphs. The topic sentence in each of the

1
I. Read the following paragraphs. The topic sentence in each of the following
paragraph is underlined. If the topic sentence is weak, rewrite it in the space
provided:
1. Even though the procedures followed to enroll in an American University vary
according to each University, some steps are the same. First, you should contact the
registration office of the university you want to attend to get the necessary forms and
information concerning that particular university’s entrance requirements. Then, you
must follow the steps outlined in their response. You probably have to spend copies of
your high school diploma, get letters of recommendation, and write an essay on why
you want to study there. You may have to achieve a certain score on the WOEFUL test
and have your scores forwarded to that university. Finally, you will have to contact the
American Embassy to start the procedures to obtain a student visa.
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
2. Many students cannot afford a car. The city bus service usually passes the university
so those students can get to class on the bus. Many universities have a special shuttle
bus that is provided for student transportation. Some students like to ride to class on
bicycle than to find a parking place for a car on a crowded university campus. Those
students who live close to campus or on campus can enjoy a leisurely walk to their
classes.
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
3. Apply to a foreign university is difficult. First, a student may feel alone by being far
from family and friends. Also, difficult in understanding a foreign language can be
very frustrating and can affect the students grades. It can be very expensive to pay the
cost of travel and housing in a different country. Finally, if there is an emergency at
home it is hard to get home in a hurry.
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
4. There are several kinds of airports. From an international airport, flights go to other
country as well as to cities in the same country. A national airport usually only serves
the cities within its nation. Rural airports usually link a town with a nearby national
airport. Private airport are those on airport military base or a hospital. Individuals and
companies can own their private airport.
.............
Kim Anh
2
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
5. There are several features of spoken English that make it difficult for me to
understand. First, many words are not pronounced as they are spelled, so when I learn
new words through reading, I sometimes don’t understand them when they are spoken.
Second, native speakers contract words and phrases “ what are you doing?” becomes “
whacha doin?”. Third, native speakers have a wide range of accents. British accent is
very different from a Texas one. Fourth, there are a lot of idioms and slang
expressions. These expressions also differ depending on the area a speaker is from.
Finally, there are sounds that don’t exist in my language that do exist in English and
vice versa. These sounds are difficult for me to distinguish.
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
II. Add the topic sentence for the following paragraph:
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
First, the fast-food restaurant is good for people who must have a quick bite because of
a busy schedule. Second, the food is inexpensive yet tasty. a person can eat an
enjoyable meal out an stay within a limited budget. Finally, the food is usually
consistent. For example, a cheeseburger from a well-known fast food restaurant looks
and tastes about the same no matter where in the world it is purchased. Consequently,
buyers know exactly what they are getting.
III. Many paragraphs can be made better by adding details. Read the following
paragraphs.
Although seat belts have been shown to save lives, people give a number of
reasons for not using them. First, many people think they are nuisance. Second, people
are lazy. Third, some people don't believe they will have an accident. Finally, some
people are afraid the seat belt will trap them in their car. All of these reasons seem
inadequate, since statistics show that wearing seat belts saves lives and prevents
serious injuries.
The paragraph can be improved. Read the following questions:
(a) Why don't people like seat belts?
(b) In what way are people lazy?
.............
Kim Anh
3
(c) Why do people think they won't have an accident?
(d) Under what circumstances might people get trapped?
Asking and answering these kinds of questions will help strengthen the paragraph.
Now read the paragraph with details. Notice how adding the answers to these
questions has improved it.
Although seat belts have been shown to save lives, people give a number of
reasons for not using them. First, many people think they are nuisance. They say the
belt is uncomfortable and inhibits freedom of movement. Second, many people are
lazy. For them it is too much trouble to put on and adjust a seat belt, especially if they
are going a short distance. Third, some people don't believe they will have an accident
because they are careful and experienced drivers. They think they will be able to
respond quickly to avoid crash. Finally, some people are afraid the seat belt will trap
them in their car. If they have an accident, they might not be able to get out of the car
that is burning, or they might be unconscious and another person won't be able to get
them out. All of these reasons seem inadequate, since statistics show that wearing seat
belts saves lives and prevent serious injuries.
