English Upskilling Course

Writing Skills
Level - 2

Sayar Nyunt Wai Moe

(educator)
 1
and Complex Sentences
Simple, Compound,

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

What can you do to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
below do you think may help?
1 You should be neat and well-dressed.
2 You should make eye contact with the other person.
3 You should talk a lot about yourself.
4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

A. Skill Presentation
When you write, you should use a combination of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
A simple sentence has one or more subjects and one or more verbs. It has only one independent
clause and expresses only one complete idea. Both of the following simple sentences have one
independent clause, but the number of subjects and verbs varies.
Ethan is confident. (1 subject + 1 verb)
Ethan and Vicky feel important and look confident. (2 subjects + 2 verbs)
A compound sentence has two or more subjects and two or more verbs. It has at least two related
independent clauses that are joined by a coordinating conjunction, such as and, but, or, or so.
INDEPENDENT CLAUSE INDEPENDENT CLAUSE
Ethan is confident, and he makes a good first impression.
Ethan and Vicky are confident, but their sister isn’t confident at all.
A complex sentence has two or more subjects and two or more verbs. It has an independent
clause that is connected to a dependent clause. The dependent clause starts with a subordinating
conjunction, such as after, before, when, because, although, or if.
INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE
Ethan is usually selfish, although he sometimes thinks of other people.
Ethan will get the job if he makes a good impression.

2
B. Over to You
1 Read the sentences. Decide if they are simple, compound, or complex. Write S for
Simple, C for Compound, or CX for Complex.
1 Tom made a good impression, so he got the job.
2 Jason seems friendly, although he is very shy.
3 Nancy and Lorena have a lot of friends.

2 Read the paragraph and check (✓) the correct answers.

First impressions are important in an interview. You will make a good impression if
you follow some important steps. Confident people often make good first impressions.
Employers may feel uncomfortable when you do not seem confident. Your clothing can also
make a good first impression. Clean and neat clothing makes a good impression, and a
neat hairstyle also shows professionalism. Messy clothing does not make a good impression
because people associate it with laziness. You do not have to wear expensive clothing, but
you can still dress nicely. Finally, your body language says a lot about you. You should
not move around too much, although you do not have to be perfectly still. You can follow
this advice for your next interview.

1 The sentences in bold are

a. simple sentences.
b. compound sentences.
c. complex sentences.
2 The italicized sentences are
a. simple sentences.
b. compound sentences.
c. complex sentences.
3 The underlined sentences are
a. simple sentences.
b. compound sentences.
c. complex sentences.

CHECK!
1 A sentence has at least one subject and at least one
. It has only one independent clause.
2 A sentence has at least two subjects and at least two verbs.
It has at least two clauses that are related to each other.
2 A sentence has at least two subjects and at least two verbs.
It has a clause that is connected to an independent clause.

1 Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences 3

 C. Practice
1 Read each sentence in the chart. Decide if it is simple, compound, or complex.
Check (✓) the box in the correct column.
SIMPLE COMPOUND COMPLEX
SENTENCE SENTENCE SENTENCE

1. Confident people are usually happy.

2. Cheerful people often get jobs easily because they are
usually pleasant coworkers.
3. My friend Jenny makes a bad first impression.
4. Jenny seems negative when she meets people for the
first time.
5. She has friends, but she does not always keep them
for very long.
6. Negative people usually do not get jobs easily, but
Jenny found a good job.
7. Negative people can be unreasonable, and they can be
difficult to work with.
8. Negative people have many unpleasant characteristics,
although they have good ones, too.
9. Jenny likes telling jokes and making people laugh.
10. Jenny is a good worker because she has many positive
characteristics.

2 Read the sentences. Write the number of independent and dependent clauses. If
there are no clauses of a certain type, write ✗.
1 The new employee made a positive first impression.
independent clause(s), dependent clause(s)
2 Employers often look at your clothing, so you should dress nicely for an interview.
independent clause(s), dependent clause(s)
3 John had a good interview, although his dirty suit made a bad first impression.
independent clause(s), dependent clause(s)
4 Mario is a great leader because he is passionate about his work.
independent clause(s), dependent clause(s)
5 Kim and Jocelyn are not very good leaders.
independent clause(s), dependent clause(s)
6 Some people make judgments about others, but first impressions are not always correct.
independent clause(s), dependent clause(s)
7 Employers sometimes make incorrect judgments about workers.
independent clause(s), dependent clause(s)

4 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 Which phrase describes a simple sentence? 6 Managers need to listen to people if there is
a. two or more subjects, two or more a problem.
verbs, two independent clauses How many independent clauses does this
b. two or more subjects, two or more sentence have?
verbs, an independent clause, a a. zero
dependent clause b. one
c. one or more subjects, one or more c. two
verbs, one independent clause
7 Employers should not hire people based on
2 Which phrase describes a compound personal judgments, and they should not
sentence? pay attention to stereotypes.
a. two or more subjects, two or more How many independent clauses does this
verbs, two independent clauses sentence have?
b. two or more subjects, two or more a. one
verbs, an independent clause, a b. two
dependent clause c. three
c. one or more subjects, one or more
verbs, one independent clause 8 Joanna and Kyle form opinions about others
quickly.
3 Which phrase describes a complex What type of sentence is this?
sentence? a. simple
a. two or more subjects, two or more b. compound
verbs, two independent clauses c. complex
b. two or more subjects, two or
more verbs, one independent 9 Opinions may be incorrect if they are based
clause, one dependent clause on personal preferences.
c. one or more subjects, one or more What type of sentence is this?
verbs, one independent clause a. simple
b. compound
4 When you write a paragraph, you can c. complex
include
a. only simple sentences. 10 Mark did not make a good impression, so
b. simple, compound, and complex Mr. Weston did not hire him.
sentences. What type of sentence is this?
c. exactly one compound sentence a. simple
and one complex sentence. b. compound
c. complex
5 Good employees arrive on time.
How many dependent clauses does this
sentence have?
a. zero
b. one
c. two

1 Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences 5

2

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

The Paragraph

The Internet is the most important tool in global marketing today.

Which of these are reasons why? C
ONNECTING TO THE THEME
1 Word-of-mouth advertising, or hearing about products from
What
people you know, does not impact ascan youpeople
many do to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
as the
Internet does. below do you think may help?
1 You should be neat and well-dressed.
2 Social networking sites are popular.
2 You users
3 More than 75 percent of social media shouldhave
make eye contact with the other person.
bought
3 You should
something because of an ad or comment theytalk
sawa online.
lot about yourself.
4 Internet
4 Some businesses do not have an You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
presence.
5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
1 and 3 are two reasons why the Internet plays an important role in global marketing.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

A. Skill Presentation
A paragraph usually starts with a topic sentence. The topic sentence states the main idea of the
paragraph. There are also supporting sentences. They give more information, such as details,
examples, or facts, to support the main idea. A paragraph also has a concluding sentence. This can
summarize the ideas in the paragraph or restate the main idea.
A good paragraph has ideas that relate to each other. All sentences should relate to the main idea in
the topic sentence. Supporting sentences that relate to the main idea are relevant. If a sentence is not
related, it is irrelevant. Avoid irrelevant sentences when you write.
Read the beginning of this paragraph. Think about the features of a good paragraph as you read.
TSPeople use a variety of interactive websites. SSFor example, people use social networking

sites to share information. SSPeople also use them to keep in touch with friends. SSMost
people who work for social networking sites enjoy their jobs. SSIn addition, Internet phone
and messaging services are also popular. CSThere are many kinds of interactive websites in
use today, for many different reasons.
The third supporting sentence is not related to the main idea. It is irrelevant, and it should not be
included in this paragraph.
Supporting sentences should also be organized logically and should be connected. Use transition
words and phrases to do this. Transition words such as first, second, and then and transition phrases
like for example, another example, and in addition can help readers follow your ideas more easily. Look
at the paragraph above again. The transition phrases for example and in addition help organize the
supporting sentences logically.

6
B. Over to You
1 Read the paragraph and circle the correct answers for each item.
1
At MuchMarket, we use interactive websites to help sell products. 2For example, we
use customer reviews to get new customers. 3In addition, we use social networking sites to
communicate with customers. 4We pay our employees a lot and give them paid vacations. 5We
love to use the newest technology to attract new customers.

1 Which sentence does not relate to the main idea?

Sentence 2 | Sentence 3 | Sentence 4
2 Which transition phrases connect supporting sentences?
At MuchMarket, | we use | For example, | In addition, | help sell products, | with customers

2 Read the topic sentence. Decide if the sentences support or provide a conclusion for the
topic sentence. Write Y for Yes or N for No.
Topic Sentence: These days, businesses are trying to spend less money on advertising.
1 For example, some companies are not giving employees pay raises, and they are not
offering extra vacation time.
2 Other companies are using free online tools to advertise their products.
3 Some websites offer high-quality products that are still affordable.
4 Companies are finding many ways to lower their advertising costs today.
5 Spending money on advertising can increase profits.
6 Companies that can save money on advertising can use the cash elsewhere.
7 More and more effort is being made by businesses to cut the amount of money they
spend on advertising.
8 Social networking sites can be a great way to generate interest in a product without
spending any money at all.

CHECK!
1 A good | bad paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a
concluding sentence.
2 A good paragraph includes only relevant | irrelevant supporting sentences,
not relevant | irrelevant supporting sentences.
3 A good paragraph also has sentences that are organized transitionally |
logically and uses logic | transition words and phrases correctly.

2 The Paragraph 7
 C. Practice
1 Read the paragraph. Underline three sentences that are irrelevant.
1
Video-sharing websites can help businesses. 2First, many companies can save money by
advertising on these sites. 3A local business, for example, can make a video and post it for
free. 4Famous actors sometimes earn a lot of money. 5Next, businesses can often find new
customers by sharing videos online. 6For example, an American company may be able to
reach a more global market. 7Many Americans think other cultures are truly interesting.
8
Finally, friends can use video-sharing sites to share videos of special events, such as
graduation. 9There are many ways that businesses can use video-sharing websites to sell
their products.

2 Read the paragraph and circle the correct transition words to help connect the ideas.
The restaurant Mimi had a great year. The owner decided to use free online tools to
reach more customers. First, | Then, | After that, he created an account on a popular social
networking site. Then, | First, | In conclusion, he posted information about the restaurant,
including its location, the menu, and a list of daily specials. After that, | In conclusion, |
Finally, he took pictures of happy customers and posted them on the site. Finally, | To start,
| Second, he asked frequent customers to write reviews on the site. Soon the site was very
busy, and the restaurant was full.

3 Read the paragraph and answer the questions.

Virtual Word-of-Mouth Marketing
1
Innovative businesses are now using virtual, or online, word-
of-mouth advertising. 2Have you ever bought something because
a friend said, “I love it!”? 3Most people have. 4In fact, a 2009 study
found that 90 percent of people trust word-of-mouth advertising
more than any other kind. 5Review websites allow customers to
write their opinions about businesses. 6Other people then read
the reviews before making decisions about what to buy. 7Some
businesses also use social networking sites to post frequent
updates. 8People read these updates and tell their friends about
them. 9For example, Kogi, a mobile food truck in Los Angeles,
gives information about its location several times a day. 10Over
50,000 fans follow these updates. 11They buy food when a Kogi
truck is nearby. 12In addition, they often tell their friends. 13Clever
businesses are finding new ways to use websites to promote their
products more effectively.

1 Which sentence is the topic sentence?

2 Which sentence gives a fact about how many people trust word-of-mouth advertising?
3 Which sentences describe how people use review websites?
4 Which sentences describe how businesses use social networking sites?
5 Which transition words are used to connect ideas?
6 Which sentence summarizes the main idea?

8 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 The sentence expresses the main idea 7 Choose the irrelevant sentence in this
of a paragraph. paragraph:
a. topic Some businesses post frequent updates
b. supporting on websites. People read these updates and
c. concluding tell friends. The best businesses treat their
customers well. Clever businesses use these
2 sentences give more information about sites to sell products.
the topic sentence. a. The best businesses treat their
a. Independent customers well.
b. Supporting b. Clever businesses use these sites to
c. Factual sell products.
c. People read these updates and tell
3 A good paragraph has friends.
a. only sentences related to the main
8 Choose a relevant supporting sentence
idea.
for this topic sentence: There are many
b. one or more irrelevant sentences.
examples of word-of-mouth advertising
c. only one relevant sentence.
online.
4 Use transition words to a. You can see posters for new
products in many cities.
a. make an idea relevant.
b. You can find businesses advertising
b. format your paragraph correctly.
on video-sharing websites.
c. help organize supporting sentences.
c. You can make many friends on
social networking sites.
5 Choose the most appropriate transition
phrase for this paragraph:
9 Choose a relevant concluding sentence to
Review websites help companies sell
match this topic sentence: Word-of-mouth
products. , online reviews are helpful for
advertising can be anything from talking to
getting new customers. Social networking
a friend to watching videos online.
sites are also useful.
a. Teens spend more time sending
a. In addition
messages than talking on the phone.
b. For example
b. In everyday life, there are many
c. After that
types of word-of-mouth advertising.
c. Word-of-mouth advertising is a
6 Choose a relevant supporting sentence
good way to make new friends.
for this topic sentence: Many people read
customer reviews when they shop online.
10 Choose the transition words to help
a. Customers use credit or debit cards organize the sentences in this paragraph:
to pay for things online. It is easy to sign up on a video-sharing
b. Online advertisements may be website. , you click on “Sign up.” ,
inappropriate for different cultures. you create a user name.
c. In fact, more than 60 percent of
a. First, Then
shoppers read others’ comments
b. After that, Finally
before deciding which product to
c. For example, In addition
buy.
2 The Paragraph 9
3

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

Topic Sentences

What C
canONNECTING TOa good
you do to make THEME
THEfirst impression? Which of the tips
below do you think may help?
1 YouSuccessful
should be students
neat anddo many things to excel, or do well, in
well-dressed.
school. Find four true statements. Successful students . . .
2 You should make eye contact with the other person.
1 attend class regularly.
3 You should talk a lot about yourself.
2 get notes from other students instead of going to class.
4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
3 talk to other students a lot in class.
5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
4 arrive at class on time.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

5 pay attention and participate in class.

6 talk to the teacher when they don’t understand something.
Statements 1, 4, 5, and 6 are true.

A. Skill Presentation
The topic sentence tells the main idea of a paragraph. Other sentences in the paragraph relate to
this main idea. It is usually the first sentence in the paragraph, but not always. A topic sentence has
two parts, the topic and the controlling idea. The topic tells the reader who or what the paragraph is
about. It is usually a noun. The controlling idea tells what kind of information you will give about the
topic in your paragraph. Look at this topic sentence.
TOPIC CONTROLLING IDEA
Successful students do many things to excel in school.
The topic is successful students. This tells the reader the paragraph will be about successful students.
The controlling idea is do many things to excel in school. This focuses the topic and tells the reader that
the paragraph will give information about things successful students do to excel in school. Now look
at another topic sentence.
TOPIC CONTROLLING IDEA
Successful students often make great leaders.
The topic of this sentence is also successful students, but the controlling idea is often make great
leaders. This focuses the topic and tells the reader that the paragraph will give information about
successful students being great leaders.

10
B. Over to You
1 Read the topic sentences. Decide what are the topics and what are the controlling ideas.
Circle the topics. Underline the controlling ideas.
1 Students who are successful leaders inspire other people.
2 Scholarships give many students a chance to attend college.
3 Political leaders often inspire people to change society.
4 Success at college can lead to many different opportunities to make a difference.

2 Read the paragraphs and choose the correct topic sentence for each one. There are two
extra sentences.
1 They set an example for other students. Other students tend to listen to their ideas.
Many successful students inspire others to do well. Students who are struggling may even
depend on successful students for help. Students who are successful often have important
positions, like class president. They usually make good leaders.
2 Who is Leymah Gbowee? Gbowee has been fighting for peace for more than a
decade. She has completed many programs that teach skills for peace building. She started
an organization called Women Peace and Security Network Africa. She has won awards for
her peace-building skills. She contributes her knowledge and helps guide the peace process.
Gbowee promotes peace through her leadership.

a Many successful businessmen did well in school.

b Leymah Gbowee was born in Liberia in Africa.
c Successful students are often good leaders.
d Leymah Gbowee is a leader who promotes peace.

CHECK!
1 The in a paragraph tells the main idea of the paragraph. It is
usually early in the paragraph.
2 Always include a in the topic sentence. It tells the reader who
or what the paragraph is about. It is usually a noun.
3 Include a idea in the topic sentence, as well. It focuses the
topic and tells what kind of information you will give about the topic in your
paragraph.

3 Topic Sentences 11
 C. Practice
1 Read each topic sentence in the chart. Decide if the part in bold is the topic or the
controlling idea. Check (✓) the box in the correct column.
CONTROLLING
TOPIC
IDEA

1. Scholarships are a good way to help pay for school.

2. Scholarships are a good way to help pay for school.

3. Mahatma Gandhi promoted peace and nonviolence.

4. Mahatma Gandhi promoted peace and nonviolence.

5. Peaceful leaders often achieve success.

6. Peaceful leaders often achieve success.

7. The definition of “independent” varies across time and cultures.

8. The definition of “independent” varies across time and cultures.

9. The Carter Center contributes to world peace in various ways.

10. The Carter Center contributes to world peace in various ways.

2 Read each topic sentence and circle the correct answer for each item.
1 Some leaders promote peace in their countries.
The topic is some leaders | peace | their countries.
2 The definition of “respect” varies across time.
The controlling idea is that the definition of “respect” is different at different times | is
always the same | is in the dictionary.
3 Successful leaders are respected around the world.
The topic is successful leaders | respect | the world.
4 Peaceful movements can change the world.
The controlling idea is that peaceful movements can make the world different | are always
effective | may exist.
5 Many wealthy people contribute money to help improve bad situations.
The topic is many wealthy people | money | bad situations.
6 Bill Gates achieved great wealth as the head of Microsoft.
This paragraph will give information about how Bill Gates became wealthy | stayed busy |
retired from Microsoft.
7 The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has helped many people around the world.
The topic is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation | Bill Gates | people around the world.
8 Some college programs promote independent thinking.
This paragraph will give information about how some college programs encourage people
to think independently | want everyone to think the same way | offer only a few majors.

12 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 What does the topic sentence of a 7 Bill and Melinda Gates founded an
paragraph do? organization to help people around the
a. gives information about several world.
different topics What is the topic in this topic sentence?
b. tells the main idea of the a. people around the world
paragraph b. an organization
c. gives examples of the topic c. Bill and Melinda Gates

2 The topic sentence of a paragraph is 8 Mahatma Gandhi succeeded by inspiring

usually many people.
a. the first or second sentence. What is the controlling idea in this topic
b. in the middle of the paragraph. sentence?
c. the last sentence. a. why inspiring many people made
Gandhi successful
3 What does the topic of a topic sentence tell b. why people inspired Gandhi to be
the reader? successful
a. what the title of the paragraph is c. why different people define success
b. who or what the paragraph is in different ways
about
c. the specific information the 9 The Carter Center works to bring peace to
paragraph will give the world.
What is the controlling idea in this topic
4 What does the controlling idea of a topic sentence?
sentence tell the reader? a. how peace organizations are
a. what the title of the paragraph is usually effective
b. what the main subject of the b. how The Carter Center tries to
paragraph is make the world more peaceful
c. the information the paragraph will c. how The Carter Center guides
give about the topic world leaders

5 Study groups help students succeed in 10 Political leaders often inspire people around
college. the world.
What is the topic in this topic sentence? What is the controlling idea in this topic
sentence?
a. study groups
b. college students a. ways that people everywhere are
c. success in college inspired by political leaders
b. ways that inspirational people vote
6 Grants can help pay for a student’s for good leaders
education. c. ways that leaders inspire people to
What is the topic in this topic sentence? travel
a. a student
b. grants
c. education

3 Topic Sentences 13
4
Supporting Sentences

CONNECTING
CONNECTINGTOTOTHE THEME
THE THEME
What can you do to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
Manydoscientists
below you thinkargue that how children are nurtured, or cared for
may help?
as they grow up, can have a positive influence on their ability to
1 You should
learn. Whichbeof neat
theseand well-dressed.
reasons support this argument?
2 You should
1 Many makehave
studies eye proven
contactthat
withreading
the other person.children
to young
3 You should talk
increases theira ability
lot about yourself.
to learn.
4 You
2 A should be comfortable,
good education butto
is thought you shouldn’t
play a majorlook
role too casual.
in improving
scores on intelligence tests.
5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
3 Children at one school all had different scores on an
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

intelligence test.
4 Studies show that healthy children got significantly higher
scores on intelligence tests.
5 Healthy food and exercise are good for children.
can positively impact ability to learn.
Reasons 1, 2, and 4 support the argument that nurture

A. Skill Presentation
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one topic. It starts with a topic sentence, which tells
the main idea of a paragraph. The sentences that support the topic sentence are called supporting
sentences. Supporting sentences are related to the topic sentence, and they are specific. They often
answer the questions who, what, when, where, why, and how by giving facts, examples, or other
details. Look at this example. This supporting sentence answers the question What is meant by nature?
TSOne study suggests that intelligence is determined by nature. SSNature means the
characteristics a person gets from their parents.
Now let’s add a second supporting sentence. This supporting sentence adds details that answer the
question What happened in the study?
SSSeveral twins, who share many characteristics, took an intelligence test and got similar scores.
It is important to make sure that all the supporting sentences in your paragraph are closely related to
the topic sentence. Irrelevant sentences are sentences that are not related to the topic sentence. They
can make your writing confusing and difficult to follow.

14
B. Over to You
1 Read the topic sentence. Decide if each supporting sentence in the chart is related or
unrelated. Check (✓) the box in the correct column.
Topic Sentence: The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research is currently doing an
interesting study about twins.
RELATED UNRELATED
(RELEVANT) (IRRELEVANT)

1. It examines how nature and nurture affect twins.

2. Researchers at the center hope to learn more about human
development from this study.
3. More than 5,000 people have participated in the study.

4. Some twins do not look alike.

2 Read the sentences from a paragraph about Gregor Mendel. Check (✓) the two
sentences that are unrelated to the topic sentence.
Topic Sentence: Gregor Mendel was an important researcher.
a. His research helped people learn about how nature affects living things.
b. Mendel did several studies during the nineteenth century.
c. He looked at similarities between related pea plants.
d. Friedrich Franz was Mendel’s teacher at the University of Olomouc.
e. Mendel’s experiments with pea plants were some of the first studies about genetics, or
the study of genes.
f. After doing these studies, Mendel said that some genes are stronger than others.
g. Lucien Cuénot was also a leader in the field of genetics.
h. Many of Mendel’s ideas are still used today.

CHECK!
1 Supporting sentences are to the topic sentence and are
.
2 They often answer the questions who, what, when, where, how, or why
about the by giving facts, examples, and other details.
3 It is important for all of the supporting sentences in a paragraph to relate to
the topic sentence. Avoid sentences that are not to the topic
sentence. Sentences like these are considered irrelevant.

4 Supporting Sentences 15
 C. Practice
1 Read each supporting sentence in the chart. Decide which topic sentence it is related
to. Check (✓) the box in the correct column.
Topic Sentence 1: Genetics is an important scientific field.
Topic Sentence 2: Dominant genes are more powerful than others.
TOPIC TOPIC
SENTENCE 1 SENTENCE 2

1. Genetics is the study of how characteristics are passed through

genes.
2. For example, the gene for brown eyes is stronger than the gene for
blue eyes.
3. Scientists who study genetics have learned a lot about human
behavior.
4. Genes help determine many physical characteristics.

5. Scientists who study genetics are called geneticists.

6. Genes that are less strong are called recessive genes.

7. It can help explain which traits people get from their parents.
8. One reason more people have dark hair than light hair is because
the gene for dark hair is stronger.
9. Geneticists want to understand why family members often have
similar diseases.

2 Read the two topic sentences in the chart. For each one, choose three supporting
sentences that answer the questions who, where, and when. Write the letters of the
correct supporting sentences in the boxes in the correct columns.

WHO? WHERE? WHEN?

1. Many geneticists did studies similar to the ones Mendel started.

2. Howard Gardner believes people have several different kinds of
intelligence.

a Cuénot did his studies during the twentieth century.

b He does research at Harvard University.
c Lucien Cuénot did genetic research on plants and animals.
d In 1983, he published a book about multiple intelligences.
e He was the first person to describe multiple intelligences.
f Cuénot also worked in Europe.

16 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 Supporting sentences are 7 Choose the supporting sentence that is

a. related to the topic sentence. unrelated to this topic sentence: Cuénot
b. unrelated to the topic sentence. and Mendel were important geneticists.
c. general and not specific. a. Scientists agree that Cuénot’s and
Mendel’s studies were significant.
2 Supporting sentences often b. They helped us understand more
a. list all questions related to the about the role of nature.
main idea. c. Other scientists believe that people
b. ask a question. have emotional intelligence.
c. answer a question like Why?
8 Choose the supporting sentence that
3 Supporting sentences that are unrelated to answers the question Who has the same
the topic sentence can make your writing DNA? for this topic sentence: People with
identical genes have identical DNA.
a. stronger.
b. more confusing. a. DNA is located inside the cells of
c. easier to read. all living things.
b. Therefore, identical twins have
4 Choose the best supporting sentence matching DNA.
for this topic sentence: Twins that are c. It is an important part of biology.
separated at birth have many similarities.
9 Choose the supporting sentence that
a. The differences are also interesting,
answers the question What is eyesight? for
such as liking different foods.
this topic sentence: Poor eyesight is partly
b. Many cousins are also similar.
the result of genetics.
c. Studies show twins raised apart
score similarly on intelligence tests. a. Eyesight is how well a person sees.
b. Children who have two parents
5 Choose the best supporting sentence with poor vision will be affected.
for this topic sentence: According to c. This is because genes contain some
Howard Gardner, there are many kinds of information about vision.
intelligences.
10 Choose the supporting sentence that
a. Some scientists use intelligence
answers the question Who was Gregor
tests in their studies.
Mendel? for this topic sentence: Modern
b. “Emotional intelligence” means
genetics was founded by Gregor Mendel.
how well you understand emotions.
c. The Michigan Research Center a. Research was done in several
tested twins’ intelligence. European countries.
b. It was founded during the middle
6 Choose the supporting sentence that is of the nineteenth century.
unrelated to this topic sentence: Many c. Gregor Mendel was an Austrian
researchers study DNA. scientist.
a. DNA carries genetic information.
b. Scientists are fascinated by twins.
c. One organization in the U.S. has
over 50 genetic researchers.
4 Supporting Sentences 17
5
Concluding Sentences

CONNECTING
CONNECTING TO THE THEME
TO THE THEME
Which of these products do you think will be available in
What can you
thedonext
to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
ten years?
below do you think may help?
Several new and exciting products are expected
1 You should
to be neatonto
come andthe
well-dressed.
market in the next ten years. One
2 You should make eye contact
manufacturer withvoice-controlled
is creating the other person.TVs. Another
is researching
3 You should chips
talk a lot about that could be implanted in the
yourself.
brain to allow you to “think” directions to a computer.
4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
One product that is close to becoming real is a system
5 You should ask
that about the other
automatically person
controls thewhen
lights,the timeand
heat, is right.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.
other things in the home. It’s a very exciting time for
technology and for the people who use it.
Any of these products could be widely available.

A. Skill Presentation
Most paragraphs end with a concluding sentence. It is usually the last sentence of the paragraph.
You can write a concluding sentence in several ways. You can
1 restate the main idea from the topic sentence using different words.
2 offer a suggestion about the topic.
3 make a prediction about the topic.
It is important to remember that a good concluding sentence does not introduce a new idea.
Look at this topic sentence for a paragraph about 3D TVs and three different possible concluding
sentences for the same paragraph.
3D TV is a relatively new technology that is becoming more popular.
1To conclude, the popularity of 3D TV is increasing.
2For these reasons, you may wish to wait to buy a 3D TV.
3In conclusion, most people will probably have 3D TVs in the future.

The first concluding sentence restates the main idea that 3D TV is relatively new and that it is
becoming more popular. The second concluding sentence offers readers a suggestion – that they
wait to buy a 3D TV. The third concluding sentence makes a prediction – that in the future, most
people will own 3D TVs.

18
B. Over to You
1 Read the topic sentence and four concluding sentences. Three are correct for the
paragraph. One is not correct because it introduces a new idea. Check (✓) the three
appropriate concluding sentences.
Topic Sentence: Seoul is a world leader in technology.
a. In summary, many new technologies are developed in Seoul.
b. For this reason, you should visit Seoul to get the most modern products.
c. To conclude, Seoul has wonderful food in their night markets.
d. In conclusion, technology companies in Seoul will probably succeed in the years ahead.

2 Match each topic sentence (1–7) with the correct concluding sentence (a–g).
1 3D TVs are now available in many places.
2 3D TVs will likely be cheaper in the future.
3 Internet service in Taipei is fairly cheap, usually costing about $13 a month.
4 Taipei is known for its excellent, fast, wireless Internet.
5 The city of Taipei started an online course in Internet skills.
6 The prices of many popular gadgets are decreasing.
7 Smartphones often have high-quality cameras.

a In conclusion, people in Taipei should take advantage of the training course to improve
their Internet skills.
b For these reasons, some people buy smartphones with cameras instead of separate
digital cameras.
c For this reason, it is probably best to wait a few years to buy a 3D TV.
d In conclusion, Taipei’s wireless Internet service will probably continue to improve in
the future.
e For this reason, some people suggest waiting to buy a new phone or e-reader.
f To conclude, it is possible to buy a 3D TV in many electronics stores.
g In summary, Internet service in Taipei is not very expensive.

CHECK!
1 A concluding sentence is usually the first | last sentence of the paragraph.
2 It can state | restate the main idea from the topic sentence, offer a
suggestion | new information about the topic, or make a prediction | tell the
history about the topic.
3 A concluding sentence does not | does introduce a new idea.

5 Concluding Sentences 19
 C. Practice
1 Read the topic sentences. Decide if the sentences that follow are good concluding
sentences or not. Write G for Good or NG for Not Good.
1 Handheld devices are getting smaller every year.
a. To conclude, it may make sense to wait a year or two to buy a smaller gadget.
b. To conclude, some 3D TVs are small, but most are large.
c. In summary, the size of handheld devices decreases each year.
d. In summary, larger handheld devices are often less expensive.

2 Many people depend on the Internet to get news.

a. In summary, newspapers and magazines are not very expensive.
b. In summary, many people read news online.
c. In conclusion, the cost of Internet services will probably decrease in the future.
d. In conclusion, even more people will probably get their news online in the future.

3 3D technology for TVs is improving rapidly.

a. To summarize, improvements are quickly being made to 3D televisions.
b. For these reasons, 3D TV will be even better in a few years.
c. For these reasons, interactive TV shows may become more popular.
d. To summarize, flat screen TVs are cheaper than they were a few years ago.

2 Read the paragraph and check (✓) three sentences that would make good
concluding sentences.
Stockholm, Sweden, is a city where it is easy to connect to the Internet. The connection
is usually very fast, although it can be expensive. Stockholm has a number of Internet
cafés that are essential for many people. People go to these cafés to connect to the Internet
and play games online. In addition, Stockholm was one of the first cities to introduce new
technology to replace Wi-Fi. This technology will allow people to access the Internet more
quickly.
a. In conclusion, Taipei is a world leader in technology.
b. In summary, accessing the Internet in Stockholm is simple.
c. For this reason, Internet cafés are very popular with teenagers.
d. For these reasons, Stockholm will likely be a world leader in Internet technology in
the future.
e. In conclusion, you do not need to worry about a connection to the Internet if you
visit Stockholm.
f. To summarize, buying a computer in Sweden can be expensive.

20 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 The concluding sentence is usually located 7 Choose the best concluding sentence for
a. at the beginning of a paragraph. this topic sentence: New technology is
b. in the middle of a paragraph. expensive, but devices get cheaper over time.
c. at the end of a paragraph. a. For these reasons, modern gadgets
get cheaper every year.
2 A concluding sentence often b. For these reasons, Internet cafés
a. restates the main idea. are popular places to play video
b. introduces the main idea. games cheaply.
c. introduces new information about c. For these reasons, expensive
the main idea. devices can be purchased with a
credit card.
3 A concluding sentence may
8 Choose the best concluding sentence for
a. give examples.
this topic sentence: Smartphones may
b. offer a suggestion.
replace cameras.
c. introduce a new topic.
a. In conclusion, some people also
4 A concluding sentence sometimes like using tablet computers.
b. In conclusion, smartphones will
a. asks a question.
come in a variety of colors.
b. makes a prediction.
c. In conclusion, cameras may not
c. changes the controlling idea.
exist in the future because people
will use phones instead.
5 Choose the best concluding sentence for
this topic sentence: Training programs help
9 Choose the best concluding sentence for
people learn Internet skills.
this topic sentence: Some psychologists are
a. In summary, take a training course concerned about how long children spend
to improve your Internet skills. on the Internet at school.
b. In summary, one way to improve
a. In summary, children clearly play
Internet skills is through books.
too many computer games.
c. In summary, it is a good idea to be
b. To conclude, parents should limit
on time for training classes.
the time children spend outdoors.
c. In the future, schools may look
6 Choose the best concluding sentence for
for ways to decrease Internet use.
this topic sentence: Businesses in Tokyo
must have Wi-Fi to be successful.
10 Choose the best concluding sentence for
a. To conclude, do not use the Wi-Fi this topic sentence: Students need to be
at work for personal reasons in cautious when doing research online.
Tokyo.
a. For this reason, encyclopedias will
b. To conclude, it is not expensive for
become less popular over time.
businesses in Tokyo to provide
b. For this reason, it is likely that
Wi-Fi.
colleges will offer more and more
c. To conclude, a business in Tokyo
guidance in effective Internet use.
probably will not succeed if it does
c. For this reason, most professors will
not use Wi-Fi.
advise students not to read books.

5 Concluding Sentences 21
 6
Avoiding Sentence

CONNECTING
CONNECTING
TO TO THEME
THETHE THEME
ReadWhat
the list
canofyou
business practices.
do to make a goodWhich ones do you Which
first impression? feel areofmost
the tips
important
below for running
do you thinka may
business
help?now and in the future?
Fragments

t An1 increasing
You shouldnumber
be neatofand
businesses use recycled materials in
well-dressed.
products, whichmake
2 You should is often
eyeacontact
big selling
withpoint.
the other person.
t Companies offer
3 You should alternative
talk work
a lot about arrangements that give
yourself.
employees greater flexibility with their personal time.
4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
t Companies try to reduce pollution because it is necessary to be
5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
successful in most markets.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.
t Companies connect with customers through social networking
sites, which can result in greater sales.

