Topic Sentences

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The key takeaways are that an effective topic sentence contains both a main idea and a controlling idea. It introduces the overall topic of the paragraph and expresses the writer's specific viewpoint on that topic.

An effective topic sentence contains two main components - a main idea, which expresses the overall topic of the paragraph, and a controlling idea, which expresses the writer's specific viewpoint on the main idea.

Examples given include topic sentences about fixing a flat tire, improving one's TOEFL score, and avoiding burglaries. These examples clearly identify the main idea in red and the controlling idea in green.

Topic Sentences (1)

The topic sentence is the first sentence at the beginning of the paragraph. It is important for two reasons:
1.

The topic sentence introduces the main idea to the reader. Readerscarefully look at this
sentence to identify what the passage will be aboutas well as the viewpoint the writer has.

2.

The topic sentence keeps the writerfocused on the topic. By referring back to the topic sentence
a writer can see if he is sticking to the his/her argument or not.

Topic sentencestypically have two parts:

amain idea: what the paragraph is generally about

acontrolling idea:what the writer wants to say about the main idea
All topic sentences contain a main idea (often in the form of a word, fact or general statement),
and a controlling idea. All sentences within the paragraph relate directly to this topic sentence in some way.
Letstake a look at a paragraphs main idea:
TASK: Can you guess what the main idea of each paragraph will be?
1. Main idea:
french-fries

hamburgers

chocolate shakes

swimming

hot weather

no school

presents

Santa Claus

candy cane

dishes

laundry

vacuuming

friends

alcohol

fun

homework

assignments

lectures

2. Main idea:

3. Main idea:

4. Main idea:

5. Main idea:

6. Main idea:

Identifying the main ideaof a paragraph, as we can see, is easy.


However writing effective topic sentences needs more. Topic sentences need acontrolling idea.
Learning how to writeeffective topic sentences with a controlling idea is key to writing effective paragraphs.

Topic sentence = main idea + controlling idea

Topic Sentences (2)


So what does a topic sentence look like?Readers look to a topic sentence to identify two things; firstthemain
idea of the passagebut also thewritersviewpoint on topic.But, when learning how to write formally in
English, fledgling writersoften excludethe most important part the controlling idea. The controlling idea is vital,
as itguides the writersideas. And, of course, its these ideas thatprovide support for the paragraph.

Look at the sentences below; two are simple statements, two are personal opinions and two are complete
topic sentences.
TASK: Mark whether the following sentences are simple statements, opinions or topic sentences:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Dogs are animals.


I like dogs better than cats
Dogs are better than cats for many reasons.
It is my opinion that smoking causes bad health.
Smoking can cause genetic defects in an unborn child.
Smoking is bad.

a) A good topic sentence cannot be a simple statement of fact. Simple facts are too broad and thus too difficult
to support. The scope of the topic needs to be narrowed with a controlling idea.
Dogs are animals

b). Formal academic writing discourageswriting in the 1st and 2ndperson - I and you. There are good reasons
for this. Writers must learn to write in the 3rd person which is challenging, and requires training1.

c) A good topic sentence contains a general opinion that is then controlledby the writers point of view.

Topic Sentences (3)


The writersviewpoint - the controlling idea - narrows the main idea of the passage.Using a controlling idea, the
scope of the passage is narrowed,making the argument more concrete; more specific. Writers can then write
more specifically on the topic.
TASK:Read the following topic sentences.
They all contain a main idea (in red) and a controlling idea (in green).When your introduction contains a clearly
stated topic sentence,your reader will know what to expect and, therefore, understand your ideas better.
1.Fixing a flat tire on a bicycle is easyif youfollow these steps.
(The first step is to)
2. Most US universities require a 102 point iBT TOEFL scorefora number of reasons.
(The main reason is)
3. People can avoid burglaries by taking certain precautions.
(One precaution)
1See Voice: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Personpp36-37
3

4. There areseveral advantagestogrowing up in a small town.


(One advantage)
5. Air pollution in Mexico City is the worst in the worldfora number of reasons.
(The major reason is)
TASK: Circle the main idea ineach topic sentence below,and thenunderline the controlling idea.
1. Of all the beverages in the world, nothing is better than Coca-Cola.
2. Although most people prefer buying new cars, investing in a used vehicle has many advantages.
3. The SAT is a test composed of three distinct sections designed to assess three different skills.
4. Recent research has shown that chocolate not only tastes good but may also aid in the fight against aging.
5. The election process in Zimbabwe, a country on the west coast of Africa, has been under much scrutiny
over the past several days.

Topic Sentences (4)


TASK: Circle the MAIN IDEA of the paragraph. Then underline the CONTROLLING IDEA.
1. Dogs make excellent companions for several reasons.
2. Owning a car in a big city can give you many troubles.
3. Cellular phones are essential for students for several reasons.
4. Research shows that internet games can be addictive.
5. Studying English at university can help students to get better jobs.
6. There are many reasons why Koreans like to travel to Cheju Island.
7. There are several enjoyable ways to travel between the US and Mexico.
8. Crossword puzzles are not only educational and fun, but also addictive.
9. Animals in danger of becoming extinct come from a wide range of countries.
10. The South Korean presidents policies have improved the Korean economy.
11. Effective leadership requires specific qualities that anyone can develop.
12. Many people recognize the Seoul subway system as being convenient and economical.
13. Several important factors have contributed to English becoming an important global language.
14. In order to fully explore the wreck of the Titanic, scientists must address several problems.

15. A travel advisory recently stated that traveling to Thailand, especially Bangkok, could be extremely
risky.

Topic Sentences (4) Answers


TASK: Circle the MAIN IDEA of the paragraph. Then underline the CONTROLLING IDEA.

1. Dogs make excellent companions for several reasons.


2. Owning a car in a big city can give you many troubles.
3. Cellular phones are essential for students for several reasons.
4. Research shows that internet games can be addictive.
5. Studying English at university can help students to get better jobs.
6. There are many reasons why Koreans like to travel to Cheju Island.
7. There are several enjoyable ways to travel between the US and Mexico.
8. Crossword puzzles are not only educational and fun, but also addictive.
9. Animals in danger of becoming extinctcome from a wide range of countries.
10. The South Korean presidents policies have improved the Korean economy.
11. Effective leadership requires specific qualities that anyone can develop.
12. Many people recognize the Seoul subway system as being convenient and economical.
13. Several important factors have contributed to English becoming an important global language.
14. In order to fully explore the wreck of the Titanic, scientists must address several problems.

15. A travel advisory recently stated that traveling to Thailand, especially Bangkok, could be extremely
risky.

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