Rewrite the following weak paragraphs by answering the questions and using
answers within paragraph:
1. When you plant a tree, you are helping your environment in many ways. Your tree
will provide a home and food for other creatures. It will hold the soil in place. It will
provide shade in the summer. You can watch it grow and someday show your children
or even grandchildren the tree you planted.
(a) What kind of home would the tree provide?
(b) What kind of food would the tree provide?
(c) What kind of creatures might use the tree?
(d) Why is holding the soil in place important?
(e) Why is shade important?
2. Airplanes and helicopters can be used to save people lives. Helicopters can be used
for rescuing people in trouble. Planes can transport people to hospitals in emergencies.
Helicopters and airplanes can be used to provide medical services to people who live
ion remote areas.
(a) In what situations do people need rescuing by helicopters?
(b) What kinds of disasters might happen?
(c) What kinds of emergencies may require transporting people to hospitals?
.............
Kim Anh
4
(d) How can helicopters and airplanes be used to provide medical services to people in
remote areas.
3. Studying in another country is advantageous in many ways. A student is exposed to
a new culture. Sometimes he or she can learn a new language. Students can often have
learning experiences not available in their own countries. A student may get the
opportunity to study at a university where a leading expert in his or her field may be
teaching.
(a) How can exposure to a new culture be an advantage?
(b) How can learning a new language be an advantage?
(c ) What kinds of experiences might a student have?
(d) What are the benefits of studying under a leading expert?
.............
Kim Anh
5
DEVELOPING IDEAS AND SUPPORTING TECHNIQUES
I. Developing ideas:
1. Making a list:
Example:
T.S: The following is how I get comfortable when I get home from school on
Thursday.
Listing: Get children to bed
Washing them, stopping arguments, cleaning up toys
Making a drink
Watching television
Quiet except for the television
Sitting there with magazines and television
Getting washed sweat off my body
Putting on a fresh nightgown
Getting washed bubble bath and Calgon
Eating something.
Two ham sandwiches
Iced tea with lots of sugar
Frozen vanilla pudding
Favorite position on couch
Hot water
Exercise:
Make a list of ideas to support the following topic sentence:
There are a number of reasons why I stopped smoking
2. Brainstorming:
Look at the following writing:
Owning a car provides number of benefits. Such as, a home owner can make more
noisy than someone who lives in a apartment without having to worry that every small
noise might disturbs the neighbors. Unlike apartment dwellers, home owners can also
put holes in walls and recreates without being concerned about losing part or all of
security deposit. Owning is also an advantage because the interest on mortgage
payments can be deducted on their income tax. In addition, real estate generally
appreciates in value over the years.
.............
Kim Anh
6
Find out mistake in the above brainstorming writing.
Produce a brainstorming writing on: Televisions always have bad effects on children.
3. Clustering:
Develop the topic sentence " Students who buy a house to live will have a lot of
advantages" by using clustering
4. Outlining:
Make an outline on the topic: Travelling abroad
5. Treeing:
Develop the topic sentence: " Vietnamese people' life style is different from that of
western people" by using treeing
6. Flowchart:
Develop the topic sentence '" Unhappiness results from lack of education" by using
flowchart
.............
Kim Anh
7
II. Supporting technique:
1. Examples: An example is a specific instance that explains a more general idea. Red
is an example of a color, the United State is an example of a country, a lemon is an
example of a fruit, and so on. Because examples are specific( smaller, more limited,
and often more concrete), they are often easier to understand than more general ideas,
and perhaps that is why writers often use them.
Model paragraph:
Some of the most interesting words in English are the actual names of the people first
involved in the activities suggested by the meanings of the words. The word Boycott,
for instance, derives from the case of Sir Charles Boycott (1832-970, a land agent in
Ireland whose tenants ostracized him because he refused to lower their rents. Vidkun
Quisling' name quickly become an infamous addition to English language during
World War II. He was a Norwegian politician who betrayed his country to the Nazis,
and his name, quisling, is now synonymous with traitor. Perhaps a more common
example is Levis. These popular blue jeans are named after Levis Srauss, the man who
first manufactured them in San Francisco in 1850. Perhaps most omnipresent of all is
the sandwich, named for the Fourth Earl of Sandwich ( 1718-92), who created this
quick portable meal so that he would not have to leave this gambling table to eat.
Other words in this unique category include lynch, watt, davenport, and zeppelin.
