Prime Time 7, Coursebook plus Semester Self-checks

W Paragraph writing: Supporting sentences and transitions a) Cross out the one sentence in each paragraph that does not support the main idea. 1. It is equally important that teenagers learn to be independent. This means that they have to make their own decisions and they have to live with the results – good or bad. Years ago there were not as many decisions to make. Teens should not always have to ask their parents for permission. This helps to prepare them for when they move out and are really on their own. 2. Biographies can be very interesting to read. They look closely at the events in a person’s life. They try to explain the meaning of certain actions and talk about the significance of the person’s life. My favourite biography is about Margaret Thatcher. Biographies are usually about famous people and are often about historical figures. b) Work on the paragraphs of your own essay and support your topic sentences with convincing supporting sentences. Use items from the word bank to connect your sentences and transitions from the useful phrases to connect your paragraphs. Word bank for example • first/second/third • finally • similarly • on the one hand • on the other hand • as a result • although • however • due to • previously • currently • in addition • first of all • equally important • after that • more importantly • because • initially • similarly • nevertheless • thus • although • consequently • more or less importantly • in spite of • yet • next • and hence • likewise W Useful phrases With this in mind … • In comparison/contrast to … • Even before … • In order to … • To illustrate … • In particular, … • For example/instance … • To demonstrate … • Another example is … • Let us take a look at another example … • That is not the only reason for … • Furthermore, … • This may be a reason for … • Another reason for this is … • In fact, … P Tip Transitions lead on to the next paragraph and the next point or make a connection to the last paragraph before introducing a new point. Transitional phrases or sentences come at the end of one paragraph or at the beginning of the next. T Introduction and conclusion The introduction clearly states your topic and your thesis. Additionally, it can explain the structure you are using and briefly state your main points. A general rule for an introduction is to start big (general statements) and get smaller (what you are specifically going to write about). Frequently an introduction starts with a statement that grabs your readers’ attention. The conclusion first restates your thesis and main points in different words. After that, there is room for your own opinion or a recommenda- tion. Do NOT introduce any new ideas in your conclusion. Useful phrases Introduction I will cover three points … • I will discuss the advantages, disadvantages and a possible solution. • Firstly/Secondly/Thirdly, … • There are three main reasons for … • The main criticisms are … • Let us take a (chronological) look at … P Useful phrases Conclusion To sum up, … • In conclusion, … • All in all, … • Let me remind you of … • … are the reasons for… • As discussed … • Considering all these examples, … • So do not forget … • … is the result of … • That is why I believe … • In my opinion … • I would recommend … P a) Add an introduction and a conclusion to your essay. b) Check the transitions and make sure that all parts of your essay fit together seamlessly. 5  Tip Supporting sentences come after the topic sentence and make up the body of the paragraph. They give information that develops and supports the main idea of the paragraph: facts, details and examples. T 6  Tip Write your introduction and conclusion after deciding what is going to be discussed in the main part, preferably after finishing a detailed outline, to make sure that everything is included and the parts fit together. T 174 Writing guide Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv