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 5W1H, 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 important in today’s world?

Topical word: Marriage

Define: legal union to establish family unit,

for protection of individuals ie

husband, wife, kids, property

Having fundamental functions, purposes,

benefits

Characteristics: 1) Developed Countries

and cities– pp are more individualistic,

think of own happiness first, less

conservative ideas etc2) Less dev countries

(LDC) and rural communities – more

traditional values

Step 2: Brainstorm for TS – using 5W1H, PERMS and levels

• Is marriage important in today’s world?

To who (5W1H) in what kind of

society (5W1H)? 5W1H/PERMS1)To educated

(PERMS) women in modern societies, 2) To men in rural

and religious (PERMS)

communities, etc

Levels- Individual level –

educated women, men in conservative society

- government level - govt in labour-scarce countries

support the idea of marriage because

Modern society – characteristics eg

individualistic, personal happiness

above family/community

Conservative society – traditional values

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.

2nd 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.