Writing topic sentences TS Use the following steps

Writing topic sentences (TS) Use the following steps: Step 1: QA (tgc and what each is about) Step 2: Brainstorm for points/reasons to answer the question (arguments) using 5 W 1 H, PERMS, levels Step 3: Take a stand Step 4: Craft TS ensuring that each point/reason/argument supports your stand. Make sure that you have one alternative argument.

Step 1: Question Analysis (QA) Is marriage Topical word: Marriage Define: legal union to establish family unit, for protection of individuals ie husband, wife, kids, property important Having fundamental functions, purposes, benefits in today’s world? Characteristics: 1) Developed Countries and cities– pp are more individualistic, think of own happiness first, less conservative ideas etc 2) Less dev countries (LDC) and rural communities – more traditional values

Step 2: Brainstorm for TS – using 5 W 1 H, PERMS and levels • Is marriage important in today’s world? To who (5 W 1 H) Modern society – in what kind of characteristics eg society individualistic, (5 W 1 H)? personal happiness 5 W 1 H/PERMS above 1)To educated family/community (PERMS) women in Levels society modern societies, -Individual level Conservative – – traditional values 2) To men in rural women, men educated in and religious conservative society (PERMS) - government level - govt communities, etc in labour-scarce countries support the idea of marriage because

Topic Sentences to support your stand Each TS provides a reason for your stand Q: Is marriage important in today’s world? * To whom in what type of societies? Why? Considering the values/characteristics that the various types of societies hold (context). * Who deems marriage not important because …(why) consider the values/characteristics of that society (context)

Essay Plan (Incomplete) Question: Is marriage important in today’s world? Stand: Marriage is losing its importance in some parts of the world. (This is better than saying “not important” because you want to show a trend that is taking place. ) TS 1 : Marriage is not important because (not necessary) Educated women in modern societies (who/level - individual) do not perceive marriage as (why) important for gaining financial support as they are well-capable of doing that themselves unlike (contrast) in the case of women in traditional societies where their ability to meet their basic needs is greatly dependent on marriage.

2 nd TS • In modern, liberal societies (level), marriage seem irrelevant at worst and antiquated at best to the current generation labelled as “Generation Me”. • Antiquated - outdated or old-fashioned

Alternative TS • Marriage is especially important for Asian societies (who/level) that subscribe to the belief that marriage leads to the formation of the traditional family; the bedrock of society.

Alternative TS • Even as society modernises and traditional values erode, many individuals (who/level) view as a goal to be pursued because marriage is a formal representation of a personal, lifelong commitment that also provides social and economic stability.