Topic Sentences

To announce the topic and an attitude toward it.

Why?

A topic sentence performs at least some of the following functions:  

Announces the topic: "A polar bear walks in a way all its own." - Barry Lopez

  Makes a transition from the previous paragraph:

"Like sensations, ideas are neither true nor false." - Mortimer J. Adler  

Asks and answers a rhetorical question: "What about motion that is too slow to be seen by the human eye? That

problem has been solved by the use of the time-lapse camera." - James C. Rettie

  Forecasts sub-topics to be dealt with in the paragraph

or in a whole section of paragraphs: "Oppressed groups are denied education, economic independence, the

power of office, representation, an image of dignity and self-respect, equality of status, and recognition as human beings." - Kate Millett

Topic sentences appear most frequently as the first sentence in a paragraph.

This position helps readers become orientated immediately to the paragraph's topic and helps communication (an estimated 95% of paragraphs in professional/technical writing begin with their topic sentences):

A midwinter vacation at Club Tropic has its good points and bad points. The beaches are clean and uncrowded. The surrounding countryside is lush and soothing to winter-weary eyes. Furthermore, being able to take sailing and scuba diving lessons, while friends back home shovel snow, makes the outdoor activities extra-enjoyable. On the other hand, several features of Club Tropic are substandard. The food is poor, and, because the club is isolated, eating elsewhere is impossible. Security could also be better, as thefts from several guests' rooms indicated. So for some vacationers, nice scenery and fun activities may not be enough to offset the possibility of poor service and lax security. (Leggett, 376)

Taken from: http://web.mit.edu/writing/Writing_Process/topicsentence.html

1. People can avoid burglaries by taking certain precautions. 

2. There are several advantages to growing up in a small town. 

3. Most US universities require a 550 point TOEFL score for a number of reasons. 

4. Air pollution in Mexico City is the worst in the world for a number of reasons. 

5. Fixing a flat tire on a bicycle is easy if you follow these steps. 

Some examples…

Main idea + controlling idea

First, I started sleeping in every day. I would then go swimming with my friends. I stayed up late watching TV a lot, and I went to camp for a week. I wished my summer would never end!

I had a wonderful summer.

What’s the topic sentence?

Regardless of what some people may think, the desert is a beautiful place. The colourful flowers in the spring are a joy to see. Spectacular sunsets delight the eye. Sometimes I go swimming. Occasionally animals dart across the sandy roads. It is a unique experience.

Which sentence doesn’t belong here?

1) Street crime – Bogotá

2) Food - Colombia

3) Obama’s election - effects

4) Compare standard of life – Bogotá – Tokyo

e.g. * There are many reasons why street crime exists in Bogotá.* How can you protect yourself from street crime in Bogotá?

e.g. * Many varieties of food exist in Colombia.* Is Colombian food really the best in the world?

e.g. * Obama’s election as president will have many effects throughout the U.S.* Will Obama’s election really change current U.S. foreign policy?

e.g. * In many ways, it is difficult to compare the standard of life in Bogotá and Tokyo.* Is the standard of life better in Bogotá than it is in Tokyo?

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