http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/science/paragraphs/1.2.xml Check your version against this sample answer.

Notice that the first sentence is the topic sentence. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Its use for healing purposes can be traced back as far as 1550BC when documentations of its therapeutic use first appear in Egypt (Hassan, 2003; Rivlin, 2001). In modern times belief in the beneficial effects of garlic on health has led to it being used for a number of conditions. Garlic has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (Aboul-Enein and AboulEnein, 2005), and possess anti-microbial (Sivam, 2001) and antioxidant properties (Imai et al., 1994). This essay will explore research into garlic's potential roles in reducing cancer risk and in treating cancer. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common genetic disorders. CF is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and a defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormal amount of very thick, sticky mucus which clogs the lungs and pancreas, interfering with breathing and digestion. This mucus builds up in the breathing passages in the lungs and the pancreas and respiratory complications develop from the blockage of the bronchial passages. Eventually, the cilia which are responsible for clearing the mucus are destroyed. In addition, the mucus traps bacteria which cause infections and permanent damage to the lungs, and may also block the ducts of the pancreas which contains enzymes necessary for the digestion of food. http://www.victoria.ac.nz/llc/academic-writing/tsent3.html

Student success at university is the result of a number of inter-related factors.

The most important factor is a student's past experience of study. If a student has already developed good study habits, study at university should not be difficult. Good study habits need to be complemented by interest and motivation, factors which are important when competition gets tough. We should however not underestimate the distracting effects of financial and personal difficulties. All students have to grapple with these at some stage of their university life. Beyond the personal factors it has to be said that there is also a certain element of luck involved in success: this includes finding excellent teachers and the subject matter that inspires one to give one's best.

Whether genetic engineering indeed has the benefits promised for us all without the dangers remains open, but it is certainly here to stay.
Animal breeding for particular features may soon become obsolete with the newfound ability of scientists to work at the level of genes. On the one hand there are those who embrace the new bio-technology: genetic engineering. They argue that many genetic changes will be hugely beneficial and harmless. As long as safeguards are in place, they claim, humans would be foolish not to take advantage of the many benefits genetic engineering has to offer. Others have seen the speed with which gene manipulation can get out of hand, mixing

species so that vegetable and animal are no longer distinguishable. They want to wind the clock back. But can they?

1. There are many reasons why students panic during final exams. The possible reasons are: not being prepared information overload
Two further key points suggested for a paragraph with the given topic sentence: wrong expectations about exam format bad time management A paragraph based on the given topic sentence may look like this: There are many reasons why students panic during final exams. The reason students frequently give is that they are not sufficiently prepared. Also often heard is the complaint that there was too much to learn and to retain. Some students report feeling panic when they find an exam format they did not expect. But the most widespread problem today is bad time management, a result of too many conflicting demands especially the competing demands of study and work.

2. New Zealand trade efforts have recently started to focus on South America as a new destination for our export products. Benefits of increased trade with South America are: growing, stable major economies provide increasing trading opportunities diverse trading opportunities throughout a huge region
Two further key points suggested for a paragraph with the given topic sentence: New Zealand no longer so dependent on Australia and Asia increased interest in Spanish language and culture A paragraph based on the given topic sentence may look like this: New Zealand trade efforts have recently started to focus on South America as a new destination for our export products. There are several economic and even cultural beneifts to be gained from increased trade with South America. First, it means that New Zealand is no longer so dependent on Australia and Asia. Secondly, New Zealand gains the benefit of the many diverse trading opportunities that this huge region has to offer. Thirdly, since the major South American economies are stable and growing, trading opportunities are likely to increase. Lastly, more New Zealanders will become interested in this region and want to learn Spanish and enjoy cultural exchanges. Thus closer ties with South America will benefit New Zealand economically and culturally in the same way as has already happened with Asia.

In my country, one of the most urgent problems facing the government today relates to agriculture. The first fact to consider is that over 60 percent of the population live in rural communities. In these rural areas 70 percent of the available agricultural land suffers from dryness and lack of irrigation. And without irrigation, agricultural production is wholly dependent on the uncertain rainfall. To understand the nature of this problem one has to look at some of the facts. As a result, the crops are usually marginal with hardly enough production to feed the farmer's family. http://colelearning.net/who/module1/page35.html