TOPIC SENTENCES AND SUPPORTING DETAILS Part 1

Topic, Main Idea, Topic Sentence, Supporting Details   Topic The general idea or the subject of the paragraph is the topic. Main Idea The main idea further focuses on the point of the paragraph. What does the writer(you) want the reader to know about the subject or topic of the paragraph? The answer to this question is the main idea. The main idea is not expressed in a complete sentence. Topic Sentence The topic sentence in paragraphs is the sentence that formally states the main idea. Supporting Details Supporting details contain the evidence to prove that the main idea is true and correct. Usually a paragraph contains two to three major details, as well as minor details.

Topic Sentences = Topic + Controlling Idea Before writing any essay or even a paragraph, it is important to think, first about the topic and then what you want to say about the topic. Most often, the topic is easy, but the question then turns to what you want to say about the topic which is the controlling idea. Topic sentences should always contain both (1) a topic and (2) a controlling idea. =>Read the following topic sentences. They all contain a topic (in red) and a controlling idea (in green). When your introduction contains a clearly stated topic sentence such as one of the following, your reader will know what to expect and, therefore, understand your ideas better. 1. People can avoid burglaries by taking certain precautions. (The precautions for…) 2. There are several advantages to growing up in a small town. (The advantages of…)

Circle the topic and underline the controlling ideas 3 Circle the topic and underline the controlling ideas 3. Most US universities require a 550 point TOEFL score for a number of reasons. (The reasons for…) 4. Air pollution in Mexico City is the worst in the world for a number of reasons. (The causes of…) or (The effects of…) 5. Fixing a flat tire on a bicycle is easy if you follow these steps. (The steps for…) 6. There are several enjoyable ways to travel between the US and Queretaro. (he ways to…) or (The methods of…) 7. Animals in danger of becoming extinct come from a wide range of countries. (The different countries… [parts, kinds, types) 8. Effective leadership requires specific qualities that anyone can develop. (The qualities (or characteristics or traits) of…)

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IDENTIFYING TOPIC SENTENCE AND SUPPORTING details exercise: 2.) There are many reasons I hate my apartment. The plumbing doesn’t work properly and the landlord refuses to fix it. I also have noisy neighbors who keep me up all night. Furthermore, there are so many bugs in my apartment that I could start an insect collection. I really want to move. 3.) Vegetables and fruits are an important part of a healthy diet. First, fruits and vegetables are packed with the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your body functioning smoothly. In addition, they give you the carbohydrates you need for energy. Fruits and vegetables have lots of fiber to help your digestive system work properly. Finally, many scientists believe that the nutrients in fruits and vegetables can help fight diseases. If you eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, you’ll be on the road to better health.