Now ask yourself:
1. What examples is the author giving?
2. How many examples are given?
Analysis:
Topic sentence: Some of the most interesting words in English are the actual names of
people first involved in the activities suggested by the meaning of the words.
Example: Boycott
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
Structures of examplication:
.............
Kim Anh
8
If writers wish to do so, they can remind their readers that they are giving examples by
using signal words or phrases. Using one of these signals is like saying to the reader: "
Pay attention: now I am giving you an example". Most writers do not use a signal
every time they give an example. When many examples are given, it is so often
enough to give only one or two signals: or a writer may decide that the paragraph is so
easy to understand that no signal is necessary.
When a writer decides to use a signal, it can appear in the same sentence as the general
idea or in the sentences following the general idea.
Group I: Noun and Verb Signals
A. Some words in English represent people's names. A good [ example/ illustration]
of this is the word lynch
( noun signal)
( example)
B. Some words in English represent people's names. This (can be illustrated ) by the
word boycott.
C Other words in this category [ include] lynch and boycott.
Group II: Sentence connectors:
A. Some English words represent proper-names. [ For instance/ For example,] the
word quisling originated with Vidkun Quisling.
B. Some English words represent proper names. The word quisling, for example, for
instance, originated with Vidkun Quisling.
Write a paragraph on the following topic using examples:
People in love often have strange behavior.
Group III: Phrase signals:
A phrase ( a group of words) is not a complete sentence: It is part of a sentence.
A. Words [ like, such as] lynch and quisling represent proper names.
B. [Such words as ] lynch and quisling represent proper names.
C. Some words represent proper names. Lynch and quisling are such words.
2. Physical description
Write a description of your classmate
3. Facts:
Model paragraph: The term population explosion is usually applied to the rapid
growth of the last centuries. In the 200 years from 1650 to 1850, world population
doubled and reached its first billion. In the next 80 years, it doubled again; and by
.............
Kim Anh
9
1975, it had doubled once more to a total of 4 billion. At the beginning of the twentyfirst century, it is estimated that it will exceed 6 billion and possibly approach 8
million unless there is a major increase in death rates.
Analysis:
Topic sentence:
Fact:
Fact:
Fact:
Fact:
In this graph, the pier circle represents 100 percent of a typical average elderly
household budget. Each slice of the pie represents one type of expenditure in that
budget:
Topic sentence: The average elderly household spends over three-fourths of its budget
on the necessities of life.
4. Personal experience:
.............
Kim Anh
10
METHODS OF DEVELOPMENT
PROCESS
When supporting sentences are arranged in a step- by -step sequence which tells
how something is made or done, this development is called process. Process
development is, in fact, a kind of enumeration, but here we are usually dealing only
with steps or stages( and not, for example, with kinds or types). If we wanted to give a
more visual representation of process development, our diagram might look something
like this:
PROCESS
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
and so forth
Model paragraph
In his will, Alfred Nobel left specific instructions as to how the winners of the science
awards he endowed are to be selected. First, each year the Swedish of Sciences (
physics and chemistry) and the Caroline Medical Institute ( physiology and medicine)
solicit nearly 2,000 recommendations from past laureates, university professors, and
other experts from all over the world. The second step is the review of
recommendations received and the selection of preliminary candidates by special
committees within the two Swedish institutions. The committee members are
specifically instructed that those chosen " Saab have conferred the greatest benefit on
mankind", and that no consideration be given to the candidates' nationalities. Next,
after lengthy investigation and discussion, the final choices are made for each
discipline. Finally, telegrams informing them of their wards are sent to the new Nobel
laureates about one month prior to the award ceremony.
.............
Kim Anh
11
LISTING SIGNALS
Process paragraphs often use listing signal. Group 1 listing signals can be used, but the
structures which follow them are usually different:
GROUP 1 (PROCESS)
First,
Send out the recommendations.
(command form of the verb)
Second,
(Next
Then)
You must send out the recommendations
(should, must, can + verb)
Third,
(Next,
Then)
The committee Sends out the recommendations
(simple present form)
Last,
The recommendations are sent out by the committee
(Passive form)
(Finally)
Listing signals
Common sentence structures for Process Paragraphs
GROUP 2 (PROCESS)
The first
The second
(The next)
The third
(the next)
The last
(the final)
Listing signals
.............
