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Topic Sentence Worksheet

Derived from Sucessful Writing Book 2, Shanghai Foreign Language Press, 2008

I. Write a focused topic sentence for each of the following subjects:

a. Looking for jobs

Looking for jobs are full of difficulties. b. Penguins

Penguins are used to cold weather. c. Personality

each cat has its own personality. d. Weather Weather

II. Read the following paragraphs and write a topic sentence for each of them:

a. Paragraph 1:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________When inventors discovered new principles and put them to use, they create basic inventions. They then open the way for other inventors to improve on their basic inventions. For example, the Greeks first invented the steam engine, but they considered it a toy and did nothing to improve it. James Watt reinvented the steam engine in the 18th century. His refinements of the basis engine made possible its many applications. Thus, the Greek are credited with a basic invention; Watt is credited with its practical reinvention. b. Paragraph 2:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________A confused student accidentally poured a wrong mixture of

chemicals into the test tube. There was a strong explosion. Broken

pieces of glass from the test tube flew in all directions. A sliver of flying glass found its mark in John Martin’s arm. The lab instructor saw blood trickling from John’s arm. He immediately notified the university’s infirmary about the accident. c. Paragraph 3:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________One-half to one-third of health problems of the elderly are believed to be related to nutrition. Assuming financial ability to provide nutritious meals, many elderly have inadequate diets because transportation is unavailable or they are unable to make use of it. They lack food storage facilities. They have little access to nutritional information or education. They lack motivation or the energy to prepare meals. Those who need special diets may be unable to afford or to prepare the correct food. Rising food prices too often erode the ability of those on fixed incomes to maintain even past standards of nutrition and food intake. The elderly who live alone are less likely to provide hot, nutritious meals for themselves.

III. In the following paragraphs, 1) underline the topic sentence, and 2) mark

out the sentences that do not support the topic sentence.

a. Paragraph 1: The world has enjoyed many benefits from the

invention of the telephone. First of all, it has brought convenience to families and friends. For example, people can contact each family member or friend who lives far away through the telephone. Many people do not like writing letters to each other. Besides, the

telephone shortens the distance between oceans and continents as people living in different continents can talk over the telephone. In addition, the telephone has also contributed greatly to efficient communication in the world business. And nowadays, the Internet has brought us more convenience.

b. Paragraph 2: I had a terrible morning today. I didn’t get enough sleep last night. I tripped over a curb on my way to political science class and tore my raincoat. In the middle of a class, I discovered I had

left my physics assignment in my locker. At the end of the class, the professor would not let me go to lunch on time. I had not turned in my assignment, and he wanted to talk it over with me. The professor was always strict with his students and I was always afraid of him. I heard that he was also very strict to his own children.

IV. Pick out the topic sentence from the following group of sentences and then

indicate the logical sequence for all of the sentences: 1. City life is also convenient.

2. With these attractions, we feel lucky to live in a city.

3. For example, almost any capable person can easily find a better job if he or she does not like the present one.

4. In fact, in a city there are many places for the citizens to go for entertainment, such as theaters, parks, and recreational areas. 5. Generally speaking, there are many attractions of living in a city. 6. With the wide streets and many buses, people can move from place to place at ease.

7. First of all, it’s very exciting to live in a city.

8. In addition, city life provides people with lots of chances.

9. With so many shops and supermarkets, citizens can enjoy a wide choice of goods.