TOPIC SENTENCES

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• TOPIC SENTENCES
• AND
• SUPPORTING DETAILS
• Part 1

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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.
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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.
• gtRead 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)

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• 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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The
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IDENTIFYING TOPIC SENTENCE AND SUPPORTING
detailsexercise

• 2.) There are many reasons I hate my apartment.
  The plumbing doesnt 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, youll be on the road to better
  health.