Kim Anh
STEP
STAGE
PHASE
Process Enumerators
12
TIME CLUES, REPETITION, AND PRONOUN REFERENCE
In addition to the sequence signals, there are other indicators which a writer can
use to develop a process paragraph. They are:
1. Time clues, which include choice of verb and tense
2. Repetition, which provides links between your sentences, thus helping the reader
following your train of thought.
3. Pronoun reference, which provides still another kind of link between your
sentences.
TIME CLUES:
Study the following paragraph. It illustrates time clues. Later in this chapter it is used
to illustrate repetition and pronoun reference.
Even if you don't know how to cook, you'll never
starve to death if you know how to prepare
scrambled eggs. You begin by melting one tablespoon
of butter in a pan over low heat. While the butter is
melting, break three eggs into a bowl. add 1/4
teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, and 3
teaspoon of milk to the eggs in the bowl and mix
them for about a minute. Pour the mixture into
the pan. As the eggs to thicken in the pan, break
them into shreds with a fork, or stir them with a
spoon until they become solid. When they are
cooked, serve them with lightly buttered toast.
Time phrase
Verb choice
indicate the first
step
.............
Kim Anh
Time clause
indicate either
simutaneous or
sequential actions
13
Verb choice: In the model paragraph, the choice of the verb begin indicates the first
step or stage. another appropriate verb choice would be start. There are other verbs
which can be used to indicate the various parts of the process. Some of them are:
STEP (STAGE)
VERBS
First
begin, start
intermediate
continue, become, develop
final
end, finish
Time clauses: time clauses and phrases also help show the continuity of development
in a process. In the model paragraph, the time clauses explain the time relationship
between events just as sequence signals do.
While the butter is melting,
As the eggs begin to thicken
When they are cooked
The most common time words used to introduce time clause are before, after, when,
while, as and until. Study the following box:
Simultaneous action ( while, as)
While
As
the butter is melting, break eggs into a bowl
Sequential action:
When
After
the eggs thicken
have thickened
( fisrt action)
serve them with toast
( second action)
The eggs must be thickened ( before) you serve them
( Fisrt action)
( Second action)
Do not serve eggs until they thicken
have thickened
( Second action)
( Fisrt action)
.............
Kim Anh
Participial
phrase:
14
Sometimes clauses may be reduced to participle phrases. Study the following box:
note that the structure of the (participle) time phrases.
Stimunious actions (while)
Clause: while you are melting the butter, break three eggs into a bowl.
Phrases: While melting the butter,. . . .
Sequential actions: (when, after, before)
Clause: When/ after you have beaten the eggs, pour them into the pan
Phrase: Having beaten the eggs. .. .
after having beaten the eggs,. . . . .
Clause: You must beta the eggs before you pour them into the pan.
Phrase: . .. . . . . . . before pour them into the pan.
Sentence connectors of time: Sometimes, instead of making one of the sentences into
a time clause, we can join the two sentences by a sentence connector of time. This can
be either a word or a phrase. Study the following box. Notice the use of the semicolon.
A semicolon is used to punctuate the two sentences which are being joined by the
sentence connectors in each of the examples. That is, the semicolon combines two
grammatically distinct sentences into one. This is done because of the strong meaning
link between them, expressed by the sentence connectors. The semicolon is commonly
used to punctuate the sentence when the sentence connectors are used.
Sentence connectors of time:
A. Melt the outer in the pan; during this period
at the same time
meanwhile
B. Beat the eggs well; after wards
after that
then
following that
at that point
beat the eggs.
pour them into the pan.
Exercise: All time clues have been removed from the following paragraph. Add a few
time clues to make it read more smoothly. Remember the four kinds of time clues:
.............
Kim Anh
15
1. Verb choice which indicates process.
2. Time clause.
3. Participle phrase of time
4. Sentence connector of time
In order to find a suitable apartment, you must follow a very systematic
approach. You must decide which neighborhood would be most convenient for you.
You must determine how much rent your budget will allow. You must check the
classified ads in the newspapers. Be sure to check these ads regularly, since new listing
appears each day. Telephone the apartments which seem likely choices. Begin your
long journey to inspect each one of them.