A. Skill Presentation
A complete sentence has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete idea. A sentence fragment
is missing either a subject or a verb, so it does not express a complete idea and should be avoided.
Here are two examples of sentence fragments.
Want to help the environment. ✗ (This sentence has no subject.)
Sustainability very important. ✗ (This sentence has no verb.)
Some verbs require an auxiliary verb like be, do, or have. If this verb is missing, the sentence is
incomplete. The sentence below is a fragment because the auxiliary verb is is missing. When it’s
added, it becomes a complete sentence.
BoMart collecting old bottles to make tote bags. ✗
BoMart is collecting old bottles to make tote bags. ✓
A dependent clause begins with a subordinating conjunction like because, if, when, before, after,
that, which, or who. A dependent clause by itself is a sentence fragment. It must be connected with
an independent clause to make a complete sentence. The sentence below is a dependent clause that
does not express a complete idea. It is therefore a sentence fragment. It needs to be connected with
an independent clause to express a complete idea.
Because it helps the company and the planet. ✗
Because it helps the company and the planet, recycling is a good idea. ✓

22
B. Over to You
1 Read the sentence fragments and decide what is missing. Write S for Subject or V for
Verb / Auxiliary Verb.
1 Is good for business.
2 Companies using sustainable practices.

2 Read each item in the chart. Decide if it is a sentence fragment or not. Check (✓) the box
in the correct column.
SENTENCE COMPLETE
FRAGMENT SENTENCE

1. If it helps the company in many ways, too.

2. I like companies that care about the environment.

3. There is no risk because the business is reliable.

4. Before they take advantage of new business ideas.

3 Find and check (✓) six sentence fragments.

a. Social media offer companies two options.
b. If they want to advertise on social networking websites.
c. Companies can pay for advertisements or use free services to show their products.
d. Our company trying both.
e. We are paying for ads on several websites.
f. We also creating free pages on social networking sites.
g. Both kinds of advertising are valuable.
h. Both ways help cut costs.
i. Now are planning new ways to advertise online.
j. The company uses video conferences for meetings.
k. Will help us increase sales.
l. Which is good for the company.

CHECK!
1 A is incomplete and a mistake. It does not
include a subject and a complete verb.
2 A sentence with a clause but without an
clause is also a sentence fragment.

6 Avoiding Sentence Fragments 23

 C. Practice
1 Read each item in the chart. Decide if it is a sentence fragment or not. If it is, decide
on the reason and check (✓) the box in the correct column.
NO VERB OR NO DEPENDENT
NO SUBJECT
COMPLETE AUXILIARY VERB CLAUSE
(SENTENCE
SENTENCE (SENTENCE (SENTENCE
FRAGMENT)
FRAGMENT) FRAGMENT)

1. Are allowing employees to work

from home.
2. Many of his co-workers work from
home.
3. Some employees keeping in touch
through video conferences.
4. Because e-mail is so fast.
5. Sometimes is difficult to manage
employees online.
6. Employees share information on
secure sites.
7. If they do not have to compete with
other employees.
8. Employees at this company their
computers every day.
9. Offices are becoming smaller.

10. When the office is open.

2 Read the sentences. Circle CS for Complete Sentence or SF for Sentence Fragment.
Then decide what is missing. Write S for Subject, V for Verb / Auxiliary Verb, or IC for
Independent Clause.
CS | SF 1 Modern software is helping companies with international communication.
CS | SF 2 Because computers will be able to work much faster.
CS | SF 3 Businesses new technology for salespeople’s benefit.
CS | SF 4 Who take advantage of online resources for video conferences.
CS | SF 5 Helps businesses create new ways to reach customers.
CS | SF 6 They still work after most people have gone home.
CS | SF 7 Companies been using online surveys for many years.
CS | SF 8 When they want to take advantage of new ways to share information.
CS | SF 9 Currently, is working outside of the office two days a week.
CS | SF 10 That they consider spending so much money on advertising.

24 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 A complete sentence must have 6 Many people working outside of the office
a. a subject and a verb. sometimes.
b. an adjective and a verb. This is a sentence fragment because
c. a dependent clause and a subject. a. it needs a subject.
b. it needs a verb or an auxiliary verb.
2 A sentence that is not complete is c. it needs an independent clause.
a. an independent clause.
b. a sentence fragment. 7 Nowadays, work from home one or two
c. a complex sentence. days per week.
This is a sentence fragment because
3 A dependent clause is a sentence fragment a. it needs a subject.
if it b. it needs a verb or an auxiliary verb.
a. has a subject and a verb. c. it needs an independent clause.
b. is not connected with an
independent clause. 8 Choose the word that will make this
c. expresses more than one complete fragment a complete sentence: Our
idea. company trying different ways of
advertising.
4 Technology will help businesses reach a. they
customers and increase sales. b. by
This is a c. is
a. complete sentence.
b. sentence fragment. It needs a verb 9 Choose the word that will make this
or an auxiliary verb. fragment a complete sentence: are
c. sentence fragment. It needs an more useful than other ways of collecting
independent clause. data.
a. Surveys
5 Because it is less expensive than traditional b. Have
marketing. c. Because
This is a
a. complete sentence. 10 Choose the words that will make this
b. sentence fragment. It needs a verb fragment a complete sentence: when
or an auxiliary verb. they feel confident.
c. sentence fragment. It needs an a. The managers at this company
independent clause. b. Employees may work harder
c. Because they are more successful

6 Avoiding Sentence Fragments 25

 7
and Comma Splices
Avoiding Run-Ons

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

What can you do to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
CONNECTING TO T
THEdo you
below HEME
think may help?
1 You should be neat and well-dressed.
How much do you know about
2 You memory?
should Are these
make eye statements
contact true orperson.
with the other false?
1 There are four kinds of memory,
3 You and
should talk they
a lot are not
about related.
yourself.
2 Short-term memory helps
4 You us forget
should a small amount
be comfortable, of information
but you for atoo
shouldn’t look short time.
casual.
3 Most people can5remember only
You should about
ask seven
about pieces
the other of information
person when the for 30isseconds.
time right.
4 Long-term memory helps us hold memories for a lifetime.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

5 When new information is used often, it doesn’t stay in our memory as long.
remember information), 3 True, 4 True, 5 False (it stays longer in our memory).
1 False (there are two types of memory, and they are related), 2 False (it helps us

A. Skill Presentation
A sentence can have one or more independent clauses. Look at this sentence. Notice that the
two independent clauses are connected by a comma and the conjunction and. Some common
conjunctions are and, but, or, and so. Always put a comma before the conjunction.
Maria studied for an important test, and she memorized facts for a presentation.
A run-on sentence has two or more independent clauses that are missing a comma, a conjunction,
or both a comma and a conjunction. Look at this run-on sentence. There are two independent
clauses, but there is no comma and no conjunction. To correct this, a comma and conjunction must
be added.
One kind is short-term memory the other kind is long-term memory. ✗
One kind is short-term memory, and the other kind is long-term memory. ✓
A comma splice is one kind of run-on sentence. It has two or more independent clauses joined by a
comma, but it does not have a conjunction. Look at this comma splice. There are two independent
clauses and there is a comma, but there is no conjunction. To correct this, a conjunction must be
added.
Some people want better long-term memory, others want better short-term memory. ✗
Some people want better long-term memory, but others want better short-term memory. ✓

26
B. Over to You
1 Check (✓) five items that are run-on sentences or comma splices.
a. A lot of people struggle with memory problems, but the right diet might help their
forgetfulness.
b. Research shows certain foods can boost brain power they may be a good addition to
your diet.
c. Blueberries are a good choice for many people.
d. Eating them daily may improve memory function.
e. Fatty acids are crucial to brain health, they can be found in fish and nuts.
f. It is a good idea to add salmon or tuna to your menu twice a week you can try eating
walnuts, too.
g. Many red foods can also help with memory function, so some people suggest eating
tomatoes and strawberries.
h. What people drink also plays a part in memory improvement, some experts say water
is the best choice.
i. Coffee can help with concentration in small amounts too much coffee can hurt.
j. These diet tips can be effective for people wanting to improve their memories.

2 Read the sentences. Write C for Correct, RS for Run-On Sentence, or CS for Comma Splice.
1 Max studied for the exam but he could not remember the answers.
2 My sister has a lot of friends, she always remembers their names.
3 Felix has a fantastic long-term memory, but he can’t always remember things at first.
4 We studied very hard for the test, we forgot everything on the day of the test for
some reason.
5 Although memory is a natural skill, it can also be improved.
6 Some people concentrate better in a quiet room others prefer a little noise.
7 Daniel struggles with his work, he needs a better study routine.

CHECK!
1 A has two or more independent clauses
connected with no comma, no conjunction, or neither a comma nor a
conjunction.
2 A has two or more independent clauses
connected only with a comma.

7 Avoiding Run-Ons and Comma Splices 27

 C. Practice
1 Read each sentence in the chart. Decide if it is a run-on sentence, a comma splice, or
correct. Check (✓) the box in the correct column.
RUN-ON COMMA
CORRECT
SENTENCE SPLICE

1. Many students struggle to recall facts, and they need

advice about how to remember better.
2. Sara went to a presentation she learned ways to
improve her memory.
3. The expert gave advice about when to do
assignments, he gave advice about memorizing facts.
4. You should use information in a variety of ways, or
you will rapidly forget it.
5. Short-term memory holds a small amount of
information long-term memory holds much more.
6. Short-term memories can become long-term
memories, using information frequently helps.
7. I need to improve my concentration so I turn off the
TV when I do homework.
8. He has to give a presentation tomorrow, and he
cannot recall where he left his notes.

2 Read the sentences. Circle C for Correct Sentence or I for Incorrect Sentence. Then
write RS for Run-On Sentence or CS for Comma Splice.
C|I 1 It is not difficult to improve your memory, but you have to practice.
C|I 2 A good memory helps you learn better it is a good idea to improve your
memorization skills.
C|I 3 Brain games are fun to play, they help improve concentration.
C|I 4 Research shows that chewing gum may help people remember new
information, my advice is to chew sugar-free gum.
C|I 5 One study showed that fish oil helped school children’s memories it also
improved their behavior at school.
C|I 6 A heavy meal can hurt your concentration, but small healthy meals can boost
your brain power.
C|I 7 You can repeat information aloud to help remember it, you can write it down.
C|I 8 It is important to stay alert you should take a study break every hour.

28 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 An independent clause 7 Choose the run-on sentence.

a. expresses an incomplete idea. a. People should drink plenty of
b. expresses a complete idea. water, but they should not drink
c. has no subject and no verb. too much coffee.
b. People should drink plenty of
2 One example of a run-on sentence is a water, they should not drink too
sentence with much coffee.
a. two independent clauses and no c. People should drink plenty of
comma. water they should not drink too
b. two independent clauses, a much coffee.
comma, and a conjunction.
c. one independent clause and 8 Choose the run-on sentence.
several commas. a. I have to give a presentation
later I don’t remember when.
3 A comma splice is usually missing b. I have to give a presentation
a. a verb. later, I don’t remember when.
b. a comma. c. I have to give a presentation
c. a conjunction. later, but I don’t remember when.

4 Choose the comma splice. 9 Choose the correct sentence.

a. Puzzles are fun to do. They can a. Short-term memory helps you
help exercise your brain. remember where you parked your
b. Puzzles are fun to do, they can help car this information will not
exercise your brain. usually go into long-term memory.
c. Puzzles are fun to do they can help b. Short-term memory helps you
exercise your brain. remember where you parked your
car, but this information will not
5 Choose the comma splice. usually go into long-term memory.
c. Short-term memory helps you
a. Fish oil is good for brain health,
remember where you parked your
you should eat fish every week.
car, this information will not
b. Fish oil is good for brain health,
usually go into long-term memory.
so you should eat fish every week.
c. Fish oil is good for brain health.
10 Choose the correct sentence.
You should eat fish every week.
a. He heard the advice about memory
6 Choose the run-on sentence. improvement, and he wants to
become less forgetful.
a. Blueberries can improve memory
b. He heard the advice about memory
function, and they are also tasty.
improvement he wants to become
b. Blueberries can improve memory
less forgetful.
function and they are also tasty.
c. He heard the advice about memory
c. Blueberries can improve memory
improvement, he wants to become
function, they are also tasty.
less forgetful.

7 Avoiding Run-Ons and Comma Splices 29

8

CCONNECTING
ONNECTING TO THE THEME
Parallel Structure

TO THE THEME
Cyber bullying is when one person bothers another using technology.
What can you
Are these do to make
statements a good
about cyberfirst impression?
bullying Which of the tips
true or false?
below do you think may help?
1 Sending mean text messages, writing fake e-mails, or leaving
1 You
meanshould be neat
voicemails forand well-dressed.
another person is not cyber bullying.
22 You should make eye contact
More than half of young people with thetell
don’t other person.
their parents that they
3 You shouldcyber
are being talk abullied,
lot about yourself.
or that someone they know is being
cyber bullied.
4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
53 You
Boysshould
are more
ask likely
aboutthan
the girls
othertoperson
be cyber bullied.
when the time is right.
4 Offering education and giving information are two possible
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

solutions to the problem.

2 True, 3 False (girls are more likely than boys), 4 True
1 False (this is one of the most common ways to cyber bully),

A. Skill Presentation
Use parallel structure in lists of words, phrases, or clauses to make sentences flow well. Sentences
without parallel structure can sound awkward and may be incorrect. Look at this example. It has
parallel structure with words. All the words in the list are nouns (children, preteens, and teenagers).
Cyber bullying is a serious problem for children, preteens, and teenagers.
Now look at this example. It has parallel structure with phrases. Both phrases are prepositional
phrases that start with the preposition on.
This includes sending malicious messages on computers or on smartphones.
Next, look at this example. It has parallel structure with clauses. Both clauses start with that.
Experts say that passwords should be long and that computers should have virus
protection software.
Finally, look at an example that does not have parallel structure. A problem does not follow the same
pattern as hurtful and dangerous. A problem is a noun, but hurtful and dangerous are adjectives. To
give the sentence parallel structure, all the words should be the same part of speech.
Cyber bullying is hurtful, dangerous, and a problem. ✗
Cyber bullying is hurtful, dangerous, and mean. ✓

30
B. Over to You
1 Check (✓) the sentences that have parallel structure.
1 a. Create a password that is long and that contains numbers.
b. Create a password that is long and by using numbers.
c. Create a password that is long with numbers.
2 a. Cyber bullies are usually hurtful and people who have low self-confidence.
b. Cyber bullies are usually people with low self-confidence and who want to hurt
others.
c. Cyber bullies are usually people who have low self-confidence and who want to hurt
others.
3 a. The number of cyber bullies is increasing and has caused problems in many schools.
b. The number of cyber bullies is increasing and is causing problems in many schools.
c. The number of cyber bullies is increasing and is dangerous.

2 Match each sentence beginning (1–7) with the correct sentence ending (a–g) to make
sentences with parallel structure.
1 Computer hacking is serious,
2 Cyber bullying is a growing problem
3 We took a computer class to practice what we know,
4 Hackers access personal computers,
5 I learned how to use my smartphone by reading the manual,
6 Cyber bullies send malicious messages on cell phones,
7 Cyber bullying is a problem that can affect children,

a and a serious crime.

b that can cause emotional pain, and that can become serious.
c to improve our abilities, and to learn new skills.
d malicious, and illegal.
e steal credit card information, and figure out passwords.
f on the Internet, and on smartphones.
g by looking up information online, and by asking a friend for help.

CHECK!
1 Use parallel structure in lists of words, phrases, or to make
your sentence flow well.
2 To be sure your sentence has parallel structure, use word
patterns when you write lists.

8 Parallel Structure 31
 C. Practice
1 Read each sentence in the chart. Decide if it has parallel structure or not. Check (✓)
the box in the correct column.
PARALLEL NOT PARALLEL
STRUCTURE STRUCTURE

1. The latest smartphones are fast, powerful, and small.

2. The latest smartphones are popular, in stores, and useful.

3. Cyber bullies can be mean, scary, and should be punished.

4. Cyber bullies can be hurtful, annoying, and cruel.

5. Hackers access information, create viruses, and shut down
communication.
6. Hackers stole passwords, can create computer programs, and
may have taken information illegally.
7. To prevent hackers, I use special software and with strong
passwords.
8. I prevent hackers by choosing creative passwords and by
purchasing anti-virus software.
9. They plan to sell programs that will stop viruses and to
discourage hackers.

2 Circle the correct words or phrases to make sentences with parallel structure.
1 Hackers break into e-mail accounts, computer systems, | by stealing, | are common, and
wireless devices.
2 Hackers cause problems for hospitals, government offices, and banks | are illegal | by
taking important information.
3 Hacking is mean, | a crime, | to steal, dangerous, and illegal.
4 In the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation studies, investigates, | can
investigate, | is investigating, and stops computer crimes.
5 Many cyber criminals send e-mails to people asking for a check, a money transfer, or
cash | to take their money | that they need cash.
6 An e-mail may say a person needs money because his credit cards were stolen or because
his passport is missing | his passport | if he loses his passport.
7 The cyber criminal hopes that people will be kind and to send him money | for sending
him money | that they will send him money.
8 The cyber criminal does not return the money. He uses it for travel, with | for | by
shopping, or for other personal items.
9 You can report e-mails that | to | can seem fake and that seem dangerous.

