1. Even though the procedures followed to enroll in an American university vary according to each university, some steps are the same. First, you should contact the registration office of the university you want to attend to get the necessary forms and information concerning that particular university's entrance requirements. Then you must follow the steps outlined in their response. You will probably have to send copies of your high school diploma, get letters of recommendation, and write an essay on why you want to study there. You may have to achieve a certain score on the TOEFL test and have your scores forwarded to the university. Finally, you will have to contact the American embassy to start the procedures to obtain a student visa.
2. I like to go to the beach whenever I have the opportunity. I start the day by enjoying a refreshing swim. Then I walk along the beach and collect shells. Later you'll find me relaxing in the warm sunshine and making sand castles. Then I sleep for a while before I open the basket of food and drinks that I always pack to take.
3. Many students cannot afford a car. The city bus service usually passes the university, so those students can get to class on the bus. Many universities have a special shuttle bus that is provided for student transportation. Some students like to ride to class on bicycles. This is good exercise. Also, it is easier to find a space to leave a bicycle than to find a parking space for a car on a crowded university campus. Those students who live close to campus or on campus can enjoy a leisurely walk to their classes.
Exercise W3
Writing topic sentences
The following paragraphs consist of supporting ideas. Read each paragraph and ask yourself what is being discussed or described (the topic) and how the topic is approached (the controlling idea). Then write a topic sentence for each paragraph.
1.
Pictures or posters on the wall make a dormitory room feel more like home. A rug on the floor beside the bed is a nice addition to an otherwise cold and hard floor. Besides textbooks, favorite books from home on the bookshelf and a photograph or two of the family on the desk also add a comforting touch to the impersonal dormitory room.
2.
The white pages of an American telephone book give the phone numbers of residences. The blue pages contain the numbers of government offices, and the yellow pages have advertisements and business numbers. There are maps as well as indexes at the back of the book. The telephone books of larger cities may provide separate books for different sections of the city, while those of small towns may have room to include the numbers from several towns all in one book.
3.
First, the fast-food restaurant is good for people who must have a quick bite because of a busy schedule. Second, the food is inexpensive yet tasty. A person can eat an enjoyable meal out and stay within a limited budget. Finally, the food is usually consistent. For example, a cheeseburger from a well-known fast-food restaurant looks and tastes about the same no matter where in the world it is purchased. Consequently, buyers know exactly what they are getting.
PRACTICE WITH SUPPORTING IDEAS
Your topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph will be about. The ideas stated in the rest of the paragraph should all refer to the given topic and the controlling idea. Look at the following example.
There are many ways to eat peanut butter. You can spread it on a slice of bread like butter, or you can make it into a sandwich with jam. Peanut butter can be a major ingredient of very tasty cookies as well as cakes and candies. It is delicious in ice cream. Peanut butter was invented by George Washington Carver. My favorite way to eat peanut butter is to lick it off a spoon.
Our topic sentence tells the reader that we are discussing peanut butter. The controlling idea is “ways of eating it.” All of the sentences should be about ways of eating peanut butter. Are they? No. The sentence “Peanut butter was invented by George Washington Carver” does not refer to ways of eating peanut butter.
Exercise W4
Checking supporting ideas
Look at the following outlines. Circle the letter of the idea that does not support the topic.
1.Ⅰ. Ways to get rid of hiccups
A. breathe into a paper bag
B. hold your breath to the count of 10
C. have someone frighten you
D. make an appointment with your doctor
2.Ⅰ. Steps for planning a trip
A. purchasing a map
B. working late
C. making an itinerary
D. reserving a ticket
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