CHAPTER 2: TOPIC SENTENCES
I. Definition
The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of a paragraph. Sometimes, it
occurs elsewhere in the paragraph, for example, the second sentence after an
introduction, or the last sentence (which is also equivalent to the concluding sentence).
The topic sentence presents a topic and states the main idea (or the controlling idea)
which is developed or supported by other sentences in the paragraph.
E.g.
My friend is an honest person. => Topic: My friend; Main idea: is an honest
person
My friend is the funniest person I know. => Topic: My friend; Main idea: is the
funniest person I know
My friend has a terribly dangerous job. => Topic: My friend; Main idea: has a
terribly dangerous job
A good topic sentence has the following features:
TOPIC SENTENCE:
containing a specific topic
not a simple statement of fact a fact does not need to be developed
being a statement of intent or an opinion (i.e. containing a specific controlling
idea)
E.g.
1. We celebrate Christmas on December 25.
=> fact = weak topic sentence
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2. Playing sports is good.
=> broad topic (Playing sports); vague controlling idea (good in what way is it
good?) => weak topic sentence
II. Practice
Exercise 2: Circle the topic and underline the main idea in each topic
sentence below.
e.g. Another way to reduce the rate of inflation is to balance the federal budget.
1. This year, our Instagram marketing program outperformed our other social
media campaigns.
2. My uncle had a frightening experience as a young man.
3. Text messaging had become popular among teenagers.
4. Effective time management requires four easy steps.
5. Every college student should take a computer course.
6. It is difficult to quit smoking for three reasons.
7. One of the most recent technical advances in the use of water is the development
of hydroelectric power.
8. In addition to being unhealthy, smoking can be offensive.
9. Registration at Greenhills College is a frustrating experience.
10.
Exercise 3: Identify the topic sentences. For each set of sentences below,
write TS (topic sentence) next to the topic sentence.
E.g.
_______ a. Mosquitoes are attracted to heat.
_______ b. Mosquitoes will fly several miles to find food.
_______ c. Only the female mosquito bites.
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T.S d. Mosquitoes are interesting insects.
Topic sentence: Mosquitoes are interesting insects. => Topic: Mosquitoes; main
idea: are interesting insects)
3.1.
_______ a. Another important change was that people had the freedom to live and work
wherever they wanted.
_______ b. The earliest significant change was for farming families, who were no
longer isolated.
_______ c. The final major change brought by the automobile was the building of
superhighways, suburbs, huge shopping centers, and theme parks such as Disney World
in Florida.
_______ d. The automobile enabled them to drive to towns and cities comfortably and
conveniently.
________f. In fact, people could work in a busy metropolitan city and drive home to
the quiet suburbs.
3.2.
_______ a. In time, this melted part rises as magma.
_______ b. The formation of a volcanic eruption is a dramatic series of events.
_______ c. As the plate sinks, friction,
_______ d. The magma produces heat, steam, and pressure.
_______ e. First of all, most volcanoes are formed where two plates collide.
_______ f. Then one of the plates is forced under the other and sinks.
_______ g. When the heat, steam, and pressure from the magma finally reach the
surface of Earth, a volcanic eruption occurs.
3.3.
_______ a. One of my hobbies is listening to international music.
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_______ b. I have a large collection of world music recordings.
_______ c. My friends and I like to introduce each other to new international artists we
discover.
_______ d. I enjoy going to concerts by musicians from different countries.
3.4.
_______ a. I like the way people decorate their homes and stores.
_______ b. I enjoy going shopping in cold weather.
_______ c. I enjoy the parties and celebrations of the winter holiday.
_______ d. I really like the winter holidays.
3.5.
_______ a. My new apartment has big closets.
_______ b. My new apartment is perfect for my roommate and me.
_______ c. My new apartment is close to school and work.
_______ d. My new apartment is not too expensive for students.
Exercise 4: Study the following pairs of topic sentences. Circle the better
topic sentence in each pair.
E.g.
1. a. Snow skiing on the highest mountainsides requires great skill.
b. Snow skiing is fun.
2. a. Exercise is healthful.
b. Jogging is healthful for many reasons.
