topic sentence

Topic sentence: topic+controlling idea
❖ Before writing any essay or even a paragraph, it is important to think… 1. the topic 2. what you want to say about the topic. Most often, the topic is easy, but the question then turns to what you want to say about the topic which is the controlling idea. Topic sentences should always contain (1) a topic (2) a controlling idea.
I need a water bottle for the hike in case I get thirsty. A sweater is useful if it gets cold. A compass will help me go in the right direction. Sandwiches will be an easy-tocarry snack. I can use a camera to take pictures of unusual or attractive places.
Writing a topic sentence
❖ I need many items to be ready for a safe, enjoyable hike. I need a water bottle for the hike in
case I get thirsty. A sweater is useful if it gets cold. A compass will help me go in the right direction. Sandwiches will be an easy-to-carry snack. I can use a camera to take pictures of unusual or attractive places.
Can we make it a paragraph? How can we make it a paragraph?
We can make it a paragraph by giving it a central idea, or a focus. We give it a focus by stating the central idea in one sentence, which is called the topic sentence.
❖What is the main topic?
Walk on short errands Use stairs instead of elevator Maintain a healthy lifestyle Avoid overeating Eat good foods
Examples:
Kanchana
Writing a topic sentence
❖A carefully thought out topic sentence will serve two important functions.
❖First, it will provide the author the means to stay focused on your objective. It's a lot easier to write if you know what you are going to write about.
Topic sentence: topic+controlling idea
✓ Effective leadership requires specific qualities that anyone can develop. Topic: effective leadership Controlling idea: specific qualities
1. I'll never forget the events that occurred the first night I met the lady of my dreams, Kanchana, in Bangkok.
❖ What is the main topic?
Effective leadership Clear goals Broad vision Communicative ability
❖What is the main topic?
Stop the bicycle safely Repair a flat tire on a bicycle Find a quiet place away from the road Remove the tire Use a patch kit to fix the tube Replace the tire
attractive places.
Writing a topic sentence
I need a water bottle for the hike in case I get thirsty. A sweater is useful if it gets cold. A compass will help me go in the right direction. Sandwiches will be an easy-tocarry snack. I can use a camera to take pictures of unusual or attractive places.
Байду номын сангаас
Directions: Each question below contains a general topic and specific items to support that topic. Please choose the general topic in each question.
❖ What is the main topic?
❖Second, a clearly stated topic sentence will provide readers with the tools they need to clearly understand what you have to say.
Requirements of a Good Topic Sentence
✓ There are several advantages to growing up in a small town. Topic: growing up in a small town Controlling idea: several advantages
✓ Most US universities require a 550 point TOEFL score for a number of reasons. Topic: Most US… score Controlling idea: for a number of reasons
Topic sentence: topic+controlling idea
✓ People can avoid burglaries by taking certain precautions. Topic: avoid burglaries Controlling idea: by taking certain precautions
Q: Is it a paragraph? A: No, it isn’t.
Without a central idea, a group of sentences is just a list, and not an actual paragraph.
Writing a topic sentence
✓ In order to fully explore the wreck of the Titanic, scientists must address several problems. Topic: to fully explore the wreck of the Titanic Controlling idea: several problems
Avoiding burglaries Locking doors Leaving lights on Buying an alarm system
❖ What is the main topic?
Knowing your neighbors Walking to work Growing up in a small town Living a simpler lifestyle
Requirements of a Good Topic Sentence
Topic sentence should have practical content. (主题句内容必须具体。)
To improve reading ability, one needs to acquire
some reading skills. (√)
To improve English proficiency, one need to
acquire some skills. (X)
Requirements of a Good Topic Sentence
Topic sentence should not be a specific description. (描写细节的句子不能作主题句。)
Topic sentence should be a complete sentence with a complete meaning.
(主题句必须是意义完整的一个完整句子。)
How to read a novel. (X) Anyone can learn how to read a novel. (√)
Writing a topic sentence
➢ water bottle ➢ sweater ➢ compass ➢ sandwiches ➢ camera
1. I need a water bottle for the hike in case I get thirsty. 2. A sweater is useful if it gets cold. 3. A compass will help me go in the right direction. 4. Sandwiches will be an easy-to-carry snack. 5. I can use a camera to take pictures of unusual or
1. He sent his wife a diamond ring on her thirtieth
birthday. (X) 2. They moved to a new apartment last month. (X) 3. Today more and more women are going out to work. (X) 4. He encountered an old friend yesterday. (X)
Requirements of a Good Topic Sentence
Topic sentence should not be too general and should be clear in meaning.
(主题句内容不能太泛，必须内容清楚。)
Television is very important. (X) Television plays an educational role in daily life. (√)