102A 2021-22 S2

Writing Academic Paragraphs and Topic Sentences

Constructing effective topic sentences and developing the control concept

Topic Topic Sentence Control Concept

Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. First

of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion. Therefore,

First
Development of it is suitable for jewellery, coins, and ornamental purposes. Gold never
the Topic
Sentence and needs to be polished and will remain beautiful forever. For example, a
Control Concept
Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the day it was made 25
Sentence
Connectives
centuries ago. Another important characteristic of gold is its usefulness to
Nominalisation
industry and science. For many years, it has been used in hundreds of
Second
Development of industrial applications, such as photography and dentistry. The most recent
the Topic
Sentence and use of gold is in astronauts’ suits. Astronauts wear gold-plated heat
Control Concept

shields for protection when they go outside spaceships in space. In

conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty but also for its utility.

Concluding Sentence that includes the topic (unity) and control concepts

Note: Adapted from Oshima, A. & Hogue, A. (2006). Writing academic English (4th ed.) Pearson Longman.

Question: What is the key missing element of this academic paragraph?

Writing an effective topic sentences and developing the control concepts

The initial topic sentence is an essential component when writing a successful paragraph
that must ensure the subject of the paragraph is immediately clear to the reader.
Moreover, topic sentences have two components of the topic that is the subject of the RS,
and then one directly relevant control issue. The control concepts are identified by
brainstorming the key elements of the RS as shown in W1R1 and again below.

W4E1 Writing Academic Paragraphs and Topic Sentences Page 1 of 2

 1. Example topic sentences based on the RS shown blow

 Topic
An initial soft skill that can be acquired by participation in the extracurricular activity
of sports is a competitive spirit.
 Control concept

2. The development of the control concept within each paragraph

 First, to maintain paragraph unity and to communicate effectively to the reader,

each paragraph must have only one control concept.

 Then, throughout the paragraph, this control concept must be developed by

reporting the primary reasons why the control is important, evidence
supporting the arguments provided, and examples where illustrated in the text.

 Next, with reference to the control example above, this paragraph can only
report why participation in a sport can help develop the soft skill of competitive
spirit.

 After this, all information reported must come from the author(s) of the text,
while no additional information from outside the text or opinions must be
added.

 Subsequently, the information reported by must be cited correctly in APA

format to avoid plagiarism.

 Consequently, note that a shopping lists of claims or control concepts that are
not developed will produce a fail level grade.

 Finally, each paragraph then needs to be carefully checked and proofread to

make sure that the reader will understand what you are trying to communicate.

W4E1 Writing Academic Paragraphs and Topic Sentences Page 2 of 2