32 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 Parallel structure means using word 7 Choose the sentence with parallel structure.
patterns in lists. a. The FBI hopes to catch people who
a. different create scams and when they are
b. similar hacking into computers.
c. various b. The FBI hopes to catch people
who create scams and if they hack
2 Use parallel structure in lists of words, into computers.
phrases, and c. The FBI hopes to catch people
a. paragraphs. who create scams and who hack
b. sentences. into computers.
c. clauses.
8 Choose the sentence with parallel structure.
3 Choose the option that gives this sentence a. Children should tell an adult
parallel structure: Hacking is a serious, if they get an e-mail that is
dangerous, and crime. unwanted or threatening.
a. to worry about b. Children should tell an adult
b. against the law if they get an e-mail that is
c. malicious unwanted or contains threats.
c. Children should tell an adult if
4 Choose the option that gives this sentence they get an e-mail they do not
parallel structure: Cyber criminals lie, want or feel threatened.
cheat, and .
9 Choose the sentence with parallel structure.
a. steal
b. theft a. Only accept e-mails from teachers,
c. may be malicious from friends, and that someone in
your family sends.
5 Choose the option that gives this sentence b. Only accept e-mails from teachers,
parallel structure: Be careful of e-mails that from friends, and from family.
ask for money and from someone you c. Only accept e-mails from teachers,
do not know. from friends, and the ones your
family sends.
a. are coming
b. that come
10 Choose the sentence with parallel structure.
c. can be
a. Cyber criminals include people
6 Choose the option that gives this sentence who send fake e-mails, who bully
parallel structure: Cyber criminals can be others, and who hack into
punished and by the police. computers.
b. Cyber criminals include people
a. by the FBI
who send fake e-mails, bullies, and
b. for some crimes
who hack into computers.
c. if the crimes are severe
c. Cyber criminals include people
who send fake e-mails, by texting,
and with computers.

8 Parallel Structure 33
 9

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

Good Writing

How healthy are you? Which of the healthy habits in bold do you have?
Features of

Traditionally, Americans eat three meals a day. However, some experts think
C ONNECTING
it is better to eat five smaller TO T
THEFirst,HEME
meals. they recommend you have a fairly
large breakfast around 8:00 a.m. Next, people should eat a healthy lunch
around noon. What
Then,canthey
yourecommend
do to make ayougood eatfirst impression?
a small snack Which
aroundof3:00
the tips
p.m.
below do you think may help?
According to these experts, we should eat a light dinner around 6:00 p.m.
Finally, they 1sayYou
it isshould
a good beidea
neattoand well-dressed.
have a nutritious snack around 9:00 p.m.
Although this2 mayYou not be the
should makewayeyemost Americans
contact usually
with the othereat, many experts
person.
believe that eating five smaller meals contributes to a healthier lifestyle.
3 You should talk a lot about yourself.
If you do four or more of these things, you have a lot of healthy habits.
4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

A. Skill Presentation
One feature of good writing is that it has a clear purpose. When you write academic paragraphs, your
purpose is often to inform readers about something new or to persuade readers what to do or what
to think. The purpose of this paragraph is to inform readers about healthy times to eat meals.
Some experts think it is better to eat five smaller meals.
First, they recommend eating a large breakfast around FORMAL
TRANSITION 8:00 a.m. Second, experts recommend eating a healthy LANGUAGE
WORDS lunch around noon. Third, experts suggest eating a small
snack, like fruit, around 3:00 p.m. An appropriate time for
dinner is around 6:00 p.m. Having a healthy snack around
9:00 p.m. may also be beneficial. Some experts believe that DETAILS
TIME ORDER
several small meals lead to a healthier lifestyle.
A second feature of good writing is that it relates to a specific audience. When you write academic
paragraphs, your audience is often your teacher or your classmates. Often, teachers will expect to
read formal writing that uses the third person. This paragraph uses formal language, such as experts,
and the third person (they).
A third feature of good writing is clarity. Readers should be able to understand your writing and not
be confused. Including words that give detail can help add clarity to your writing. This paragraph has
clarity because it gives details to make the ideas clear.
A fourth feature of good writing is that it is coherent, or clearly organized. For example, paragraphs
can be in time order or in the order of importance. Transition words and transition phrases can help
make your writing more coherent. The sentences in this paragraph are in time order, and there are
transition words that help add coherence.

34
B. Over to You
1 Check (✓) the paragraph that has more features of good writing.
a. Traditionally, Americans eat three meals a day. To start, they may only have time to
eat a small amount of food for breakfast. Many people eat a bagel or have a small bowl
of cereal around 7:00 a.m. Next, Americans typically eat lunch around noon. Lunch
is often a small meal like a sandwich or a bowl of soup. Finally, many Americans have
a large dinner around 6:00 p.m. This often includes a variety of food. Everyone is
different, but many Americans follow a similar pattern.
b. Traditionally, Americans eat three meals a day. They eat lunch in the afternoon.
Lunch is often small. I usually grab a quick bite in the morning. I think everyone
should eat a healthy breakfast. My favorite breakfast food is cereal. Many Americans
have a big dinner. This often includes a whole bunch of food. Everyone is different, but
we usually follow this pattern.

2 Read the paragraph and answer the questions below using the options given. There are
four extra options.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an important government agency
that deals with food. There are ten different departments in the USDA. Each department has
a specific responsibility. For example, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) makes sure that
food in the United States is safe. It also educates people about nutrition. In summary, the
USDA helps inform people about a wide variety of food issues.

a teacher or a professor about nutrition important, specific, wide

In summary the writer’s close friends USDA, FNS, United States
to compare the USDA to the FNS to inform readers about what the USDA does

1 What is the author’s purpose for writing this paragraph?

2 The audience for this paragraph is probably:

3 Which words add clarity to this paragraph?

4 Which phrase helps make this paragraph more coherent?

CHECK!
1 Good writing has a clear , or the reason you are writing.
2 It relates to an , such as a teacher or classmates.
3 It has , so that your readers understand all of your ideas.
4 It is because it is clearly organized and may include transition
words or phrases.

9 Features of Good Writing 35

 C. Practice
1 Read each pair of sentences. Decide which sentence in the pair has more clarity and
which sentence has less clarity. Write MC for More Clarity or LC for Less Clarity.
1 a. Many people eat food on the weekends.
b. Many Americans eat brunch on the weekends.
2 a. People eat brunch around 11:00, which is after a typical breakfast but before a
typical lunch.
b. Brunch is a meal that people eat between two other mealtimes.
3 a. Pancakes are a typical food for brunch, and people almost always have coffee or
orange juice.
b. Pancakes are served at some meals, and people may have different kinds of drinks.
4 a. Young people go out for meals together.
b. Young people often go to restaurant brunches in large groups.
5 a. Some restaurants have weekend brunch specials with a main dish, smaller dishes,
and coffee for approximately $15.
b. Some restaurants have brunch specials where you get a lot of food for one price.

2 Number the sentences in the correct order to form a coherent paragraph.

The USDA recommends a number of steps to ensure that chicken is handled safely.
Finally, use the chicken in one or two days.
Chicken can go bad after that, and it can be very dangerous for your health.
Second, put chicken in a plastic bag after you buy it.
First, make sure chicken is cold before you buy it.
As soon as you get home, put the chicken in the refrigerator right away.
Follow these tips to be sure you are handling chicken properly.

36 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 To inform and to persuade are 7 Which sentence uses the most detail to
a. common purposes for writing. give it clarity?
b. typical transition phrases. a. One government agency says
c. ideas to increase clarity. people should eat five meals.
b. An agency thinks people should
2 To give a paragraph clarity eat food at different times.
a. think about who will read it. c. The FNS recommends eating five
b. use words with detail to make nutritious meals each day.
ideas clearer.
c. add transition words throughout 8 Which sentence uses the most detail to
the paragraph. give it clarity?
a. The FNS provides healthy food to
3 A coherent paragraph has sentences in disadvantaged children.
a. an order that makes sense, such as b. There is a service in the United
time order. States that gives food to children.
b. the order of length, with shorter c. The FNS provides food for people.
sentences first.
c. an order that challenges the 9 Which sentences use a transition word to
audience. help add coherence?
a. There are many things you can
4 An academic paragraph does not use do to be healthy. Eat nutritional
a. formal language. food and exercise regularly.
b. informal language. b. There are many things you can
c. the third person (they). do to be healthy. First, eat food
with high nutritional value.
5 Which sentence’s purpose is to give c. You can be healthier by eating
information? food with high nutritional value.
You’ll be happier, as well.
a. In my opinion, it is crucial for
farmers to work with the FSA.
10 Which sentences are in an order that
b. The FSA should increase their
makes them coherent?
programs to help more farmers.
c. The FSA is a department in the a. First, make sure the vegetables
USDA that assists farmers. are fresh. Next, put them in a
plastic bag before you buy them.
6 Which sentence’s purpose is to persuade? b. Next, wash the vegetables under
cold running water. To start, make
a. Some Americans eat three meals a
sure the vegetables are fresh.
day, but others eat five or six.
c. Finally, steam the vegetables or
b. According to experts, there are
cook them with olive oil. Then put
many ways to improve your health.
them in a plastic bag before you
c. It is important to eat five meals a
buy them.
day in order to lose weight.

9 Features of Good Writing 37

10
Clarity in Sentences

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

and Paragraphs

What feelings are associated with colors in these countries? Match the
colors and countries with their meanings.
a danger b purity c death d luck
1 In Japan, Europe, and the U.S., red can signal . People in
C ONNECTING
those TOredTHE
countries use T
HEME
in warning signs.
2 In China, red represents . This color is used in New Year’s
What can you do to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
decorations to bring good fortune in the new year.
below do you think may help?
3 According to one article, in the U.S. and Europe, white means .
1 You should be neat and well-dressed.
White is a popular choice for painting bathrooms and health spas.
2 You should make eye contact with the other person.
4 In China and Japan, white is often associated with . This color
3 You
may beshould
used intalk a lot
times ofabout yourself.
mourning.
4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual. 1 a, 2 d, 3 b, 4 c

5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

A. Skill Presentation
There are three ways to improve the clarity of your writing. One way is to use language that is
specific, not vague or general. Use specific adjectives to add more information. Avoid common
words like good, great, nice, and bad – these are too general and do not help make ideas clearer. Look
at this sentence. To improve clarity, we could change good to a word like skilled – a more vivid and
specific adjective.
She is good skilled at choosing colors for websites.
A second way to improve clarity is to use pronouns carefully. A pronoun that refers to a noun in a
previous sentence may be confusing. If it is not completely clear what a pronoun refers to, change
it to a specific noun or noun phrase. Look at this sentence. What Laura enjoys is not completely
clear. The pronoun it might refer to the cross-cultural impact of color, to does research, or to an event.
To improve clarity, we could change it to a specific noun or noun phrase, like learning about cross-
cultural differences.
Laura does research on the cross-cultural impact of color before she plans an event. She
enjoys it learning about cross-cultural differences.
A third way to add clarity to your writing is to use action verbs instead of to be as the main verbs. This
makes the sentence more specific, helps the reader understand meaning, and makes your writing
more interesting. Be careful – sometimes when you replace a form of to be with an action verb, you
may need to rephrase the sentence. Look at this sentence. To improve clarity, we could change was
careful to an action verb phrase like made careful decisions.
He did not want to offend his hosts, so he was / made careful decisions about choosing colors
for business gifts.

38
B. Over to You
1 Read the sentences. Choose the word in bold that should be changed to improve clarity.
Write A, B, or C.
1 AMany people feel that it is not Bnice to wear Cblack to a wedding.
2 White Aflowers might be inappropriate in some situations. BThey may be considered
C
unlucky.
3 Selecting appropriate Acolors for Bglobal websites Cis time consuming.

2 Look at each pair of sentences. Sentence a is not very clear. Sentence b is clearer. Decide
what change the writer made to improve it. Write P/N if the writer replaced an unclear
pronoun with a specific noun. Write V if the writer changed the verb to be to an action verb.
1 a. Children tend to prefer purple and orange more than adults do. They often choose these
colors for bedroom decorations.
b. Children tend to prefer purple and orange more than adults do. Children often choose
these colors for bedroom decorations.
2 a. Green has a positive effect on people’s emotions. This is why hospitals often have light
green rooms.
b. Green has a positive effect on people’s emotions. This explains why hospitals often have
light green rooms.
3 a. Red can be a problem in some situations. Schools often avoid this color in classrooms
because it has an overwhelming effect on children.
b. Red can create a problem in some situations. Schools often avoid this color in classrooms
because it has an overwhelming effect on children.
4 a. Women are more likely than men to have a favorite color. In addition, they usually prefer
soft hues.
b. Women are more likely than men to have a favorite color. In addition, women usually
prefer soft hues.
5 a. A successful delivery company uses a shade of brown for its trucks. It can suggest
reliability in North American culture.
b. A successful delivery company uses a shade of brown for its trucks. The color brown can
suggest reliability in North American culture.
6 a. Women are generally more knowledgeable about color names than men are. Current
research supports this conclusion.
b. Women generally know more color names than men do. Current research supports this
conclusion.

CHECK!
1 Use rather than general adjectives.
2 Use carefully, and change those that are unclear to
nouns.
3 Use verbs instead of the verb whenever
possible.

10 Clarity in Sentences and Paragraphs 39

 C. Practice
1 Circle the correct clearer, more specific words to replace the words in bold for each item.
good | significant 1 The color red is often used on signs because it has a
big impact on the people who view it.
safe | stimulating 2 Some experts believe that the color orange has a
good effect on diners’ appetites.
negative | rude 3 A 2010 study showed that some cultures have a bad
reaction to brown and orange.
plays an important role | is useful 4 Color choice is important in global marketing.
good | safe 5 Culture experts say that yellow is a fine choice for
gift giving in Asia.
People in different cultures | Colors 6 People in different cultures view colors in different
ways. They can be considered lucky or unlucky,
depending on where you are.
The color green | Food packaging 7 Green is used more than blue in food packaging.
It often signifies something “healthy” or “natural.”
Royalty | This color 8 Purple often signifies “royalty” in the West. It was
the choice of kings and queens in the Middle Ages.
produces calm feelings | seems nice 9 According to Western psychology, blue is calming
for many people.
create | do 10 Mixing two hues can make a third color.

2 Read each pair of sentences, and check (✓) the one that is clearest. Then circle the
words that were changed to improve it.
1 a. Some students associate words with colors. This helps them remember them better.
b. Some students associate words with colors. This helps them remember the words
better.
2 a. The Olympics logo has five rings. The logo consists of five colors: red, yellow,
green, blue, and black.
b. The Olympics logo has five rings. The logo is five colors: red, yellow, green, blue,
and black.
3 a. The white dress for American and European brides is a relatively recent tradition.
This fashion started in the nineteenth century.
b. The white dress for American and European brides is a relatively new tradition.
This fashion started in the nineteenth century.
4 a. Brides wear red or pink in India. These colors are the most popular.
b. Brides wear red or pink in India. Most brides choose these colors.
5 a. Black represents death and mourning in Western cultures. It is often associated
with negative emotions.
b. Black represents death and mourning in Western cultures. Black is often
associated with negative emotions.

40 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 Clarity is how easy it is to 7 Choose the sentence with the most clarity.
a. understand a piece of writing. a. Choosing colors for a global
b. write a paragraph. website is very hard.
c. revise a piece of writing. b. Choosing colors for a global
website presents a serious challenge.
2 One way to improve clarity is to replace c. Choosing colors for a global
with a more specific one. website is extremely difficult.
a. a complicated verb
b. a coordinating conjunction 8 A: In some cultures, people believe that
c. a common adjective white is bad luck.
B: In some cultures, people believe that
3 Another way to improve clarity is to white represents bad luck.
change to a specific noun. What makes sentence B clearer than
sentence A?
a. an unclear pronoun
b. an indirect object a. A specific adjective replaces a
c. a proper noun common adjective.
b. A specific noun replaces a pronoun.
4 Another way to improve clarity is to c. A specific verb replaces to be.
replace with an action verb.
9 A: Red represents luck. For this reason, it
a. the subject
appears in New Year’s decorations.
b. the verb to be
B: Red represents luck. For this reason, this
c. every verb
color appears in New Year’s decorations.
What makes sentence B clearer than
5 Choose the sentence with the most clarity.
sentence A?
a. Red and gold are nice colors in
a. A specific adjective replaces a
some cultures.
common adjective.
b. Red and gold are good colors in
b. A specific noun replaces a pronoun.
some cultures.
c. A specific verb replaces to be.
c. Red and gold are considered lucky
colors in some cultures.
10 A: Good global advertisers study the
cultures where they want to do business.
6 Choose the sentence with the most clarity.
B: Successful global advertisers study the
a. Women are typically better than cultures where they want to do business.
them at naming colors. What makes sentence B clearer than
b. Women are typically better than sentence A?
men at naming colors.
a. A specific adjective replaces a
c. Women are typically better than
common adjective.
him at naming colors.
b. A specific noun replaces a pronoun.
c. A specific verb replaces the verb be.

10 Clarity in Sentences and Paragraphs 41

11

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

What can you do to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
Unity in Paragraphs

below do you think may help?

CONNECTING
1 You shouldTO
be THE THEME
neat and well-dressed.
Read 2this
You should make
paragraph abouteye contact
factors for awith the other
pleasant person.
working environment.
Which3 do you think were rated most important
You should talk a lot about yourself. in a survey? Rank them
from 1 (least important) to 4 (most important).
4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
According to a survey of 100 employees, several factors create a
5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
pleasant work environment. Flexible hours are very important. Many
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.
people need to adjust their working day to fit their needs. Good
lighting can make a work space feel more comfortable. Some workers
feel it sets the scene for the work environment. A comfortable desk
and chair can make working long hours less painful. They can decrease
back problems and increase productivity. Friendly co-workers are
a big plus for almost everyone. People want to like the people they are
around for 40 hours a week. These factors and others can help create
the best work place experience possible.
survey results from top to bottom: 4, 2, 3, 1

A. Skill Presentation
All paragraphs have a topic sentence, several supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.
Supporting sentences are usually specific and give facts or examples to support the topic sentence.
These sentences must be directly related to the main idea to give your paragraph unity and make it
strong and clear. Any sentence not related to the main idea does not belong there.
For example, the paragraph below does not have good unity. The first two supporting sentences are
directly related to the main idea in the topic sentence. However, the third supporting sentence does
not support the topic sentence. It gives information about a film company, but it does not relate to
the idea that some companies work together. This detail does not add to paragraph unity and should
not be included.
TSSome film companies work together to make movies. SSDisney and Pixar make animated
films. SSDisneyand Pixar sometimes work together. SSPixar encourages creative thinking.
CSFilm companies that work together can create more innovative movies.