2. The following two groups of sentences constitute paragraphs on the process known
as the scientific method. However, the sentences have been given a disordered
sequence- that is, they have been scrambled. Place them in their correct order
1. Following this method, the researcher first observes some aspects of nature and then
poses a specific question about what has been observed.
2. Experiments based on this hypothesis are designed and conducted to test each
contingency.
3. In order to answer this question, pertinent data are collected.
4. After through experimentation, the research validates, modifies, or rejects the
original hypothesis.
5. Originating from the branch of philosophy called epistemology, what we know as
the scientific method provides guidelines for the systematic acquisition of knowledge.
6. On the basis of these data, a hypothesis is exposed to explain them.
.............
Kim Anh
16
CAUSE AND EFFECT
In a cause and effect development, there is always a casual relationship between the
topic sentence and supporting sentences, or even between major supporting sentences
and minor ones. This means that your supporting sentences become a list of either
effects or causes ( what a certain situation has led to or has resulted in ) or causes (
reasons or explanations why something is the way it is, or why it happened the way it
did)
FOCUS ON CAUSE
FOCUS ON EFFECT
Cause # 1
Cause #1
Cause#2
Situation
Situation
Cause# 2
Cause# 3
Cause#3
Cause and effect development:
Focus on effect
Model paragraph
Some scientists warn that the gradual warming of the earth's atmosphere, known as the
Greenhouse effect, will cause dramatic changes in the world as we know it. First of all,
because of the increase in temperature of up to 10 degrees F by the end of the next
century, which some believe has already begun, there will be changes in existing
patterns of agriculture. Such fertile areas as the US. Great plains may become deserts,
while the now arid lands in Saudi Arabia may become grain producing farmland.
Secondly, since rainfall patterns will change, water supplies in some areas will
diminish. Experts predict, for instance, that the rice fields in south east Asia will
someday require irrigation to sustain crops. Changes in water levels will also be
responsible for altered living patterns. Coastal areas such a dramatic rise in water
levels that they will fall below sea level and become uninhabitable. In other areas, like
the Great Lakes, water levels will fall consequently, they will no longer be able to
support industry with energy supplies and a ready means of transportation. Since most
experts on the Green House are convinced that it is irreversible, they advise us to plan
now for how best to cope with a changing world.
Analyzing a cause and effect paragraph (focus on effect)
.............
Kim Anh
17
Directions: Fill in the following chart, which is based on the preceding model
paragraph:
T.S: Some scientists warn that the gradual warming of the earth
atmostphere, known as the Greenhouse Effect, will cause
dramatic changes in the world as we know it
CAUSE
EFFECT
AGRICULTURE
temparature
increase
changes in Agriculture
Patterns
Examples
( Great plains
Saudi Arabia)
WATER SUPPLIES
Greenhouse
Effect
Examples
LIVING PATTERNS
Examples
CAUSE AND EFFECT STRUCTURAL SIGNALS
Group I: Sentence connectors: These are words and phrases used to join two
complete grammatical sentences. A semicolon (;) is often used before a sentence
.............
Kim Anh
18
connector. However, since each of the sentences can stand a lone and be considered
grammatically correct, a period (.) can also be used after the first sentence. In either
case, a comma (,) is used after the sentence connector:
In some areas, water levels will fall;
as a result,
these areas will no
consequently.,
longer be able to support
therefore,
industry
because of this,
hence,
( Cause)
( effect)
Group II. Conjunctions: Unlike Group 1 signals, conjunctions of cause and effect are
always preceded by commas. Because the sentences generally do stand alone, a period
is not used between them.
A. In some areas, water levels will fall, so these areas will no longer be able to support
industry.
B. Some areas will no longer be able to support industry for water levels will have
fallen in these areas.
Group III: Clause structures: Box A of this group consists of signals whose parts are
separated: so.. . . that, such. . . .that, and such a. . . that
A. The rise in temperature will
be so great that
agriculture
happen so fast that
patterns will
dry out so much land that
change
destroy so many crops that
cause such terrible damage that
B. Since
Because
rainfall patterns will change, water supplies will diminish.
because of the fact that
Due to the fact that
Group IV: Phase structures: Because a phrase ( a group of words ) is not a complete
sentence, it must be connected to the main sentence
Because of
Due to
As a result of
.............
