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How to write a topic sentence

The definition of a topic sentence

A topic sentence is a complete sentence that states the main point of the paragraph. It introduces an overall idea or makes an abstract point that the writer wants to discuss later in the paragraph.

The features of a topic sentence

A good topic sentence is necessary for a paragraph. It has the following four features: 1. being a complete sentence;

1) The importance of reading widely. Revised:

Reading widely is very important in improving one’s reading comprehension.

2) To make all the decisions for children. Revised:

Parents in China tend to make all the decisions for their children.

2. including a topic and a controlling idea;

The topic / subject: an idea that the sentence is about: matter, person, problem etc.

The main / controlling idea: a statement that says something about the topic: place, time, aspect, similarities or differences, intention, cause and effect.

e.g.: Television plays an educational role in our daily life.

3. being neither too general nor specific; e.g.: (1) English writing is very difficult.

In this sentence, “English writing” is the topic and “very difficult” the controlling idea. Obviously it is too big to develop. The sentence can be revised: English writing is comparatively more difficult than other language skills for Chinese students.

(2) My hometown is famous because it is located by Wheaton River, which is very wide, and because it is built near an unusually steep hill called Wheaton Hill.

The problem with this sentence is that it contains too many details. Topic sentences are general, and details should appear later in the paragraph.

Revised:

My hometown is famous for several amazing geographical features. The place of a topic sentence

Based on the need of a paragraph development, the topic, if there is one, may come at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of the paragraph. At the beginning of the paragraph Most of the time a topic sentence appears as the first sentence when the writer wants the reader to know how the paragraph will be developed and where the composition is headed. For example:

There is a lot of work involved in fixing bicycles. First, it is necessary for one to become familiar with the structure and parts of the vehicle. Second, one must have the correct tools to make the necessary repairs. Third, the person making the repairs must prepare himself or herself to

put a lot of time and effort into the job and only expect minimal results at the end.

As is shown in the above sentence, the topic sentence in the very beginning directly leads readers to the point under discussion: the work in fixing bicycles. In the middle of the paragraph

Sometimes the topic is placed in the middle of the paragraph when the writer has information that needs to precede it. The paragraph usually involves comparison or contrast, introducing the similarities or differences of the things discussed, and the topic sentence serves as a transition. For example:

Californians and New Englanders are both American. They speak the same language and abide by the same federal laws. But they are very different in their ways of life. Mobility---both physical and psychological---has made a great impression on the culture of Californians; lack of mobility of Californians; lack of mobility is the mark of the customs and morality of New Englanders.

The topic sentence appears in the middle, which serves as a signal showing that the following sentences are about the difference between Californians and New Englanders. The preceding sentence, however, is about the similarity of them. By using comparison, the paragraph is well-organized.

At the end of the paragraph

Sometimes the topic sentence is put at the end of a paragraph if the writer wants the reader to consider his line of reasoning before he declares his main point. The topic sentence plays a role of conclusion. For example:

Give students a chance to grow. Do not mold them from one of a thousand patterns. Let them seek knowledge, but do not find it for them. Let them learn patience; do not force it on them. Let them take their own time to grow; do not set rigid time schedules. Most of all, do not push them against a stone wall, crushing them with knowledge gained from the experience of others. Experience cannot be taught; it must come slowly through personal search.

The topic sentence appears as the last sentence, serving as a conclusion. And the preceding sentences are detailed information. No clear topic sentence

Tom studied for four years at the University of Paris and decided to leave before his graduation. He transferred to the University of Berlin and graduated with honors. Harvard Law School and, later, Boston College provided him with an excellent legal background. He is presently a corporation lawyer in Miami, Florida.

The main idea of this paragraph is that ______.

A. Tom, who had studied at Paris Universities for four years, moved to another university.

B. Tom became a lawyer since his graduation from Harvard Law School and later from Boston College.

C. Tom was an excellent student when he studied at Berlin university. D. Tom received an excellent education.√ Exercises:

1. Write a topic sentence for the following topics. Remember to focus your controlling idea on

one aspect of the topic. My university

My hometown

Extracurricular activities Surfing on the Internet Traffic jam

2. Read each paragraph and underline the sentence which best expresses the main idea.

(1) Americans make no distinction in greeting friends, acquaintance, elders, or superiors.

When Americans see a close, a casual acquaintance, a teacher, or even someone they know only by sight, they are likely to say “Hi” in all cases. This does not mean that they have no more regard for friends than for casual acquaintance. It only means that “Hi” serves as greeting for both.

(2) For years I have struggled with my writing skills. My inability to master correct grammar

as well as my struggle to formulate coherent ideas has made my compositions very dull and ineffective. This year, however, I decided to visit the Writing Center to help improve my skills. I found, to my surprise, that the real key to writing a good paper is to have a passion for the things about which you are writing. When a person becomes interested in his or her subject of composition, he or she will make a better attempt at organizing ideas and giving them a strong coherence.

(3) My grandfather contracted lung cancer a few months ago. The doctors now say that he

only has a few weeks to live. My family’s situation is not unique. Millions of Americans are going through a similar experience. At least three members of every extended family will contract terminal disease before the age of sixty. At least one out of every three nuclear families will have a member who will die of cancer before that age of fifty. From these statistics and from personal experience it is evident that no one is unaffected by cancer.