Topic Sentence and Supporting Sentences: Revisit 3

How should English teachers introduce topic sentence and supporting sentences to their SPM candidates? For sure, internet has a lot to offer. Even if you ask ChatGPT, you will get your answers. As for me, I make it simple. I prepare my own notes and model essay to illustrate topic and supporting sentences. For instance, this one:

Topic sentence: It is the first sentence written in the body paragraph. It carries the main idea in the paragraph. It does not carry any detail. There is only one topic sentence in a paragraph.

Supporting sentences: They are the sentences which are written after the topic sentence. They carry the details or elaboration of the main idea. There are a few supporting sentences in a paragraph. These supporting sentences are linked by cohesive devices.

Sample:

Having a hobby is good (Topic sentence). First of all, one can spend one’s free time wisely. (Supporting Sentence 1) Besides, a hobby like cooking can allow someone to make extra income when they cook for others. (Supporting Sentence 2) Moreover, having a hobby like painting or reading novels can release stress. (Supporting Sentence 3).

After finished reading the notes above, it is good if teachers ask the pupils to retell what they have understood to at least a classmate. This can be done in various ways. The pupils can just get three different classmates and keep explaining about topic and supporting sentences to each of them, one at a time. Questioning them at random or carrying out Hot Seat activity is also possible.

Once they have gained a better understanding of the topic and supporting sentences, then the following essay question and model answer can be analysed or examined. The critical examination of the model essay can be carried out differently, depending on the pupils’ readiness and ability. The teacher can lead the analysis of the model essay from the beginning till the end (fully teacher-centred) or it can be the other way round or even mixed (partially student/teacher-centred). As always, teachers are the best decision makers; to determine the best and most practical approach to examine the model essay.

Notes: (Points for critical examination of the model essay)

a. Please highlight the examination requirement to include a variety of cohesive devices in Part 3 essay (as exemplified in the model essay).

b. Some pupils have to be told again and again to include different cohesive devices when they want to present their opinion such as “In my opinion, …”

c. Cohesive devices such as moreover, in addition, besides, next and furthermore can always fit easily when the pupils want to present the second or third supporting sentence.

d. The length of each body paragraph should only be about 50-60 words. To reach this length, they should only write a topic sentence and 2-4 supporting sentences.

e. There must be some less common lexis in the essay (for examples, the words in red).

f. There must be complex structures in the essay.

g. The essay should present straightforward ideas well.

Part 3

Your class has been discussing on nature and tourism. Your teacher asked you to write an article based on these notes:

· What are popular natural attractions in Malaysia?

· How can we promote natural attractions in Malaysia to the world?

· In what ways can we protect natural attractions for future generations?

Write your article in about 200-250 words.