42
B. Over to You
1 Check (✓) the paragraph that has better unity.
a. Innovation is important to the people at Pixar. Pixar uses new technology in their
films. The artists at Pixar are encouraged to be creative. Managers want employees to
use their imaginations. Most people agree that this company values new ideas.
b. Innovation is important to the people at Pixar. Pixar uses new technology in
their films. The artists at Pixar are encouraged to be creative. Pixar is located in
Emeryville, California. Most people agree that this company values new ideas.

2 Read the topic sentence. Check (✓) six supporting sentences that will help give the
paragraph unity.
Topic Sentence: Many people believe the clothing company Patagonia offers excellent benefits
to employees.
a. Patagonia believes it is important for their employees to be happy and healthy.
b. For instance, many employees take time off to surf, climb mountains, or hike.
c. Hiking is a popular sport in many parts of the United States.
d. Another benefit that Patagonia offers its employees is child care.
e. Employees can bring their children to work.
f. Child care in some cities can be very expensive.
g. Employees are also rewarded for driving hybrid cars.
h. The best parking spots are saved for people who drive those types of cars.
i. Environmentally friendly cars are becoming increasingly popular in the United States.
j. Patagonia is very lucky to have such healthy employees.

CHECK!
1 Supporting sentences should support the sentence of the
paragraph.
2 A paragraph that includes only supporting sentences related to the main
idea has .

11 Unity in Paragraphs 43
 C. Practice
1 Read the two topic sentences and each supporting sentence in the chart. Decide
which topic sentence each supporting sentence should go with to give the
paragraph unity. Check (✓ ) the box in the correct column.
Topic Sentence 1: Pixar has changed since it started in 1996.
Topic Sentence 2: The work environment at Pixar is unusual.
TOPIC TOPIC
SENTENCE 1 SENTENCE 2

1. By 2010, there were two Pixar offices.

2. There are brightly colored posters on the walls.

3. Some employees do not go to the office until the afternoon.

4. In addition, Pixar is now owned by Disney.

5. Because of its success, Pixar is now worth more than $7 billion.

6. Recently, the company started using images of real people in some
of its films.
7. Employees are allowed to play games with their co-workers
during the work day.
8. Sometimes they have contests making paper airplanes.

2 Match each topic sentence (1–7) with the correct supporting sentence (a–g) that
relates to the main idea.
1 Pixar employees have many unusual benefits.
2 Pixar has a creative work environment.
3 Most Pixar employees are satisfied with their jobs.
4 Pixar has had a great deal of success.
5 The company is proud of its diversity.
6 Many animation companies started in California.
7 Pixar has started to use modern technology to create its films.

a For example, they made their first 3D movie in 2009.

b Employees are expected to use their imaginations.
c There are employees from many backgrounds.
d Its films have won more than 200 awards.
e For example, some employees can go to work in the afternoon.
f For example, the Walt Disney Company started near Los Angeles.
g They enjoy going to work every day.

44 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 All sentences in a paragraph 7 Choose the supporting sentence for

a. are general and not specific. this topic sentence that will not give the
b. are related to the same topic. paragraph unity: Some companies believe
c. introduce new topics. diversity in the workplace is very important.
a. They believe that employees from
2 Supporting sentences different backgrounds make
a. give more information about the stronger teams.
main idea. b. To encourage diversity, employers
b. are not related to the topic often seek employees from a
sentence. variety of countries.
c. are general and not specific. c. Many companies also provide
different resources to their
3 A paragraph that has unity includes employees.
supporting sentences
8 Choose the supporting sentence for
a. that relate only to topics in
this topic sentence that will not give the
previous paragraphs.
paragraph unity: Patagonia gives one
b. that only support the topic sentence.
percent of its profits to charities.
c. that give information about a
variety of topics. a. They typically give money to
environmental groups.
4 A piece of writing that has unity is usually b. Many Patagonia employees
enjoy competing in marathons.
a. strong and clear.
c. Many Patagonia employees are
b. vague and confusing.
proud to work for a company that
c. serious and educational.
gives money to good causes.
5 Choose the main idea of this topic
9 Choose the main idea of this topic
sentence: Some companies believe diversity
sentence: Employees at companies like
in the workplace is very important.
Pixar and Patagonia are usually satisfied.
a. There are companies that
a. Some employees want more perks.
like to have employees with
b. Some employees are distracted.
different backgrounds.
c. Some companies have happy
b. Some employees work better when
employees.
there are no office distractions.
c. Companies with many benefits
10 Choose the supporting sentence for
often have satisfied employees.
this topic sentence that will not give the
paragraph unity: Employees at companies
6 Choose the main idea of this topic
like Pixar and Patagonia are usually
sentence: Patagonia gives one percent of its
satisfied.
profits to charities.
a. For example, some of them think
a. Patagonia’s profits have grown in
they deserve even better benefits.
the past 40 years.
b. These employees have many perks.
b. Patagonia donates money.
c. These companies understand how
c. Groups that help others are
to keep employees happy.
important.
11 Unity in Paragraphs 45
12
Academic Writing vs.

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

Informal Writing

Read these recommendations for paying for school. Which do you follow?
C
1 Students should tryONNECTING
to stay withinTO THE orHEME
a weekly T
monthly budget.
A I usually do this. B I can’t always stay within budget.
What can you do to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
C I don’t set budgets.
below do you think may help?
2 Most schools offer financial aid, such as loans.
1 You should be neat and well-dressed.
A I have never needed financial aid. B I apply for financial aid as needed.
C I request this 2 Yousemester.
each should make eye contact with the other person.

3 Working part-time3 You

canshould talk a lotpay
help students about yourself.tuition.
for college
4 You
A I work evenings should
and/or be comfortable,
on weekends. B but you shouldn’t
I sometimes work look toovacations.
during casual.
C I don’t work. 5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
with and,effort.
1, 2, a4,little Cs:make
help you
5 will Mostly a good
you are first impression.
not financially responsible at all.
Mostly As: you are financially independent. Mostly Bs: you could be financially independent

A. Skill Presentation
There are two main types of writing. Academic writing is used for essays, written exams, and e-mails
or letters for work or school. It has a more formal tone and is objective, not personal. If opinions are
included, they are supported by examples. Informal writing is used for notes to friends, personal
blogs, and e-mails or letters to friends and family. It has a less formal tone and is often based on
personal experience. The writer’s opinions are frequently included, often not supported by examples.
One way to make your writing more academic is to use full forms of words. In informal writing,
contractions are common. For example, cannot is more formal than the contraction can’t.
Many students can’t cannot afford college.
A second way to make your writing academic is to use the third person. It makes your writing sound
less personal and more objective. Look at these examples. The first is written with a less formal tone.
It uses the first and second person, and it includes personal experience. In the second sentence, the
third person makes it objective, not personal.
My tuition costs are rising. You have to pay a lot of money to go to college.
Tuition costs are rising. It is expensive to go to college.
A third way to make your writing academic is to use mostly formal vocabulary. In informal writing,
some vocabulary may be informal. For example, increasing is more formal than going up.
The cost of college is going up increasing.

46
B. Over to You
1 Read the pairs of sentences. Check (✓) the sentence in each pair that is more academic.
1 a. Many people can’t afford to go to college these days.
b. Many people cannot afford to go to college these days.
2 a. You may not know how you’ll pay for college.
b. Many students do not know how they will pay for college.
3 a. The college is trying to prevent tuition costs from increasing.
b. The college is trying to stop tuition costs from going up.
4 a. The Curson Academy of Music awards scholarships that cover the entire cost of
tuition for particularly talented students.
b. The Curson Academy of Music gives a bunch of money that pays all of the tuition for
some people.
5 a. I plan to attend Berea College in Kentucky because I want to participate in their
community service program.
b. It is required of all students at Berea College to do at least ten hours of community
service per week.

2 Read the paragraph. Decide how many and which sentences have an informal tone.
1
Tuition isn’t the only expensive thing about college. 2Living on a college campus can be
quite expensive. 3Students should set a budget each month for all expenses in addition to
tuition and books. 4You can get on the Internet free at a lot of colleges, so you probably don’t
need to worry about that. 5However, students should be prepared to spend money on phone
bills and possibly on cable television services. 6It is important to budget about $200 per month
for food, as well. 7In addition, purchasing clothing and doing laundry can be expensive. 8For
example, I spend, like, $50 a month on clothing and laundry. 9If you can’t walk to your classes,
you also need to set aside money for a bus or something like that. 10Students should plan for a
variety of expenses if they are going to live on campus.

sentences have an informal tone. Sentences:

CHECK!
1 writing is not personal and uses full forms and the third
person. It uses vocabulary that is more formal and specific and has opinions
that are supported by examples. We often use this type of writing for essays,
written exams, and e-mails or letters for work and for school.
2 writing is often based on personal experiences. It is used for
notes to friends, blogs, and e-mails or letters to family and friends and has
opinions not always supported by examples.

12 Academic Writing vs. Informal Writing 47

 C. Practice
1 Read each sentence in the chart. Decide if it has a more formal or more informal tone.
Check (✓) the box in the correct column.
MORE FORMAL MORE INFORMAL
TONE TONE

1. You can’t afford to buy college books if they’re too expensive.

2. Some students cannot afford to purchase books for college if
they are too expensive.
3. My friends told me their textbooks cost a bunch of money.

4. The cost of college textbooks can be more than $1,000.

5. A single college textbook may cost more than $100.

6. I paid more than $100 for just one book for school.
7. Some college books are not cheap because they are highly
specialized.
8. Some college books aren’t cheap because they are super
specialized.

2 Check (✓) the sentence in each pair that sounds most academic.
1 a. There are not many scholarship programs at the university.
b. There aren’t many scholarship programs at the university.
2 a. The tuition’s increased several times over the years.
b. The tuition has increased several times over the years.
3 a. I think that grants are a great way to pay for education. They really helped me.
b. Scholarships are a good way to pay for an education because they can cover up to
100 percent of the tuition.
4 a. The biggest expense many students have in college is books. There are some
books that cost more than $100.
b. The biggest expense many students have in college is books. At least the books
can be interesting sometimes.
5 a. I think that getting an athletic scholarship is difficult because it is hard to be good
at sports.
b. It can be difficult to obtain an athletic scholarship. Only about two percent of
high school athletes receive athletic scholarships.
6 a. When college students buy used books, they often save money.
b. You can buy used books if you want to save money in college.
7 a. The academy at York College offers students teaching positions after graduation.
b. There’s a college that gives people jobs after they finish school.
8 a. There are many affordable colleges in the United States.
b. The U.S. definitely has some cheap schools.

48 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 In academic writing, it is important to 7 Colleges are not keeping prices from going
include up.
a. formal, appropriate vocabulary. One way to express this idea with a more
b. informal language. formal tone is:
c. contractions and slang. a. Colleges are not preventing
expenses from rising.
2 Academic writing usually uses b. Colleges are not stopping your
a. the first person (I, we). expenses from rising.
b. the second person (you). c. Colleges aren’t stopping expenses
c. the third person (she, he, it, or from going up.
a noun).
8 Which sentence has the most academic
3 Which types of texts usually use an tone?
academic tone? a. Students often forget that they
a. essays and textbooks need money for laundry in college.
b. blogs and notes to friends b. Don’t forget that you will probably
c. e-mails and letters to family need money for laundry in college.
c. We forgot that we needed cash for
4 Choose the word in this sentence that laundry in college.
gives it a more informal tone: You should
have a budget for your expenses. 9 Which sentence has the most academic
tone?
a. should
b. You a. The state budget for my college is
c. expenses decreasing annually.
b. State budgets for schools are going
5 Choose the words in this sentence that down every year.
give it a more informal tone: Students c. State budgets for colleges are
aren’t going to have enough money if they decreasing annually.
don’t follow their budgets.
10 Which sentence has the most academic
a. going, follow
tone?
b. aren’t, don’t
c. money, budget a. Many bookstores do not have used
books, so you have to purchase
6 Choose the word or phrase in this new books.
sentence that gives it a more informal b. Many bookstores don’t have used
tone: The classes at that college cost a whole books, so students have to buy new
lot of money. books.
c. Many bookstores do not have used
a. that college
books, so students have to
b. cost
purchase new books.
c. a whole lot of

12 Academic Writing vs. Informal Writing 49

13

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

CONNECTING TO THE THEME
How does product placement work?
Product placement is a way companies advertise their products in movies and on TV.
Coherence

No one talks about the product.

What The
can you doproduct
to makeisa simply a part
good first of the show.
impression? For
Which ofexample,
the tips
someone on a TV show below do you
might think may
be drinking help? brand of cola. Put these sentences
a certain
in order to show how1product placement
You should be neatcan lead
and to increased sales of the cola.
well-dressed.
Seeing the product in the
2 You storemake
should reminds
eyethe TV viewers
contact of other
with the seeingperson.
it on the show.
Finally, they buy the cola.
3 You should talk a lot about yourself.
First, TV viewers 4see this
You brandbe
should ofcomfortable,
cola on the show.
but you shouldn’t look too casual.
Then, they may see theshould
5 You brand of
askcola while
about thefood shopping.
other person when the time is right.
Correct order5 from
1, 2, 4, and, top you
will help make a3,good
to bottom: 2 impression.
4, 1,first

A. Skill Presentation
If your writing has coherence, it means that it is organized and that your ideas fit together clearly
and smoothly. One way to add coherence to your writing is to put your ideas in a clear order, with
related ideas near each other. For example, you can put events in time order – the order in which
they happen. Look at this paragraph about product placement. The paragraph is coherent. The ideas
about computer companies are next to each other, and the ideas about cola are next to each other.
The sentences are also in the correct time order.
Product placement is a strategy used for a wide variety of products. Computer companies
often use product placement to advertise. Some of them started using product placement in
the mid-1980s. Cola companies also have used it since the 1980s. Today, actors may drink
soft drinks in movies to advertise the product. It is clear that product placement can be an
effective strategy for many different brands.
Another way to add coherence is to repeat important words. This helps the reader follow the main
idea. To avoid too much repetition, use synonyms of a word and replace some nouns with pronouns.
Read the paragraph again. The writer uses the words soft drinks as a way of referring back to cola
and the word brand as a synonym for product. The writer used some of them to refer to computer
companies. The writer also used the pronoun it to replace product placement.
Finally, use transition words and phrases to make your writing more coherent. Transition words and
phrases link ideas in your paragraph together. They are usually at the beginning of sentences. You can
use a variety of transition words and phrases to link your ideas together, give examples, show time
order, or summarize information.

50
B. Over to You
1 Check (✓) the paragraph that is more coherent.
a. In the 1980s, two movies used product placement successfully to promote candy. In
the 1985 movie The Goonies, two actors shared a bag of candy. In E.T., the main
character ate a certain candy. In 1982, E.T. was a popular movie that used product
placement. The candy was a part of the story, but it was also advertising the product.
b. In the 1980s, two movies used product placement successfully to promote candy. In
1982, E.T. was a popular movie that used product placement. In E.T., the main
character ate a certain candy. In the 1985 movie The Goonies, two actors shared a bag
of candy. The candy was a part of the story, but it was also advertising the product.

2 Read each sentence in the chart. Decide if it is in a clear order or not. Check (✓) the box
in the correct column.

CLEAR UNCLEAR

1. After that, advertisements appeared in magazines as well. The first

advertisements were in newspapers.
2. The first advertisements were in newspapers. After that, advertisements
appeared in magazines as well.
3. In 1980, $200 million was spent on advertising. Forty years later,
$3 billion was spent on advertising.
4. Forty years later, $3 billion was spent on advertising. In 1980,
$200 million was spent on advertising.
5. Then when you create the ad, use language that appeals to your
consumers. Decide who will see your ad before you create it.
6. Decide who will see your ad before you create it. Then when you create it,
use language that appeals to your consumers.
7. Creative ads can sell a lot of products. Sometimes the most basic ads are
the most popular. Creativity also appeals to consumers. Simple ads can
appeal to consumers.

CHECK!
1 To make your writing more coherent, put your in a clear order
with related ideas near each other.
2 Repeat important words, but use and to avoid
too much repetition.
3 Use words and phrases to help the ideas in your paragraph
flow together.

13 Coherence 51
 C. Practice
1 Read the paragraph and check (✓) the correct answers.
Advertising in video games is on the rise. More than 100 million adults and teenagers
play video games in the United States, and businesses are taking advantage of this. To
conclude, advertisers began paying video game companies to include ads for their products.
Second, they started to use product placement in certain games. In summary, a video-game
character might drink a specific brand of cola or drive a certain kind of car. As a result,
video game companies make a lot of money from advertising. For instance, businesses spent
$56 million last year on advertisements. For example, experts say that even more money
will be spent on marketing in video games in the future.

