1 Recognizing the Top Sentence in a Paragraph 王海康 魏仲伶

2 Paragraph = One Topic Sentence + Supporting Sentences (+ A Summary or Conclusion)

3 Topic Sentence A topic sentence must be a complete sentence, not a fragment. A topic sentence is usually a clear and direct statement, not a question. The subject of the topic sentence is usually the subject idea of the paragraph.

4 Topic Sentence The verb and complement (predicate) of the topic sentence usually show the focus of the paragraph. The focus part of the topic sentences usually presents a judgment or attitude about the subject. A subordinate word group is sometimes used in the topic sentence to define the focus still further.

5 Topic Sentence = Subject + Focus

6 Examples The life of a fireman is a combination of adventure and boredom. He was not only a supervisor, but a mentor and a friend.

7 Examples The most unfair program in Taiwan today is welfare for the aborigines. It is better to take wrong action against injustice than to take no action.

8 Examples Our politicians are becoming more and more adept at gaining personal fortunes by devious means. More and more people find that brisk walking offers benefits that jogging can’t.

9 Top Sentences Exercises Exercise 1 Exercise 2

10 Have you learned more about Topic Sentence now?