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