1 Why do the transition words and phrases in this paragraph make it less coherent?
a. There are too many transition words and phrases.
b. Some transition words and phrases are used incorrectly.
2 Why does the order of sentences in this paragraph help make it more coherent?
a. Sentences with similar ideas are near each other.
b. Sentences about different ideas are added to the end of the paragraph.
3 Important words in this paragraph
a. are repeated, and sometimes synonyms are used.
b. are avoided, and more general words are used instead.

2 Match each sentence (1–7) with a sentence (a–g) from the same paragraph. Look for
pronouns and synonyms to help you.
1 Companies consider teenagers’ interests when they create new products.
2 Many companies want their employees to be creative.
3 Consumers often react to commercials with positive messages.
4 Advertisements with a negative tone can sometimes be effective.
5 Consumers have various reactions to advertising.
6 Some companies use ads to promote a certain product.
7 Big companies spend millions of dollars in advertising each year.

a Workers who use their imaginations at work are often better at solving problems.
b Negative ads can draw attention to a product and make consumers want to know more
about it.
c It may actually become popular if people respond to the ad.
d Teens spend a lot of money on products, and these companies want to appeal to them.
e One business spent over $90 million dollars on commercials.
f An ad with a positive message makes consumers feel good, and it may help to sell products.
g Their immediate response to an ad often makes them decide whether or not to buy it.

52 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 To add coherence to your writing 6 To add coherence, which sentence should

a. use examples, find interesting come after this one?
information, and include facts. Companies spend a lot of money on
b. put ideas in a clear order, repeat advertisements in video games.
important words, and use a. Advertising became very popular
transition words. in the 1960s.
c. have a clear main idea, use b. A TV ad during a major event like
commas appropriately, and avoid the Super Bowl can cost millions
pronouns. of dollars.
c. They do this because many
2 What is one way to help make the order of consumers will see their ads while
events clear? they play.
a. give examples
b. repeat important words 7 Advertisements convince consumers to buy
c. put related ideas together products. Shoppers see ads, and they want
to own the products.
3 What is one way to repeat ideas but avoid Shoppers and they are used to replace
using the same words? which important word?
a. use pronouns a. consumers
b. use transitions b. advertisements
c. use examples c. products

4 Which of the following phrases can be 8 Which group of sentences is in a clear

used to add coherence by linking ideas? order?
a. For instance a. Ads that are well-liked often
b. By myself contribute to higher sales. In other
c. So what words, products sell better when
the ads for them are popular.
5 Which sentence shows the use of time b. First, buy an online ad that will
order? appeal to consumers. Then decide
a. Many large companies advertise if you want to buy an ad on the
on the Internet. Internet.
b. The Internet is a good place to c. To summarize, people may buy
advertise. things they see while using the
c. After that, post your ad on the computer. For example, many
Internet. people see ads on the Internet.

13 Coherence 53
14

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

What can you do to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
below do you think may help?
1 You should be neat and well-dressed.
2 You should make eye contact with the other person.
Types of Writing

3 You should talk a lot about yourself.

4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
CONNECTING TO THE THEME 1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

More people are becoming geographically mobile, or more likely to move to

new countries. Read the reasons for moving. Which are the most persuasive
for you? Rank the reasons from 1 (most persuasive) to 5 (least persuasive).
better job opportunities better education
lower cost of living more arts and culture
more freedom closer to family and friends
Answers will vary. There are many good reasons to move to a new country.

A. Skill Presentation
A descriptive paragraph describes how something looks, feels, smells, tastes, or sounds. The topic
sentence in this paragraph introduces the topic, and the supporting sentences then describe it.
A comparison paragraph shows how two things are alike or different. The topic sentence in this
paragraph introduces the idea of similarities or differences between two or more things. The
supporting sentences then compare them.
A cause–effect paragraph explains the causes or effects of an event or the reasons why something
happens. It gives the results of something. The topic sentence in this paragraph describes an action or
event. The supporting sentences then give the reasons why the action or event happened.
In a persuasive paragraph, the writer gives an opinion about a topic and tries to convince readers
the opinion is correct or that they should take action. The topic sentence in this paragraph tells the
reader what the writer will try to convince them of. The supporting sentences then tell readers why.

54
B. Over to You
1 Read each paragraph. Decide what type of paragraph it is and write DESCRIPTIVE,
COMPARISON, CAUSE–EFFECT, or PERSUASIVE.
1
Korean supermarkets in the United States are similar to supermarkets in South Korea.
Both Korean supermarkets in South Korea and in the United States sell kimchi. Most Korean
supermarkets in South Korea only sell Korean products, but in the United States they
sometimes also sell Japanese products.
2
It is important to support the new Korean supermarket in the neighborhood. The store
offers a variety of products needed in traditional Korean meals. If more people shop at the
market, more Korean products will become available.
3
There are a variety of Korean products in the new supermarket. It is easy to find Korean
products, like spicy kimchi and crisp green Korean pears. The salty smell of fresh fish fills
the aisles.
4
Many Korean immigrants are moving to smaller cities in the United States. They are
moving because smaller towns are more affordable, and there are opportunities to open
small businesses.

2 Match each sentence (1–6) with the type of paragraph it comes from.
A Descriptive B Cause–effect C Persuasive D Comparison
1 The bakery was filled with the scent of chocolate and the sound of noisy customers.
2 People who want to learn to speak Spanish should study in Latin America.
3 Chinese speech may sound like singing to someone who is not a native speaker.
4 Cantonese and Mandarin are different dialects, but they share a writing system.
5 Some people find it difficult to learn Chinese because there are so many vowel sounds.
6 It is a good idea for people traveling to China to visit Beijing and Kunming.

CHECK!
1 A paragraph describes how something looks, feels, smells,
tastes, or sounds.
2 In a paragraph, the writer gives an opinion about a topic and
tries to convince readers that the opinion is correct.
3 A paragraph can explain the causes, or reasons, of an event.
4 A paragraph compares two or more things. It shows how
they are alike or how they are different.

14 Types of Writing 55
 C. Practice
1 Read each sentence in the chart. Decide which type of paragraph it is from. Check (✓)
the box in the correct column.
CAUSE–
DESCRIPTIVE COMPARISON PERSUASIVE
EFFECT

1. St. Petersburg is a huge city in

Russia. There are many buildings
painted blue, yellow, and green.
2. People should live close to their
families. Grandparents should help
take care of grandchildren.
3. Many people relocate more than
once in their lifetimes. One reason is
that people move to find work.
4. San Diego and Fairfield are very
different. San Diego is a big city, but
Fairfield is much smaller.
5. High-speed Internet is available in
big cities, and it is now available in
small cities, too.
6. New products at the Russian market
include brightly colored bottles of
sweet and tasty soda.
7. Many offices closed down last year.
As a result, many employees moved
to new cities.
8. Relatives should live close to each
other. The best option is to live in
the same town.

2 Read the sentences and write C for Comparison, CE for Cause–Effect, D for Descriptive,
or P for Persuasive.
1 Students who study in other countries experience the sights and sounds of another
place. For example, they may shop in colorful markets when they have free time.
2 Some students move back home after they study, while other students stay in the new
country. Both decisions greatly affect the students’ future careers and lifestyles.
3 Many students go to college in other countries. One reason is that they want to learn
a new language.
4 Students should study in a country other than their own for a semester. They should
experience another culture to learn more about themselves and the world they live in.

56 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 What type of paragraph describes how 7 Which sentence is probably from a cause–
something looks, feels, smells, tastes, or effect paragraph?
sounds? a. The Golden Pig is a Korean
a. a cause–effect paragraph restaurant in Cecil, Pennsylvania.
b. a persuasive paragraph b. It is a good idea to live in a
c. a descriptive paragraph different city after you finish
college.
2 What type of paragraph shows how two c. Some people move to Cecil,
subjects are alike or different? Pennsylvania, because they do not
a. a cause–effect paragraph want to live in Pittsburgh anymore.
b. a comparison paragraph
c. a persuasive paragraph 8 Which sentence is probably from a
descriptive paragraph?
3 What type of paragraph explains reasons a. Austin is a pretty town with a lot of
or gives results? green space and new buildings.
a. a cause–effect paragraph b. You should try some Texas
b. a descriptive paragraph barbecue if you visit Austin.
c. a comparison paragraph c. One reason people live in Austin is
because there are many things to
4 What type of paragraph tries to convince do.
readers one opinion is the best?
9 Which sentence is probably from a
a. a persuasive paragraph
persuasive paragraph?
b. a cause–effect paragraph
c. a comparison paragraph a. It is often easier for children to
adapt to a new country than it is
5 People should eat at the Japanese restaurant for adults.
downtown. b. Parents should encourage their
This sentence is most likely from children to travel to new places.
c. Teenagers often do not like to
a. a descriptive paragraph.
move because they do not want to
b. a cause–effect paragraph.
leave their friends.
c. a persuasive paragraph.
10 Which sentence is probably from a
6 The streets in the city are crowded and
comparison paragraph?
noisy with people speaking many different
languages. a. It is often easier for children to
This sentence is most likely from adapt to a new country than it is
for adults.
a. a descriptive paragraph.
b. Parents should encourage their
b. a cause–effect paragraph.
children to travel to new places.
c. a persuasive paragraph.
c. Teenagers often do not like to
move because they do not want to
leave their friends.

14 Types of Writing 57
15
Descriptive Paragraphs

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

During the Industrial Revolution, many Americans lived in villages
close to cotton factories. Choose the sentences that describe
sounds or smells.
1 The factories were noisy because the machines made very
loud sounds.
CONNECTING TOwere
2 Many workers THEME
THEneeded to run the machines.
3 Workers sometimes sang as they worked.
What can you do to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
4 The
below factories
do you smelled
think may help?dusty, and workers were exposed to
dangerous gases.
1 You should be neat and well-dressed.
5 The workers lived in small, simple houses near the factories.
2 You should make eye contact with the other person.
6 Workers’ homes often smelled like the oils from the
3 You should talk a lot about yourself.
machines that got on their clothes.
4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
Sentences 1, 3, 4, and 6 describe sounds or smells.
5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

A. Skill Presentation
A descriptive paragraph gives your reader a clear picture of a topic. It can describe how something
looks, feels, smells, tastes, or sounds. It may be about specific people, places, objects, or events. The
first thing to do when you write a descriptive paragraph is to write a topic sentence. This gives an
overall picture of the topic with the controlling idea. The supporting sentences should help give a
paragraph unity. All supporting sentences must relate to the topic sentence and help describe the
topic. Look at this example. The topic sentence and supporting sentences all describe the railroad
and show how it was impressive. They use details to create a picture in the reader’s mind of how the
railroad looked, sounded, and smelled.
TSThe railroad was very impressive during the Industrial Revolution. SSThe tracks were

made of steel and connected many cities. SSThe wheels were very large and made loud noises
when they rolled on the tracks. SSThe trains were powered by burning coal, producing a
smoky smell.
A common way to organize a descriptive paragraph is by physical location. This is called spatial
organization. For example, you can describe something from bottom to top, from front to back,
or from left to right. Look at these supporting sentences from a paragraph about trains during the
Industrial Revolution. Notice how the writer used spatial organization, describing the train from front
to back.
The powerful engine was at the front of the impressive train. Passengers sat in long cars
in the middle of the train. There was a person working at the back who would stop the
noisy train.
(See page 114 for model paragraph.)

58
B. Over to You
1 Read the topic sentences and possible supporting sentences. Check (✓) the sentence
that relates to the topic sentence and describes the topic.
1 Sewing machines changed during the Industrial Revolution.
a. The telegraph became popular during the Industrial Revolution.
b. The machines were not very loud, but they made a constant tapping noise.
c. Many people bought the modern sewing machines.
2 Large factories helped drive the Industrial Revolution.
a. They allowed greater production with less cost.
b. They were very smoky and often unclean.
c. The people who worked there were sometimes unhappy.

2 Number the sentences in the correct spatial order, from bottom to top, to form a
paragraph describing settlers’ clothing.
Women wore clothing they made by hand on the wild, unsettled lands of the frontier.
They wore warm wool socks in cold weather.
On their heads, they wore hats made of soft fabric.
They wore long cotton skirts.
On top of their socks, they wore shoes made from deerskin.
Above the skirts, they usually wore simple blouses.
Frontier clothing was not very stylish, but it was practical.

CHECK!
In a descriptive paragraph:
1 describe how the topic looks, feels, smells, tastes, or .
2 give an overall picture of the topic using a sentence.
3 use the sentences to provide the details and describe the
topic. Be sure they to the topic sentence.
4 use organization to organize information in your descriptive
paragraph. You can describe something from bottom to , front
to , or left to .

15 Descriptive Paragraphs 59
 C. Practice
1 Number the sentences in the correct spatial order, from left to right, to form a
paragraph describing settlers’ homes.
There is a model of a one-room frontier home at the Museum of the Western Frontier. On
the left, there is an iron stove that was used for cooking.
There is an open brick fireplace on the right side of the room.
There is a large, wooden table with six chairs in the middle of the room.
Next to the stove is a small shelf with metal pots and wooden spoons.
People can walk into the model home now and imagine what life was like in the 1800s.

2 Match each topic sentence (1–6) with the correct supporting sentence (a–f).
1 Frontier life was very harsh for new settlers.
2 Today, modern sewing machines have many special features.
3 Many women on the frontier had to cook every meal for their families.
4 The railroad provided a fast way to get from one part of the country to another.
5 People on the frontier wore practical clothing.
6 Homes changed a lot during the Industrial Revolution.

a Often, there was a pot of salty meat stew cooking over the kitchen fire.
b People rode in comfortable passenger cars with wooden seats and dark curtains.
c They often woke up when it was still dark and cold and worked all day under the hot sun.
d Some have small computers inside the base of a plastic machine.
e They wore warm, wool clothing in the winter.
f People started to use electric lighting, which provided brighter light at night.

60 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 What does a descriptive paragraph do? 7 Which sentence describes how a sewing
a. It gives reasons why something machine sounds?
happened. a. The top of the machine has many
b. It describes something using silver parts.
details. b. The needle moves up and down
c. It tries to convince the reader of an rapidly, making a tapping noise.
opinion. c. The electric sewing machine was a
great invention.
2 A controlling idea in a descriptive
paragraph 8 Which sentence describes the invention of
a. states the topic. electric lighting?
b. gives an overall picture of the a. Settlers used wood in their
topic. cooking stoves and open fireplaces.
c. tells the reader to take a specific b. The new invention did not have a
action. bad smell like oil lamps.
c. Running water was another great
3 Descriptive paragraphs are commonly invention.
organized
a. by listing causes first, then effects. 9 Choose the best supporting sentence for
b. by comparing two things. this topic sentence from a descriptive
c. by spatial organization. paragraph: Life during the Industrial
Revolution was challenging.
4 Which of the following is an appropriate a. Many children worked in crowded
topic for a descriptive paragraph? factories that were often dusty and
a. what a train looks and smells like dirty.
b. a comparison of different trains b. Life was easier than it had been on
c. an opinion that a train is better farms.
than a bus c. Life was also challenging during
the Great Depression in the 1930s.
5 Which type of organization would most
likely be used in a descriptive paragraph to 10 Choose the best supporting sentence for
tell how someone dresses? this topic sentence from a descriptive
paragraph: James Watt was a Scottish man
a. past to present
who helped invent the steam engine.
b. cause–effect
c. bottom to top a. Edinburgh is the capital of
Scotland.
6 Which sentence describes life on the b. Many other important inventions
frontier? were developed around the same
time.
a. Researchers studied how frontier
c. He used cold water to produce
life changed American values.
power for this complicated
b. Settlers traveled to the frontier in
machine.
the nineteenth century.
c. Settlers often worked long hours in
the hot sun.
15 Descriptive Paragraphs 61
16
Comparison Paragraphs

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

CONNECTING
In which ways are printed and electronic books similar? THEareTthey
TO How HEME different? Look at the numbered
sentences in this paragraph. Which show similarities? Which show differences?
What can you do to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
Electronic books, or e-books, and printed
below books
do you thinkhave many similarities. 1One similarity is that
may help?
2
neither e-books nor printed books1 caught on immediately.
You should be neat and Books only became popular after the
well-dressed.
printing press was invented, and e-books only started to become popular after e-readers were
2 You should make eye contact with the other person.
invented. 3One difference, however, is that people turn printed book pages but simply press a
3 You
button to move to the next e-reader should
page. 4 talk aislot
Another about
their yourself. – you can carry thousands
convenience
5
of e-books in one small device! Since
4 Youthe invention
should of e-readers,
be comfortable, bute-books are becoming
you shouldn’t look tooascasual.
popular
as printed books. 5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
2, 4, and,1,52,
Sentences
1, and
will 5 show
help you make a goodSentences
similarities. 3 and 4 show differences.
first impression.

A. Skill Presentation
A comparison paragraph usually compares two things or ideas, showing how they are alike or
different. When you write a topic sentence for a comparison paragraph, name the two things that
you will compare. Also state how they will be compared, by looking at their similarities, for example.
All supporting sentences compare the things or ideas introduced in the topic sentence to give the
paragraph unity.
TSE-books and printed books have many similarities. SSOne similarity is that neither
e-books nor printed books caught on immediately. SSAnother similarity is their appearance.
A common way to organize a comparison paragraph is by using point-by-point organization. First,
present one point about both things or ideas, then present another point about both, and so on.
Look at this paragraph. Point 1 is about the text size on e-readers and smartphones. Point 2 is about
how they are used in different ways.
There are several features that make e-readers and smartphones different. 1The text on
e-readers can be large, but the text on smartphones is usually small. 2Unlike smartphones,
e-readers are only used for electronic books. Smartphones, on the other hand, have many
uses. Although they are different, both e-readers and smartphones are useful inventions.
You can also use certain words and phrases to help your ideas flow better. Some expressions
show similarities, like similarly, likewise, the same (as), both, also, and too. Other expressions show
differences, like one difference is that, in contrast, however, on the other hand, unlike, whereas, and but.
(See page 114 for model paragraph.)