3. a. Camping is a great outdoor activity.
b. Camping requires a variety of special equipment.
4. a. Small cars are popular.
b. Driving a small car saves money.
5. a. Hong Kong is an exciting city.
6. a. The violence -being.
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b. Watching TV is a waste of time.
7. a. Learning English is difficult.
b. What makes English particularly difficult to learn is pronunciation.
8. a. Gone with the Wind may be an old movie, but it is still a good one.
b. The acting in Gone with the Wind was superb.
9. a. The wide variety of merchandise makes Aeon Mall convenient.
b. Aeon Mall is a convenient place to shop.
10. a. Enrolling in college is not an easy task.
b. Registration at State College is a painful process.
Exercise 5: All the following topic sentences are too general. Rewrite each
sentence adding a main idea/main ideas.
E.g.
Flowers are beautiful.
=> Flowers are the best gift to receive when you are feeling down.
1. Cats are nice.
2. Paris is the capital of France.
3. The English alphabet has twenty-six letters.
4. She has many problems.
5. Tennis is an enjoyable sport.
Exercise 6: Write a topic sentence for each given paragraph.
E.g.
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. When Ken wanted to enter
a good university, he studied hard to pass the examination. The first time he took the
exam, he did not do well, and he felt very discouraged. But he knew he wanted to study
at that university, so he studied more. The next year, he tried taking the exam again.
The second time, he did very well, and now he is studying engineering. I believe Ken
is a good role model for me, and he has taught me that never giving up is that best way
to succeed.
1. Topic sentence First, you need to have enough time
to request and then submit all the necessary academic records. Often it takes a long time
for record, such as transcripts or standardized test scores, to arrive at the university. You
must be sure that this paperwork reaches the university before the application deadline.
Second, the admissions office must have enough time to look at your academic records
and decide whether you will be accepted. Finally, many universities have a quota, or
special number, of students who may enter every semester. If you apply too late, there
may bot be room for you for the semester in which you want to enter. Following these
simple steps can help you get into a university quickly and easily.
2. Topic sentence Posters and other forms of
advertisements are all around us, especially in towns and cities, and we cannot help
seeing them. If they are successful advertisements, they affect our opinions and
behavior; they make us want to buy certain products. In addition, adverts often make
the streets more colorful and attractive. Architecture, which is another form of art, also
has an effect on the way we feel. Buildings are not just places where we live and work
they are also part of our environment. Living and working in a bright, attractive
building makes people feel more optimistic, whereas dark, ugly buildings can make
people feel gloomy.
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3. Topic sentence English speakers relaxing at home,
for example, may put on kimonos, which is a Japanese word. English speakers who live
in a warm climate may take an afternoon siesta on an outdoor patio without realizing
that these are Spanish words. In their gardens, they may enjoy the fragrance of jasmine
flowers, a word that came into English from Persian. They may even relax on a chaise
while snacking on yogurt, words of French and Turkish origin, respectively. At night,
they may shampoo their hair and put on pajamas, words from the Hindi language of
India.
4. Topic sentence In European universities, students
are not required to attend classes. In fact, professors in Germany generally do not know
the names of the students enrolled in their courses. In the United States, however,
students are required to attend all classes and may be penalized if they do not.
Furthermore, in the European system, students usually take just one comprehensive
examination at the end of their entire four or five years of study. In the North American
system, on the other hand, students usually have numerous quizzes, tests, and
homework assignments, and they almost always have to take a final examination in
each course at the end of each semester.
5. Topic sentence First, your body will look better.
Exercise is perfect for staying trim and healthy-looking, and it does not have to take a
long time. Second, you will actually have more energy. A person who exercises will
have fewer problems walking upstairs or climbing hills. In addition, you heart will be
healthier. A good, strong heart is necessary for a long, healthy life. Finally, exercise
reduces stress and keeps your mind in shape. Therefore, if you want to improve your
overall health, exercise is an excellent way to accomplish your goal.
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Exercise 7: Using each word or phrase below to write a topic sentence with
a controlling idea.
E.g.
Pets
=> Pets are good companions for older people.
1. Computers
2. Divorce
3. Examination
4. Swimming
5. Drug addiction
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