How to Write a Topic Sentence 成都文理学院 本科英语组 综合 / 读写 贺倩静 胡仲彬

Topic Sentence Definition and Function Position Criteria of Writing a Good Topic Sentence

Definition and Function-1 A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph. It not only names the topic (who, what) of the paragraph, but also limits the topic to one or two areas that can be discussed completely in the space of a single paragraph. The specific area is called the controlling idea.

Definition and Function-2 The controlling idea is usually indicated by a single word or a phrase in the topic sentence. A controlling idea helps a writer by reminding him or her at all times to keep to the central idea as he or she writes a paragraph. e.g.

Example Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion. Therefore, it is suitable for jewelry, coins and ornamental purposes. Gold never needs to be polished and will remain beautiful forever. For example, a Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the day it was minted twenty-three centuries ago. Another important characteristic of gold is its usefulness to industry and science. For many years, it has been used in hundreds of industrial applications. The most recent use of gold is in astronauts’ suits. Astronauts wear gold–plated heat shields for protection outside the spaceship. In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty, but also for its utility.

Example-1 Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. Topic: gold Controlling idea: two important characteristics

Example-2 There are four seasons in a year. Topic : Seasons Controlling ideas: four kinds of seasons

Example-3 Industrialization has brought us many benefits as well as environmental tragedies. Topic : Industrialization Controlling ideas: benefits as well as environmental tragedies

Example-4 The students in the class come from many different parts of the world. Topic : The students in the class Controlling ideas: from many different parts of the world.

Position of a Topic Sentence a) At the beginning of a paragraph b) At the end of a paragraph c) In the middle of a paragraph d) At both the beginning and the end of a paragraph e) Sometimes it can be implied

At the beginning of a paragraph Americans make no distinction in greeting friends, acquaintances, elders, or superiors. When Americans see close friends, casual acquaintances, teachers, 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 acquaintances. It only means that “ Hi” serves as a greeting for both.

At the end of a paragraph Because lunch comes in the middle of the day, it gives me a welcome break from studying. At school, lunch means thirty minutes out of class and a chance to rest after the morning’s work. While eating, I can plan what I’m going to do in the afternoon. And besides offering a pleasant break in the day, lunch is always a good meal. In fact eating lunch is one of my favorite pastimes.

In the middle of a paragraph 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 is the mark of the customs and morality of New Englanders.

At both the beginning and the end of a paragraph The way of reading a newspaper in America is different from that of reading a newspaper in a totalitarian （极权主义的） country. In a democracy, first of all, you can check one newspaper against another; you can compare an account in your newspaper against what you hear on the radio. You can consult books to determine whether a report is accurate. In a totalitarian nation all information comes from one source － the government.

The implied topic sentence Of those who drop out of college, some leave for financial reasons, and this is often tragic because these people in many cases do well in college before they have to leave. Some leave because of poor health. A few are drafted. Many leave for personal reasons － marriage, family mix-ups or just the realization that college is not the place for them. The implied topic sentence is: “Students leave college for a number of reasons.”

Criteria of Writing a Good Topic Sentence Using direct statements Avoiding using too general controlling ideas

Using Direct Statements Can’t we see that the demand for delicacies （美食） has endangered some species almost becoming extinct? Bear’s paw, for example, has been enjoyed at least since Confucius time. Not only its smooth flavor is usually compared to that of the best ham, but many people have been overwhelmed by its healing power. Due to the excessive hunting, the population of black bears has

Using Direct Statements reduced to fewer than 15,000 in Asia. Consumers and restaurants can no longer plead ignorance because the evidence is well documented. In conclusion, Chinese cuisine is rich and varied with hundreds of other dishes to please the palate; therefore, leave the endangered species alone and choose something else to eat.

Using Direct Statements The demand for exotic delicacies has caused the reduction of population for endangered species through excessive hunting and overharvesting. Topic : The demand for exotic delicacies Controlling ideas: reduction of population for endangered species

Avoiding Using Too General Controlling Ideas-1 (1) a. Modern technology is good and helpful to us. b. Modern technology has improved the quality of our lives immeasurably.

Avoiding Using Too General Controlling Ideas-2 (2) a. My brother enjoys water sports. b. Among the water sports that my brother enjoys are snorkeling ( 潜水 ), scuba diving （呼 吸器跳水 ), and water-skiing.

Avoiding Using Too General Controlling Ideas-3 (3) a. Star Wars and Close Encounters of a Third Kind are interesting movies. b. Star Wars and Close Encounters of a Third Kind are very different kinds of science fiction movies.

Review Topic sentence: topic + controlling idea Position: beginning, end, middle, implied Criteria of Writing A good topic sentence: direct statement +specific controlling idea Assignment: see Appendix