This document discusses topic sentences and compound sentences. It provides guidance on what makes a good topic sentence, including having a clear, specific topic and expressing an opinion. It also explains the different types of compound sentences joined by FANBOY conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet), including examples of sentences using addition, contrast, alternative, result and cause conjunctions. Rules for using commas with compound sentences are also outlined.

1. Unit 2
Identifying main
ideas
&
Compound
Sentences

2. What is a good topic sentence? Part 1
A good topic sentence should
Have ONE clear topic
Weak: It’s important to have friends, and to
do well in school.
Why: 2 topics; having friends, and doing
well academically

3. What is a good topic sentence? Part 2
A good topic sentence should
Contain an opinion of the topic
Weak: I have been studying karate.
Why: mention the action without expressing
an idea. What do you think about studying
karate?

4. What is a good topic sentence? Part 3
A good topic sentence should
Broad enough to contain the idea
But not too broad
Weak: Australia is an interesting country.
Why: Interesting how? In what way? The
topic sentence is too general. The paragraph
lacks the controlling idea.

5. What is a good topic sentence? Part 4
A good topic sentence should
Specific enough to discuss one topic
But not too narrow
Weak: School starts at 8.30 a.m.
Why: It is merely a fact. No direction as to
how further discussion can develop from
here.

6. Why does this sentence make a weak topic
sentences? Part 1
I really like gifts: too broad, should narrow down
the controlling idea
For my last birthday, I got a gold watch with a
leather band from my father: too narrow, no
opinion - should tell if you like or dislike it
Different countries all over the world have
interesting gift-giving customs: too broad; can talk
about any country in the world, should specify how
interesting, or in what way

7. Why does this sentence make a weak topic
sentences? Part 2
I spent €130 on a gift for my parents: no
opinion, is it too much, too little?
Buying gifts online can be a good way to save
money, but then sometimes you spend more
money that way: 2 main contrasting ideas
There are many proverbs in English: too broad,
should specify more

8. Compound
sentences
and, or, nor, but, so, for, yet

9. Compound sentences
are TWO independent clauses which are joined
by coordinate conjunctions
AND/OR/NOR/BUT/SO/FOR/YET
[FANBOY]
They are used together with a comma [,]

10. Addition: And / Nor
AND
It rained heavily. The traffic was congested.
It rained heavily, and the traffic was congested.
NOR
Jack didn’t study for the exam. He didn’t do his
homework.
Jack didn’t study for the exam, nor did he do
his homework.

11. NOR
NOR is used to join two negative sentences
1.Put the auxiliary verb first, then the subject
2.Omit ‘not’
Paul doesn’t often use the internet. He doesn’t
own a computer.
Paul doesn’t often use the internet, nor does
he own a computer.

12. Contrast: BUT / YET
BUT
Jill likes to play football, but Jack loves to play
the piano.
John goes out with friends, but James stays
home.
YET
Jane didn’t like Japanese food, yet she wanted to
learn how to cook it.

13. Alternative: OR
Provide choices
Jill can go to the concert with me, or she can
come to see Jack at the party.
Indicate negative consequences
You must not cheat, or you will get an F.

14. Result: SO
To indicate a result of a particular cause
Neil won the lottery, so he took his friends and
family out for celebration.
It is about to rain, so we cancel our plan to go
picnic.

15. Cause: FOR
To indicate a cause of something
Tom got an F, for he cheated in the exam.
Tammy passed the test, for she had studied
hard all semester.

16. When to use a comma And
Use a comma with AND only when the 2nd
subject is written
My friend drove to pick up a birthday cake,
and she stopped by a shop to buy candles.
Jack likes fried rice, and Jill likes noodles.

17. When to use a comma And
Use AND without a comma when the 2nd
subject is removed
My friend drove to pick up a birthday cake and
stopped by a shop to buy candles.
Laura loves cats and dogs.