62
B. Over to You
1 Read the topic sentence. Check (✓) the sentence that relates to the topic sentence by
comparing the two things introduced.
Topic Sentence: Many people find e-books easier to carry than printed books.
a. Not all books are available as e-books.
b. Hardcover books can be very expensive, but sometimes they are on sale.
c. Printed books can be large and heavy, but e-readers are usually small and light.

2 Read the paragraphs and answer the questions. Circle the words and phrases.
1 Many people think that e-books should cost less than print books, but the cost of
producing an e-book is about the same as the cost of a print book. Even though e-books
do not require paper, other aspects of making e-books cost money. It costs a great deal of
money to edit a print book. Likewise, a lot of money is needed to edit an e-book. It does
not matter that the format is different because both types of books need to be edited. In
addition, it also costs money to promote books. For example, it takes money to create
advertisements for a print book. Similarly, it costs money to advertise an e-book. In
addition, an author receives money for each print book that is sold. The author also receives
money for each e-book that is sold. It may seem cheaper to produce an e-book than a print
book, but the costs may actually not be very different.

How many different words and phrases did the writer use to show similarities?
three | five | seven

2 Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce both invented the microchip around the same time.
However, they did not invent it together. Kilby was an electrical engineer who worked for
a company in Texas. In contrast, Noyce was a scientist who founded two companies in
California. Both men went to universities, but Kilby got his Ph.D. in Wisconsin, whereas
Noyce got his Ph.D. in Massachusetts. Unlike Noyce, Kilby won a Nobel Prize for his work
on the microchip. Noyce lived to be 63 years old. On the other hand, Kilby lived a full life,
dying at the age of 82. They may have both had the same idea for an invention, but their
biographies are very different.

How many different words and phrases did the writer use to show differences?
four | five | six

CHECK!
1 Comparison paragraphs usually compare two or ideas.
2 They show how these things or ideas are or how they are
.
3 When you write a comparison paragraph, state the two
things or ideas will be compared.
4 All supporting sentences should the two things or ideas.
5 You can use organization to present one point about both
things, then another point about both things, and so on.

16 Comparison Paragraphs 63
 C. Practice
1 Read each sentence in the chart. Decide if each one shows a similarity or a difference.
Check (✓) the box in the correct column.

SIMILARITIES DIFFERENCES

1. People did not think e-readers would be popular. Similarly, they

did not believe that microchips would be successful.
2. Unlike automobiles, bicycles were popular right away.

3. An e-book may cost as much as a printed book.

4. Small cell phones are not very expensive anymore, but
smartphones can cost a lot of money.
5. It took years to invent the lightbulb, and it took a long time to
invent the telephone, too.
6. Both Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce helped invent the microchip.
7. Regular lightbulbs last about 1,000 hours. Energy-efficient
lightbulbs, on the other hand, last about 10,000 hours.
8. Working in an office is often noisy, whereas working at home
can be very quiet.

2 Match each topic sentence (1–6) with the correct supporting sentence (a–f).
1 Televisions and computers share a common history.
2 The invention of the digital camera changed how people take photographs.
3 Watching movies on a computer is very much like watching movies on TV.
4 In my opinion, the new e-readers are much easier to use than older ones.
5 Rockets that go into space and airplanes have some things in common.
6 The museum’s exhibits about past and present inventions were educational.

a Film cameras require expensive film. In contrast, digital cameras are much cheaper to
use because they do not use film.
b Both inventions fly, and at one time, people thought they would never be possible.
c They had displays explaining the work of inventors from the past. Likewise, they had
displays about modern inventors’ work.
d It took many years to invent TVs, and it also took years to invent computers.
e TV screens and computer monitors are fairly large, and the picture quality is about
the same.
f Unlike the earlier gadgets, the more recent ones can connect to the Internet.

64 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 What does a comparison paragraph do? 7 Which sentence compares automobiles

a. It gives the reasons something and bicycles?
happens. a. The scientist Albert Einstein used a
b. It describes how something looks, bicycle for transportation.
feels, smells, tastes, or sounds. b. People rode bicycles as soon as
c. It compares two things or ideas. they were invented, but many
people did not like cars at first.
2 In a comparison paragraph, the topic c. After cars were invented, the air
sentence became more polluted.
a. states how the two things or ideas
will be compared. 8 Which sentence compares different cars?
b. gives opinions about several a. The first car used steam, but
things. gasoline engines made automatic
c. is often a comma splice. cars more successful.
b. Albert Einstein rode a bicycle
3 A comparison paragraph is commonly because he never learned to drive.
organized by c. Unlike automatic cars, bicycles did
a. presenting a point about the things not pollute the air.
compared, one at a time.
b. putting events in the order they 9 Choose the supporting sentences that
happened. support this topic sentence: Both the
c. listing the things or ideas commercial Aerocar and the Avro were
according to physical location. failed inventions.
a. The Aerocar was a car and an
4 Which of the following words and phrases airplane combined. The inventor
can show similarities between two things? planned to make about 500.
a. however, but, on the other hand b. In the 1940s, the Air Force also
b. likewise, both, the same as made the F85 Goblin fighter jet. It
c. in contrast, unlike, whereas was unsafe and never used.
c. Only five Aerocars were ever
5 Which of the following words and phrases made. The Avro, a flying saucer
can show differences between two things? developed by the U.S. Air Force,
never worked correctly.
a. also, similarly, the same as
b. likewise, too, both
10 Choose the supporting sentence that
c. unlike, whereas, on the other hand
supports this topic sentence: Edison’s
invention of the phonograph was successful,
6 Which topic sentence is most likely from a
but his invention of a talking doll was not.
comparison paragraph?
a. The dolls were beautiful, with
a. Smartphones and e-readers have
expensive heads made in Germany.
many features in common.
b. Unlike Edison’s phonograph, his
b. The features on e-readers make
talking doll never worked well.
reading easy and enjoyable.
c. Edison’s invention of the light bulb
c. There are many reasons why
also changed the world.
smartphones are popular.
16 Comparison Paragraphs 65
17
Cause–Effect Paragraphs

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

CONNECTING
What motivates you? Rank TO THEforTyou,
the numbered reasons HEMEwhere 1 is the lowest a motivator.
1
Research shows there are can
What three main
you do toreasons
make awhygoodpeople want to work
first impression? hard.
Which Power
of the tips
below
motivates certain people. They dolike
youtothink may
be in help?of others and feel good when they are
charge
in control. 2Achievement also should
1 You motivates certain
be neat andpeople. Some people want to succeed
well-dressed.
at everything, and for them, success is a reward. 3Affiliation – that is, having meaningful
2 You should make eye contact with the other person.
relationships with others – is another strong motivator. For this type of person, pleasing
others motivates them 3toYou should
do well. talk a lot
Different aboutmotivate
factors yourself.different individuals, but it is
4 You should
likely that power, achievement, and affi beliation
comfortable, butfor
play a role youmost
shouldn’t
people.look too casual.
5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

A. Skill Presentation
A cause–effect paragraph explains the reasons for, or the results of, an event or situation. It answers
the question “Why?” or “What happened?”
A good cause–effect paragraph starts with a clear topic sentence that states a specific event or
situation. The controlling idea should give an overall idea of the causes or effects explained in the
paragraph. All supporting sentences should help explain either reasons why the event happened
or what happened as a result of the event and give the paragraph unity by relating to the topic
sentence. Read the example below. The writer chose the topic motivated people and will discuss
reasons why people are motivated.
TSMany employees are highly motivated at work, and research shows there are three main
reasons for this. SSOne reason is power. SSPower motivates some people. SSAchievement also
motivates some people. SSThey want to succeed at everything they do. SSAffiliation is a third
motivational factor. SSAffiliation means having meaningful relationships with others.
You can include phrases to highlight reasons, such as one reason is, another reason is, the most
important cause is, another cause is, due to, and because of the fact that. Expressions to highlight
results include as a result, for this reason, for these reasons, consequently, because of this, and therefore.
In the second example, the writer chose the topic a company’s reward program and will discuss the
results or effects of this program on employees’ motivation.
NowTech motivates its employees to be successful. Therefore, employees want to do a
good job. They enjoy completing projects. For these reasons, employees usually get top
scores on their job evaluations. Employees are happy because their work feels meaningful.
(See page 114 for model paragraph.)

66
B. Over to You
1 Read the topic sentence and check (✓) the supporting sentence that relates to the topic
by explaining a result.
Topic Sentence: NowTech motivates their employees to be successful.
a. In addition, NowTech often asks employees to work late.
b. Most employees got top scores on their job evaluations as a result.
c. Some employees are late to work because they do not feel motivated.

2 Read each topic sentence and each supporting sentence from a cause–effect paragraph.
Write C if it gives a Cause (Why?) or E if it gives an Effect (What happened?).
1 Some people are motivated by money.
One reason is that it makes people feel powerful.
2 JazzyMart is not a very successful company.
They are not successful because of the fact that they do not motivate their employees.
3 The company JazzyMart does not motivate its employees.
Therefore, the employees often arrive late to work.
4 Some people have problems being motivated.
For example, some people struggle with motivation due to depression.
5 Many people suffer from depression, which can lead to various problems.
Consequently, these people may not be as motivated to improve their performance at
work.
6 Recently, many companies lost money and suffered financially.
The major reason was the poor economy.
7 Achievement motivates many people to be successful.
As a result, these people find rewards at work to be very meaningful.
8 Some people are motivated by fear.
For this reason, they are successful, but they also have a great deal of stress in their lives.

CHECK!
1 Cause–effect paragraphs explain the for, or the
of, an event or situation.
2 In the topic sentence, the idea gives an overall idea of the
causes or effects you will explain.
3 sentences help give cause–effect paragraphs unity and help
explain reasons why the event happened or the results of the event.

17 Cause–Effect Paragraphs 67
 C. Practice
1 Read the topic sentence from a cause–effect paragraph about why people are
motivated. Check (✓) six sentences that support the main idea.
Topic Sentence: There are many reasons why people are motivated at work.
a. Interesting tasks are one cause of strong motivation.
b. For example, employees may be motivated to finish a project if it is creative.
c. Creative people often have higher salaries than people who are not creative.
d. Because of the fact that people like to feel comfortable at work, employees are
sometimes motivated by a friendly boss.
e. If it is possible to ask a boss questions, employees may want to work harder.
f. As a result, NowTech hires only highly educated managers.
g. A third factor that motivates people at work is positive feedback.
h. People want to continue to do well when they are told they are doing a good job.

2 Number the supporting sentences in the correct order to form cause-effect

paragraphs.
1 What Motivates Children?
Children are motivated by many factors.
For instance, some children want to do their homework because it makes them feel
good at school.
One reason is that many children work harder due to the promise of external rewards.
For example, children can be motivated to do chores if they receive money.
A final reason children are motivated is the possibility of internal rewards.
In addition, because of the fact that children are used to getting such rewards, they
often expect them.
In conclusion, children are not always motivated for the same reasons.

2 Students Are Motivated to Succeed

The teachers at Linx Language School motivate their students to succeed.
Because of this motivation to do well in the real world, students often get better jobs
when they finish school.
For this reason, most students continue to take classes at Linx Language School.
In addition, new students also have a positive feeling about continuing their studies.
The first example of this is that almost all students pass their final exams as a result of
teacher encouragement.
Finally, teachers also motivate their students to succeed outside of school.
In summary, the teachers at Linx Language School are very motivational.

68 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 A cause–effect paragraph may 7 Which sentence gives a reason for some

a. give reasons an event happens. people’s lack of motivation?
b. describe how an object looks or a. People may be unmotivated for
what it sounds like. several reasons.
c. compare two different events. b. Consequently, unmotivated people
often do not get promoted at work.
2 Which of the following is an appropriate c. Some people are unmotivated
topic for a cause–effect paragraph? due to suffering from depression.
a. differences between children and
adults 8 Which sentence gives a result of a
b. the writer’s first day of school company paying people fair salaries?
c. why children do well in school a. Therefore, the employees are
dedicated to the company.
3 In a paragraph with a topic sentence about b. The company pays people more if
an event’s effects, the supporting sentences they work hard.
should c. People who are late are not
a. show the reasons the event respected.
happened.
b. compare the event to another 9 Choose the correct supporting sentence
event. for this topic sentence: Albert Einstein was
c. show the results of the event. motivated by internal rewards.
a. As a result, he made a lot of money
4 Which of the following words and phrases later in life.
help show causes (reasons)? b. Due to his desire to find out the
a. as a result, for these reasons secrets of nature, he worked hard.
b. due to, one reason is c. He was born in Germany on
c. for this reason, consequently March 14, 1879.

5 Which of the following words and phrases 10 Choose the correct supporting sentence
help show effects (results)? for this topic sentence: Albert Einstein had
a creative mind and was able to solve many
a. another cause is, another reason is
mathematical problems.
b. one reason is, the most important
cause is a. Because of this, he came up with
c. therefore, consequently theories that changed the world.
b. He rode his bicycle everywhere
6 Choose the topic sentence that is most because he never learned to drive.
appropriate for a cause–effect paragraph. c. In addition, he was passionate
about music.
a. Powerful people often act
differently than less powerful
people.
b. People can be motivated to save
money by a variety of factors.
c. Mr. Paulson was a motivational
teacher who was born in the 1960s.
17 Cause–Effect Paragraphs 69
18
Persuasive Paragraphs

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

CONNECTING
What can you do to makeTO
a good
below do you think may help?
THEME
THEfirst impression? Which of the tips

1 YouDo you agree

should withand
be neat thiswell-dressed.
opinion? Why or why not?
It is better
2 You should makenot eyetocontact
solve problems for other
with the other people. Solving
person.
problems for others can lead to
3 You should talk a lot about yourself. dependence. However,
helping people learn to solve their own problems often leads
4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
to independence. People need to learn to find their own
5 Yousolutions
should ask aboutproblems.
to their the other person when the time is right.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

A. Skill Presentation
In a persuasive paragraph, the writer gives an opinion about a topic and tries to convince readers
the opinion is correct or that they should take action. Write persuasive paragraphs when you have
a strong opinion about something and you want others to agree with you. The topic sentence for
a persuasive paragraph gives your opinion about the topic. Supporting sentences explain your
opinion and give facts and examples to support this opinion. All supporting sentences must relate to
the topic sentence. Read this paragraph and notice how the supporting sentences explain why it is
better not to solve problems for other people.
TSIt
is better not to solve problems for other people. SSSolving problems for others can lead
to dependence. SSHowever, helping people learn to solve their own problems often leads to
independence. SSPeople need to learn to find their own solutions to their problems.
In persuasive paragraphs, the concluding sentence is extremely important. There are several
techniques you can use. 1First, you can restate the main idea, which is your opinion about the
topic. 2Second, you can offer a suggestion and possibly state an action you want the reader to take.
3
Third, you can make a prediction about the topic that usually supports your opinion. These three
concluding sentences are all appropriate for the paragraph above.
1In conclusion, do not solve problems for people without their input.
2For these reasons, you should register for the Help Yourself problem-solving workshop.
3To conclude, if you do not solve problems for others, they may realize that problem-solving

is an important skill.
(See page 114 for model paragraph.)

70
B. Over to You
1 Read the topic sentence from a persuasive paragraph. Check (✓) the sentence that
relates to the topic sentence by supporting the opinion that “good communication is
important.”
Topic Sentence: Good communication is important when solving problems with other people.
a. Expressing ideas openly helps everyone find an acceptable solution.
b. Working with others also helps people get work done faster.
c. Never solve children’s problems for them.

2 For the same topic sentence, check (✓) the technique the writer used for each possible
concluding sentence.
1 To conclude, people will likely have fewer problems in the future if they communicate with
one another well.
a. make a prediction
b. restate the main idea
c. offer a suggestion
2 In summary, good communication is necessary when working out problems with others.
a. make a prediction
b. restate the main idea
c. offer a suggestion
3 For these reasons, communicate with others the next time there is a problem.
a. make a prediction
b. restate the main idea
c. offer a suggestion

CHECK!
1 Write a persuasive paragraph when you want to give your
about a topic and try to the reader your opinion is correct.
2 You may also try to convince the reader to take .
3 In the sentence of a persuasive paragraph, give your opinion
about the topic.
4 Use the sentences to explain your opinion, and remember to
include facts and examples to add support.
5 In the sentence, you can restate the main idea, offer a
suggestion, or make a prediction about the topic.

18 Persuasive Paragraphs 71
 C. Practice
1 Read the paragraph and check (✓) the correct answers.
When solving problems in groups at work, it is often effective to involve similar numbers
of men and women. One reason for this is that men and women may solve problems
differently. In general, women are more likely to look at every angle of a problem. Men,
on the other hand, tend to look for quick and practical solutions. Both methods can be
effective, so it is often helpful to have men and women coming up with solutions together.
Furthermore, an unequal number of men and women may create problems. The gender
in the minority may feel uncomfortable. In conclusion, when forming groups to solve
problems, companies should try to include about the same number of men and women.

1 What is the topic of the paragraph?

a. the differences between men and women
b. problem solving in groups
c. jobs that appeal to men or women
2 What is the writer’s opinion?
a. Problem solving in groups is better with equal numbers of men and women.
b. Women solve problems more effectively than men.
c. Groups should have more men in them because men are more practical and
better at problem solving.
3 What suggestion does the writer make for companies?
a. They should get clear advice from men when there is a problem.
b. They should form groups with equal numbers of men and women to solve
problems.
c. They should hire exactly as many women as men.

2 Match each topic sentence (1–5) from a persuasive paragraph with the correct
concluding sentence (a–e).
1 Brainstorming with others is the best tool for solving problems.
2 It is helpful to be flexible when solving problems.
3 There are many new useful ways to solve problems.
4 Problem-solving workshops are a useful tool to help people learn to solve problems.
5 It is rarely a good idea to solve problems for other people.

a In conclusion, experts suggest trying one of these methods to solve problems in the
future.
b For this reason, avoid trying to fix other people’s problems.
c People who are willing to try something new will probably have greater success.
d In conclusion, you should discuss many possible solutions when there are problems.
e Register for a problem-solving course in your area to learn these skills.

72 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 Write a persuasive paragraph 6 Choose the best supporting sentence

a. when you want to explain exactly for this topic sentence from a persuasive
how something looks or feels. paragraph: Brainstorming is a highly
b. when you want to convince readers effective strategy for solving problems.
of an opinion. a. This is one reason why
c. when you want to entertain your brainstorming is a waste of time
reader. and people should not do it.
b. Brainwriting is a more effective
2 An appropriate topic for a persuasive way to think of solutions to
paragraph is problems.
a. anything you can describe using c. It is a useful way to think of
time order. multiple solutions to a problem
b. something you can compare to before choosing one.
something else.
c. something you have a strong 7 It is important to discuss problems with
opinion about. others.
Which concluding sentence restates the
3 What is one thing a concluding sentence main idea of this topic sentence?
in a persuasive paragraph can do? a. In conclusion, some people will
a. It can introduce the main idea. try to solve problems without
b. It can suggest an action to take. talking to anyone about them.
c. It can state the opposite opinion of b. For this reason, you should talk to
the topic sentence. people about a problem before you
choose a solution.
4 Choose the most appropriate topic c. For these reasons, discussing
sentence for a persuasive paragraph. problems with others is key.
a. Studies suggest that men tend to
think of quick solutions to 8 People should make sure they understand a
problems. problem thoroughly before they try to solve
b. Most researchers agree that it.
children and adults solve problems Which concluding sentence offers a
differently. suggestion for an action readers could
c. People should ask for advice when take?
they have a problem. a. In conclusion, people should
make a flow chart to understand a
5 Choose the most appropriate topic problem before attempting to solve
sentence for a persuasive paragraph. it.
a. Time to Solve has the most up-to- b. In conclusion, computers will
date information about learning help people understand problems
how to solve problems. better.
b. Buy the book today for help with c. In conclusion, people should
problem solving. not try to solve problems before
c. I read Time to Solve last week, and they understand the issues.
then I gave it to my brother.
18 Persuasive Paragraphs 73
19
Using Outside Sources

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

of Information

CONNECTING
Read these statements about EnglishTO
as THE THEME
a global language. Are they true or false?
1 According to the Business English Index (BEI), a lack of English skills is no longer
What can you do to make a good first impression? Which of the tips
causing productivity
below problems (Unknown
do you think 2012, www.globalenglish.com).
may help?
2 More than 90 percent of companies
1 You should be neat in Taiwan
and say their employees need to use
well-dressed.
English for their jobs (Chang Sheng-eng 2012, www.taipeitimes.com).
2 You should make eye contact with the other person.
3 Almost one million people around the world are currently studying English
3 You should talk a lot about yourself.
(Kenneth Beare, date unknown, http://esl.about.com).
4 You should be comfortable, but you shouldn’t look too casual.
to one article, more than one billion people are studying English)
5 You should ask about the other person when the time is right.
1 False (according to the BEI, it is causing problems), 2 True, 3 False (according
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.

A. Skill Presentation
Academic writers often use information from a variety of sources, but it is not possible for readers to
ask where these ideas come from. Therefore, in an academic essay, you must include details about
where you found ideas. This is called a citation. If you want to include someone else’s ideas in your
writing, there are two techniques you can use. A quotation is when you use another writer’s exact
words. You must put quotation marks around the words.
“International universities attract students with programs taught in English.”
You can also show where a quote came from by using an expression like according to and the name
of the person who said it. Other general expressions include Research suggests that and According to
one source.
The second technique is paraphrasing, or putting another writer’s idea in your own words by writing
the idea in a different way. You must still tell your readers where the idea came from. Below is a
paraphrase of the above idea. The writer has used an expression to show that the idea is not his
or hers.
According to one source, students look for international universities that offer degrees
in English.
Every time you use a quotation or a paraphrase, you must include a citation to tell your reader exactly
where you found the information. Give the citation right after a quotation or a paraphrase. If you
do not say where the ideas or information came from, it is called plagiarism, which is a very serious
offense. At colleges and universities in North America, it is considered stealing. There are a number of
acceptable ways to give citations, so ask your teacher which way is correct for your class.

74
B. Over to You
1 Read the quotations and paraphrases, and check (✓) the correct answers to the questions.
1 Which quotation is written correctly?
Quote: We strongly believe that students know the benefits of a degree in English.
a. According to one source, “students know the benefits of a degree in English.”
b. Research suggests that students understand why it is important to learn English.
2 Which paraphrase is correct?
Quote: Some Chinese universities offer an MBA in English, which can help students get
better jobs.
a. According to Professor Simon, “Some Chinese universities offer an MBA in English.”
b. According to Professor Simon, there are MBA programs taught in English at some
universities in China, which enable attendants to find better professions.

2 Read the paragraph and answer the questions.

The Benefits of English Use
A recent article by Dr. Peggy Hobbs argues that the global economy depends
on the widespread use of English. The article suggests several specific reasons
why knowledge of English is so crucial. According to the article, “The English
language is the fourth most commonly spoken native language in the world”
(Hobbs 2010, 23). This is one reason why it is often easy for people in different
countries to communicate using English. The author further states, “English is the
most common second language” (Hobbs 2010, 21). It may be the best way for two
people with different native languages to communicate. In addition, Hobbs points
out that English is the most common official language in countries around the
world (Hobbs 2010, 20). It is likely that some countries use English as their official
language because it is important for international communication of all kinds.
Finally, according to Hobbs, “English is the language of business and technology, and
especially of the Internet” (2010, 23). No matter what your career is, it is likely that
knowing English is a useful skill.

1 How many quotations are there in the paragraph?

2 How many paraphrases are there in the paragraph?

CHECK!
1 In academic writing, you can use or to include
information from other sources to support arguments.
2 In a , use the exact words and use quotation marks.
3 In a , write the idea in your own words.
4 Use to provide details about sources.
5 Always use correct citations to avoid .

19 Using Outside Sources of Information 75

 C. Practice
1 Read the original sentences and check (✓) the correct quotations or paraphrases.
1 English has become an essential language for international careers.
a. The authors of one study wrote that English has become an essential language for
international careers.
b. According to one source, “English has become an essential language for
international careers.”
c. The authors of one study wrote, English is important in international business.
2 Workers in many fields are at a disadvantage if they do not speak English.
a. According to Greta Klaiber, “Workers in many fields are at a disadvantage if they
do not speak English.”
b. According to Greta Klaiber, workers in many fields are at a disadvantage if they
do not speak English.
c. According to Greta Klaiber, “Workers are less prepared if they cannot speak
English.”
3 English has become the main language for international education.
a. The study states that English has become the main language for international
education.
b. The study states, “English is important for international education.”
c. The study states, “English has become the main language for international
education.”

2 Read the original sentences and look at the writer’s sentence. Write Q if it is a correctly
written quotation, P if it’s a correctly written paraphrase, or I if it’s written incorrectly.
1 Globalization has increased awareness of other cultures.
According to one expert, “Globalization has increased awareness of other cultures.”
2 Many young people want to work with people from other countries.
A large number of young people want to have co-workers from around the world.
3 Young people find it very exciting to travel to other countries.
One researcher suggests, Young people find it very exciting to travel to other
countries.
4 English is the official language in many countries.
According to one source, some people in China understand a few English words.
5 English is necessary for many international jobs.
Studies show that many jobs around the world require English.
6 Many students use English to study business or medicine.
One study states, “Many students use English to study business or medicine.”
7 Some companies like to know that employees can understand publications written in
English.
According to one source, most companies will only hire people who can speak
English.

76 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 To use a quotation, you must 6 Original: International business degrees are

a. express the same idea using often more attractive to students.
different words. Studies show, International business
b. use a different idea from the degrees are often more attractive to
author’s. students.
c. use the original writer’s exact This sentence is
words with quotation marks. a. a correctly written quotation.
b. a correctly written paraphrase.
2 To paraphrase, you must c. written incorrectly.
a. express the same idea using
different words. 7 Choose the sentence that uses a quotation
b. express a different idea using or paraphrase correctly.
different words. Original: English-only graduate schools
c. use a different idea with quotation attract students from many countries.
marks. a. Research shows that English-only
graduate schools attract students
3 A piece of writing that uses someone else’s from many countries.
ideas but does not include citations b. According to the author, “English-
a. is probably considered plagiarism only graduate schools attract
in North America. students from many countries.”
b. is always acceptable at schools in c. One study shows that all schools
North America. attract students if they use a
c. is usually better than writing that variety of languages.
does contain citations.
8 Choose the sentence that uses a quotation
4 Citations give or paraphrase correctly.
Original: The most commonly spoken
a. general information about where
second language is English.
ideas come from.
b. additional information that is not a. Research shows that more people
in the text. speak English as a second language
c. specific details about the original than any other language.
source of ideas. b. Research shows that “more people
speak English as a second language
5 Original: English words can sometimes than any other language.”
replace local words. c. Research shows that the most
At times, English expressions take the commonly spoken second
place of local ones. language is English.
This sentence is
a. a correctly written quotation.
b. a correctly written paraphrase.
c. a comma splice.

19 Using Outside Sources of Information 77

20
Review of Paragraph Types

CONNECTING TO THE THEME

CONNECTING TO THE THEME
Scientists can now change the wayWhat
thatcan
foodyou
grows.
do toThis
makefood is called
a good first“genetically
impression?modified
Which offood,”
the tips
and it has some benefits that regular fooddodoes
below you not have.
think mayWhat
help?kind of paragraph should you read if
you want to learn about how this type of food is different from regular food?
1 You should be neat and well-dressed.
A A descriptive paragraph about how genetically modified food looks and tastes.
2 You should make eye contact with the other person.
B A comparison paragraph that shows how genetically modified food is like regular food, and how it
is different from regular food. 3 You should talk a lot about yourself.
C A cause–effect paragraph about4 the
Youreasons
should why
be comfortable, but you
scientists started shouldn’t look
to genetically toofood.
modify casual.
5 You
D A persuasive paragraph about why should ask
genetically about
modified the
foodother person
should be onwhen the time
everyone’s is right.
dinner table.
1, 2, 4, and, 5 will help you make a good first impression.
The answer is B.

A. Skill Presentation
Depending on your topic and your reason for writing, you may choose to write different types of
paragraphs. A descriptive paragraph creates a picture for the reader by describing how something
looks, feels, smells, tastes, or sounds. It uses adjectives and other details to describe a specific person,
place, object, or event. One way to organize a descriptive paragraph is using spatial organization, or
organization by physical location.
A comparison paragraph compares how two things or ideas are alike and how they are different. It
often uses point-by-point organization, in which you present points about both things or ideas, one
at a time. Some words and phrases can help show similarities, such as one similarity is that, similarly,
likewise, the same (as), both, and also. Other words and phrases can help show differences, like one
difference is that, in contrast, however, on the other hand, unlike, or whereas.
A cause–effect paragraph explains the reasons for, or results of, an event or situation. It often uses
point-by-point organization. Some words are useful to show reasons: one reason is, another reason
is, the most important cause is, another cause is, due to, and because of the fact that. Other words show
results, including as a result, for this reason, for these reasons, consequently, because of this, and therefore.
In a persuasive paragraph, the writer gives an opinion about a topic and tries to convince the reader
the opinion is correct. The concluding sentence in a persuasive paragraph is very important. It can
restate the main idea, offer a suggestion, or make a prediction. Writers often use the concluding
sentence to suggest that their readers take a specific action.
(See page 114 for model paragraphs.)

78
B. Over to You
1 Read the sentences. What is the most appropriate type of paragraph for each one? Write
CE for Cause–Effect, C for Comparison, D for Descriptive, or P for Persuasive.
1 Genetically modified rice and genetically modified corn both have features that protect
them from insects.
2 Genetically modified foods are tested in large labs with modern equipment.
3 People who do not eat any genetically modified food are healthier and happier.
4 As a result of eating genetically modified foods, certain insects that are important to the
environment may die.

2 Read the paragraph types and topic sentences in the chart. Write the letters of the
correct supporting sentences into the correct boxes.
a This food provides the best way to solve hunger problems throughout the world.
b For example, corn grows well in warm climates, but lettuce grows better in cool climates.
c The bright red tomatoes are extremely juicy, and the corn has a sweet flavor.
d This may have happened because the corn had been genetically modified.

TOPIC SENTENCES SUPPORTING SENTENCES

The genetically modified

1. Descriptive paragraph vegetables grown on this farm are
fresh and delicious.
Depending on the weather,
2. Comparison paragraph farmers grow different crops in
different parts of the world.
In one study, butterflies died after
3. Cause–effect paragraph
eating one kind of corn.
People should support the
4. Persuasive paragraph development of genetically
modified food.

CHECK!
1 Use your topic and your reason for writing | supporting and concluding
sentences to choose a particular paragraph type.
2 Use a descriptive | comparison paragraph to describe something.
3 Use a cause–effect | comparison paragraph to compare two things or idea.
4 Use a persuasive | cause–effect paragraph to show a reason or a result.
5 Use a persuasive | descriptive paragraph to convince readers that your
opinion is correct.

20 Review of Paragraph Types 79

 C. Practice
1 Read the topic sentence from a persuasive paragraph. Then check (✓) three
supporting sentences that do not support the topic sentence.
Topic Sentence: Genetically modified corn should not be produced or eaten.
a. Many people agree that the corn does more damage than good.
b. Research shows that the genetically modified corn may harm monarch butterflies.
c. Monarch butterflies have bright orange wings with black stripes.
d. This corn is poisonous to the butterflies, and they sometimes die after eating it.
e. These butterflies typically live for about two months, but bees can live for
several years.
f. Research also shows that genetically modified corn may be harmful to humans.
g. For example, some people may have a serious allergic reaction after eating it.
h. Consequently, farmers continue to grow more genetically modified foods.

2 Read all the reasons people want to write about different topics. Check (✓) the most
appropriate type of paragraph to use.
CAUSE–
DESCRIPTIVE COMPARISON PERSUASIVE
EFFECT
PARAGRAPH PARAGRAPH PARAGRAPH
PARAGRAPH

1. Tom wants to compare the

advantages and disadvantages of new
technologies in agriculture.
2. Sheila wants to write about what
genetically modified tomatoes look
and taste like.
3. Jake wants to convince readers to
stop buying genetically modified
foods in a local grocery store.
4. Danilo wants to write about the
sounds and smells of the food
laboratory at her school.
5. Mia wants to explain some reasons
why changing the features of certain
foods has led to problems.
6. Tim wants to convince readers to eat
genetically modified rice in order to
stay healthy.
7. Andrea wants to show what wild
salmon and genetically modified
salmon have in common.

80 Skills for Effective Writing 3

D. Skill Quiz
Check (✓) the correct answer for each item.

1 A descriptive paragraph often uses 7 Choose the sentence that is most likely
a. time order. from a cause–effect paragraph.
b. point-by-point organization. a. Farmers should not be allowed to
c. spatial organization. grow genetically modified food.
b. Insects are less likely to destroy
2 What is an example of point-by-point genetically modified crops as a
organization? result.
a. giving details about an object from c. The food science laboratory is
top to bottom clean, white, and very spacious.
b. explaining one result, then another
result, and so on 8 Choose the sentence that is most likely
c. describing events in the order they from a descriptive paragraph.
happen a. Genetically modified rice is the
best option for providing healthy
3 What type of paragraph should a writer food to people living in poverty.
use to convince someone to learn more b. People should read labels carefully
about genetically modified food? to see whether their food is
a. a cause–effect paragraph genetically modified.
b. a persuasive paragraph c. The scientist’s voice was clear,
c. a comparison paragraph and he spoke slowly so everyone
could understand his points about
4 What type of paragraph should a writer genetically modified rice.
use to explain the differences between
genetically modified rice and regular rice? 9 Choose the sentence that is most likely
from a persuasive paragraph.
a. a persuasive paragraph
b. a cause–effect paragraph a. The government should give
c. a comparison paragraph money to people who research
genetically modified food.
5 What type of paragraph should a writer b. The United States spends a large
use to show what genetically modified amount of money on food
potatoes look and taste like? research, and England does, too.
c. One reason food research is
a. a descriptive paragraph
expensive is because of the fact
b. a comparison paragraph
that the food has to be tested
c. a persuasive paragraph
several times.
6 What type of paragraph should a writer
10 Choose the sentence that is most likely
use to show the effects genetically
from a comparison paragraph.
modified rice has on children who eat it?
a. You must read Joan Miller’s article
a. a descriptive paragraph
on genetically modified rice.
b. a cause–effect paragraph
b. Genetically modified rice looks
c. a persuasive paragraph
slightly different from regular rice.
c. Regular rice is white and often
grows in large, wet fields.

20 Review of Paragraph Types 81

 စာအေရးအသားေကာင္း

(Good Writing) အေၾကာင္း နားလည္ေစပါသည္။