Page 73 - English for Executive Administrative Assistant

Language Focus

Topic Sentence

It introduces the topic. It also contains an idea or opinion about the topic. This idea is called
a controlling idea. Example: The company has several strategies to attract consumers.
Topic sentence must not be a simple fact or detail. Instead, it must contain a specific idea. In
addition, it must not be too general, or it will be unclear. Example:
Customers then sell our products to consumers at a rate of 1.9 billion servings a day. (fact, ot
topic sentence)

The changing strategy done by the company is bad. (idea too general for a topic sentence)

Supporting Details

Supporting details should develop the topic based on the controlling idea. They should
clearly relate to each other.
Conclusion

It restates the topic sentence in different words. Example: In order to get more customers,
the company applies some techniques in selling their products.

Read each pair of sentences. Circle (o) the topic sentence that is more effective.

1. a. Incorporation offers several advantages to businesses and their owners.
b. Incorporation enables a business to obtain professional managers with centralized authority and

responsibility therefore, the business can be run more efficiently.
2. a. The combination of digitalization and connectivity is another important megatrend for the BMW
Group.
b. BMW Group founded the Catena_ Xautomotive network, together with other manufacturers.
3. a. Sony, is still a traditional Japanese company in many ways.
b. Sony operates under where management especially the general president, gave the general direction.
4. a. A variety of different factors can influence organizations and their performances.
b. Managing operations will help sustain a positive perception of brand reputation.

65 | P a g e
English for Executive Administrative Assistant