Answers for homework exercises in Focus On Writing Chapter 2

These are the answers for the homework exercises:

(Note that some of the answers are only suggestions, and alternative answers are perfectly fine. If in doubt, please ask :) )

Activity 2-4

2. b

3. b

4. not too sure about this...what do you think?

5. a

The main idea here is that a better topic sentence is one that is specific and focused.

Activity 2-5

2. The Sengkang River is one of the best features of my hometown.

or One of the reasons my hometown is such a wonderful place is the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood.

3. One area our school needs improvement in is the maintenance of our sporting facilities.

4. Exercise is good for you because it helps you burn harmful calories.

5. Driving a car at night can be hazardous  because the poor visibility can lead to accidents.

6. One benefit of computers is that it helps us perform tasks more efficiently.

7. One interesting thing to do at the park is to feed the ducks in the pond.

8. Watching too much television is bad for you because it can damage your eyesight.

(typing this during the recess period, and the bell's just gone! Will add the rest later!)

Okay, let's continue:

Activity 2-6

(topic is in italics, and controlling idea is in bold)

1. Another interesting area of research has to do with the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

2. What makes the agreement shaky ... is that it is based on an overly optimistic estimate of the river's average flow.

3. The population of tigers in the world today is diminishing and the situation is not encouraging.

OR

The population of many tiger species, like the South China Tiger, is probably too few and far between to maintain a viable population ever again.

4. His nose and body were unforgettable.

5. We write because we want to understand our lives.

6. I never cease to marvel at the sights and the exotic history of my hometown.

Activity 2-7

Answers are subjective, so i'll just provide one sample.

Narrowing down topic:

a memorable teacher

secondary school

form teacher

Mr. Teo

My most memorable form teacher must be Mr. Teo.

narrow down further:

Mr Teo was a memorable teacher because he would walk around the classroom during tests and examinations and point out mistakes in our answers.

Activity 2-8

Topic Sentence: Smoking cigarettes is hazardous to your health.

Support:

1) US government's study linked the intake of tar and nicotine with the development of cancer in laboratory animals

2) Evidence was so overwhelming that the government required cigarette manufaturers to put a warning on the outside of each package of cigarettes.

3) Smoking can also aggravate or promote other health problems like asthma, emphysema, smoker's cough and bronchitis.

4) Recent studies have shown that smokers are more susceptible to common colds and flu.

Conclusion: Whether you get a simple cold or something more serious like cancer, smoking is hazardous, so surely it's not worth it, right?

That's it for now, all the best for your assignment!

~Mr. Ahmad