Unit 10 ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
Task 5 Read the text and summarize the strategies of defining and using the topic
sentences.
Topic Sentences
The topic sentence can be stated directly at the beginning, in the middle or at the end
of the paragraph or the text. It can also be implied. Here are the examples.
In the first example the topic sentence is stated directly in the middle.
In the second example the main idea is implied.
1
Japan is a collection of large islands, strung along the eastern shore of the mainland
of Asia. The islands are very rugged and very mountainous. High over all the peaks rises
the one supreme peak – the perfect cone of snow-clad Fuji. Like most of the high
mountains of Japan, Fuji is a volcano, sleeping, but far from dead. Compared to the Alps
and the Himalayas, Fuji is not especially high. It seems high, because it rises in one superb
sweeping curve right from the shore to the sky, a curve that can be seen for a hundred miles
on every side.
2
Implied main idea: Seal pups have natural mechanics to help them survive frigid
temperatures.
When the newborn seal pup slips from the warmth of his mother’s body onto the ice,
crystals form on his wet little body and his skin temperature falls to 70°F. He shivers so
vigorously that in about 45 minutes he has produced enough heat to bring his skin
temperature to 93.4°F. Only a light coat of baby fur, the lanugo, protects him from the zero
temperatures of the Antarctic spring. His metabolism, however, is exceedingly high during
his early life, and he can take milk in great quantities. Seal mothers’ milk is richer than
heavy cream; it is half butterfat. On this creamy diet the pup gains about 250 pounds in six
weeks and has a good coating of fat.
Note: F = Fahrenheit – Фаренгейт
Parameters: boiling point 212°, freezing point 32°, absolute zero -459·67°
C = Centigrade – Цельсий
Parameters: boiling point 100°, freezing point 0°, absolute zero -273·15°
Task 6 Describe the process of generalizing orally.
Generalizing
Generalizing is the process of developing a general principle based on specific facts
or experiences. Many topic sentences are generalizations that are supported by ideas, facts,
examples, and details in the text body. To be valid, generalizations must avoid exaggeration
(avoid the words like “all”, “always” or “never”. Use some, many, most, few for
generalizations, e. g.: The sign language that is used by many deaf people can be very
descriptive.
Task 7 There is one part of the dialogue given (two friends). You ought to arrange
the other one. Use the sentences below. Arrange them in the context order. Reproduce the
dialogue.
And the clincher sentence? What are the supporting sentences? Hello, Alice. Can you
help me? I have to write my research report and would like to know more about
paragraph and text structure. How can I define topic sentence?
Discussing Paragraph and Text Structure
− (1)
− While writing the research report it is important to define topic, supporting and
concluding sentences.
− (2)
− The topic sentence states the main idea, limits the main idea to one aspect of the
subject that can be covered in one paragraph, controls all other sentences in the
paragraph. It is more general than the sentences that develop it.
− (3)
− The supporting sentences explain, develop, or prove the topic sentence, provide
details, events, facts, examples, or reasons.
− (4)
− The concluding sentence, or clincher, provides a strong ending, restates,
summarizes, evaluates, or adds an insight to the main idea.