Kim Anh
the increase heat, the agricultural patterns will change.
19
In view of
Group V: Predicate structures: The predicate of a sentence includes everything from
the verb to the end. In this group of structures, the cause effect relationship is
indicated by the verb or the word following it.
A. Changes in water levels will cause
result in
be a reason for
changes in living patterns
be responsible for
contribute to
lead to
B. Drastic changes in living
patterns will
result from
be a result of
be a consequence of changes in water levels
be due to
follow from
Group VI. Participal phrases:
Notice that the participal phrases in the following box (1) have no subjects, and (2)
contain verbs which are in the ing form. Since a participal phrase has no subject, it
must be connected to the main sentence. Some of the structures in group 4 can be used
to create such phrase.
A. Water levels will change,
causing
leading to
changes in living patterns.
contributing to
resulting in
B. Living patterns will change,
resulting from
changes in water levels.
following from
CAUSE AND EFFECT: FOCUS ON CAUSE
Model paragraph:
Why is that American working women complain about job discrimination? Statistics
suggest that there is a basis for their grievances. According to recent Census Bureau
statistic, nearly 45 5 of all women of working age are in the labor force. Although they
.............
Kim Anh
20
have made progress in recent years, women are still underrepresented in traditionally
male professions. For example, women constitute only 9.4% of electrical engineers,
17.4 % of doctors, and 15.2 percent of lawyers. A second area of complaint is women'
median weekly and yearly earnings in comparison with men's. The average made
factory worker earns $ 3336 per week, while a female worker earns only $ 225.
Further, the story gap is even more pronounced among women with higher educations.
The average woman college graduate makes $ 21,889 annually, but the average male
college graduate makes $ 33, 934, a difference of 55 %.
ANALYZING CAUSE AND EFFECT PARAGRAPH
T.S Why is it that American working women complain about job crimination?
Statistics suggest that there is a basis for their grievances.
CAUSES
EFFECT
traditional male professions
Median weakly/ Yearly earnings
1. The average factory worker
a. Male
b. female
2.
a.
b.
Women's
complaints of job
Discrimination
Choose on e of the following topic to write:
1. Overpopulation has been causing a lot of troubles
2. There are several reason why Ichose to study in this university
.............
Kim Anh
21
COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
COMPARISON
Model paragraph:
Are you aware of the striking similarities between two of the most popular U.S.
presidents, Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy? A minor point is that the names
Lincoln and Kennedy both have seven letters. Both men had their selections legally
challenged. Lincoln and Kennedy are both remembered for their interest in civil rights.
Lincoln became president in 1860; and Kennedy in 1960. Lincoln's secretary was Mrs.
Kennedy; Kennedy's secretary was Mrs. Lincoln. Nether men took the advice of the
secretary not to make public appearance on the day on which he was assassinated.
Lincoln and Kennedy were both killed on a Friday in the appearance of their wives.
Both assassins, John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald, have fifteen letters in
their names, and both were murdered before they could be brought to trial. Just as
Lincoln was succeeded by a Southern Democrat named Johnson, so was Kennedy.
Andrew Johnson ( Lincoln' successor was born in 1908. And finally, the same caisson
carried the bodies of both men in their funeral processions.
Structures of comparison
Group I: Adjective/ preposition
Kennedy was killed on
exactly
almost
the same day of the week as Lincoln.
particularly
Kennedy's death was
somewhat
rather
similar to Lincoln's in that they both died..
very
quite
( degree of similarity)
Kennedy's death was
the. .
somewhat
rather
.............
Kim Anh
Adj
Prep ( Basis comparison)
like Lincoln's in that they both died in
22
preposition
Like Lincoln, Kennedy refused to heed his secretary's warming.
Preposition
Basis of comparison
Group II.: Attached statement
Kennedy was succeeded by Southern Democrat, and Lincoln was, too.
and so was Lincoln.
Kennedy's assassin was not brought to trial, and Lincoln's wasn't either.
and neither was Lincoln's.
Group III: Correlative conjunctions.
A. Both Kennedy and Lincoln had their selections legally challenged.
Neither Kennedy's wife nor his children were expecting anything unusual to happen
that day.
Just as Lincoln died in the office, so Kennedy was still president when he was just
assassinated.
Group V. : Sentence connectors:
Lincoln was succeeded by a Southern Democrat named Johnson; similarly,
correspondingly,
likewise,
in the same way,
by the same token,
Lyndy Johnson , a democrat from the South, succeeded Kennedy.
Group VI: Punctuation only
A. Andrew Johnson was born in 1808; Lyndon Johnson was born in 1908.
CONTRAST:
Model paragraph:
According to the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustay Jung, every person's personality can
be somewhere on a scale running from extreme extroversion ( an outgoing personality)
to extreme introversion ( a withdraw personality). The typical extrovert is particularly
fond of people and people oriented activities: he or she sociable, likes parties, has
many friends, needs to have people to talk to, and does not like reading or studying
alone. The typical introvert, on the other hand, is a quiet, retiring sort of person,
introspective, fond of books rather than people. Unlike the extrovert, who craves
excitement, take chances, and is generally impulsive, the introvert shuns excitement,
.............
Kim Anh
23
takes matters of everyday life with proper seriousness, and likes a well-ordered mode
of life. Whereas the extrovert tends to be aggressive and loses his or her temper easily,
the introvert tends to keep his or her feelings under close control, seldom behaves in an
aggressive manner, and does not lose his or her temper easily. The introvert may often
be subject to criminal psychopathic behavior, in contrast to the introvert, who may be
exhibit neurotic tendencies. A further difference between the two involves the ability
to remember. Studies have tended to show that the extrovert learns faster than the
introvert but, in the end remember less.
STRUCTURES OF CONTRAST:
Group I: -ER . . .. THAN; MORE . .. . THAN; LESS. . . . THAN; AS. . . AS
A. The introvert
is quitter than
the introvert
is more reliable than
is less optimistic than
learns more slowly than
B. The extrovert
isn't as quiet as
the introvert.
isn't as reliable as
doesn't learn as slowly as
Group II: Prepositions
Unlike
Contrary to
As opposed to
the extrovert, who craves excitement, the introvert likes a wellordered mode of life.
Group III: Adverbial clauses
Whereas
the extrovert oses his or her temper quickly, the introvert seldom
While
does.
Group IV: Verbal structures
contrasts with
The introvert
differs from
is different from
.............
Kim Anh
the introvert in regard to his or her temper.
in respect to
24
METHODS OF CONTRAST
Method I:
SOCIABILITY
RISKTAKING
The Extrovert
The Introvert
The Extrovert
The Introvert
( AND SO FORTH)
Method II:
THE EXTROVERT
THE INTROVERT
.............
Kim Anh
Sociality
Risk Taking
Feelings, Aggression
Reliability, optimism.
Abnormal tendencies
Ability to Remember
Sociality
Risk Taking
Feelings, Aggression
Reliability, optimism.
Abnormal tendencies
Ability to Remember
25
CLASSIFICATION
Model paragraph:
Christmas gifts can be divided into three groups according to their after -Christmas
fate. For example, There's the Christmas gift that's welcomed and used. Whether it's an
expensive cashmere sweater, a dishwasher, an interesting book, or a jogging suit, this
gift is a perfect present. It's put into use as soon as possible, and it's everyone's idea of
what a Christmas gift should be. Then, there's the second type of gift, the one that falls
halfway between being hated and loved. This is the tie that's not quite your style, the
blouse that's a little bit too bit, the swollen socks that make your feet itch, the box of
chocolates that ruin your diet. These gifts go into a post- Christmas limbo. The tie or
the blouse hangs limply in the back of the closet. The socks disappear into the depths
of the dresser drawer, and the chocolates sit on the shelf until they turn into rocky
lumps. Finally, there's the gift that you banish as soon as possible. On December 26th,
you rush to the department store to get rid of the shiny purple pants Aunt Elsie and
Uncle Ernie gave you. The lamp shaped like an apple is carted up to the attic. The
monogrammed toilet paper keeps the fire place fueled for ten minutes. The crystal
punch bowl is given to your sister, who doesn't already have two crystal punch bowls.
By New Year's Day, you have either used, stored or disposed each of your Christmas
gifts.
Exercise: Write a one hundred- word paragraph on the following topic sentence:
Students can be divided into two groups according to their way of studying.
.............
Kim Anh