topic sentence

Expresses the main idea of the paragraph Usually states a definite opinion or attitude Gives the reader a clear understanding

what paragraph is Often found in the 1st sentence or near the

beginning of a paragraph. However, it can be sometime found at the end of paragraph or somewhere within the paragraph.

it is complete sentence; that is, it contains a subject, a verb and (usually) a complement.

The following are not complete sentences.1. Driving on freeways2. The importance of gold3. How to register for college classes

It contains both a topic and a controlling idea. It names the topic and then limits the topic to a specific area to be discussed in the space of a single paragraph.

1. Driving on freeways requires skill and alertness.

2. Gold is prized for two important characteristics.

3. Registering for college classes can be a frustating experience for new students.

(topic) Gold, a precious metal, is prized for

two important characteristics. (controlling idea) The weather in March was unpredictable. Freddy is very shy. Hurricanes, which are also called cyclones,

exert tremendous power.

It gives only the main idea; therefore, it is most general statement in the paragraph. It does not give any specific details.This is an example of a general statement that could serve as a topic sentence.

The Arabic origin of many English words is not always obviousThis sentence is too specific to serve as a topic sent.

The slang expression “so long” (meaning goodbye) is probably a corruption of the Arabic “salaam.”

Hurricanes, which are also called cyclones, exert tremendous power. These violent storms are often a hundred miles in diameter and their winds can reach velocities of seventy-five miles per hour or more. Furthermore, the strong winds and heavy rainfall that accompany them can completely destroy a small town in a couple of hours. The energy, that is released by a hurricane in one day exceeds the total energy consumed by human kind throughout the world in one year. *speeds

Albert Einstein, one of the world’s geniuses, failed his university entrance examinations on his first attempt. William Faulkner, one of America’s noted writers, never finished college because he could not pass his English courses. Sir Winston Churchill, who is considered one of the masters of the English language, had to have special tutoring in english during elementary school. These few examples show that failure in school does not always predict failure in life.

Synonyms, words that have the same basic meaning, do not always have the same emotional meaning. For example, the words “stingy” and “frugal” both mean “careful with money.” however, to call a person stingy is an insult, while the word frugal has a much more positive connotation. Similarly, a person wants to be slender but not skinny, and aggressive, but not pushy. Therefore, you should be careful in choosing words because many so-called synonyms are not really synonymous at all. *implied meaning

Some suggestions for writing strong topic sentence

A good topic sentence usually states an opinion or attitude that can be supported by details and examples.

TS : The weather is miserable todaySupport : 105 degree temperature

high humidity no breeze bad pollution

A good TS is specific enough to be clear and interesting

Good TS : Harjum enjoys being in politics.Weak TS : Harjum works in politics.

Good TS : S college is having financial problem.

Weak TS : A college in town is having some problems.

A good TS gives a definite direction to a paragraph.

Weak TS : The students council met for the first time Monday (no direction).

Better TS : The first student council meeting on Monday was interesting (direction given describing the “interesting” meeting).

To make a good paragraph consists of threeImportant parts:

A topic sentence Supporting sentences A concluding sentence

Two additional elements in a good paragraph : unity and coherence

make possible topic sentences and develop them into one paragraph from these topic. Choose one of them:

1. My Favorite food2. Traveling3. Growing older4. My idol

*Believe to yourself*