Module 1 Topic Sentence

I understand the secret of life… but I can’t figure this out!

Information taken from: Hogue, A. (2008). First Steps in Academic Writing. 2nd Ed. Longman

Parts of a Paragraph

A paragraph has 3 main parts: 1. Topic sentence 2. Supporting sentences 3. Concluding sentence

Topic Sentence The most important sentence in a paragraph is the topic sentence.

It is called the topic sentence because it tells the reader what the topic of the paragraph is.

The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph.

Parts of a Topic sentence

A topic sentence has two parts: a topic and a controlling idea.

The topic tells what the paragraph is about.

The controlling idea tells what the paragraph will say about the topic. It tells the reader: This paragraph will discuss this things – and ONLY this things – about this topic.

Let´s Practice

In the following paragraphs, identify the topic sentence. In the topic sentence identify the topic and the controlling idea.

Example 1: Flight Attendants

#Flight attendants have three important characteristics. First of all, flight attendants are friendly. They enjoy greeting passengers and making them feel comfortable. Sometimes, passengers are afraid of flying. A friendly flight attendant can talk to them and help them feel calm. Second, flight attendants are self-confident. They give instructions to passengers, and they must be firm enough so that passengers obey them. This is very important in emergencies. Third, flight attendants are physically strong. They push heavy carts, ….

Example 1 Answer

What is the topic sentence?

Flight attendants have three important characteristics.

The topic is flight attendants

The controlling idea tells us that they have three characteristics.

The paragraph won’t tell us about their uniforms, their training, or their duties. It will only discuss three characteristics that they have.

Example 2 and 3 The writes of these paragraphs have different ideas about the man in the photo.

Example 2 Answer

What is the topic sentence? The man in the photo is a hardworking man.

The topic is the man in the photo.

The controlling idea tells us that he is a hardworking man.

The paragraph will explain why he is hardworking. It won´t refer to any other aspect of his life.

Example 3 Answer

What is the topic sentence? The man in the photo has an exciting life.

The topic is the man in the photo.

The controlling idea tells us that he has an exciting life.

The paragraph explains why his life is exciting.

More Examples   Here are examples of other topic sentences.

The topic in all three examples is the same: English

English is constantly adding new words. English borrows words from other languages. English is necessary for different jobs.

  The controlling idea says something different about English.

  From the controlling ideas, you can imagine what the rest of the paragraph will say about English.

Usually, the topic comes first and the controlling idea comes second in the topic sentence. However, the controlling idea may come first.

Examples: Topic controlling idea

English borrows words from other languages. Controlling idea Topic

Other languages give words to English.

Controlling idea Topic

There are several reasons why I like my room. Topic controlling idea

I like my room for several reasons.

Sometimes the topic and the controlling idea are in two sentences.

Example:

People sometimes confuse sea lions and seals. These animals are different in several ways. The sea lion has…

Topic: sea lions and seals

Controlling idea: they are different in several ways.