Specify them. When your introduction contains a clearly stated topic sentence, your reader will know what to expect and, therefore, understand your ideas better. Topic Sentences = Topic + Controlling Idea • People can avoid burglaries. Topic Sentences = Topic + Controlling Idea • People can avoid burglaries by taking certain precautions.
Controlling Idea: A good topic sentence of a paragraph contains two elements: the topic and the controlling idea. Topic: The subject of the paragraph. Controlling Idea: limits the topic, shows the reader how the writer will limit the topic.
in a topic sentence (sometimes called a focus sentence). Definition: A topic sentence states the main point of your paragraph. It typically appears at the beginning of the paragraph. WRITE A TOPIC SENTENCE: A topic sentence has two parts: TOPIC (SUBJECT) + MAIN IDEA (FOCUS) TOPIC = SUBJECT MAIN IDEA = POINT YOU WANT TO MAKE ABOUT THE SUBJECT
Question: Circle the topic and underline the controlling idea in the following topic sentences. 1. living in a foreign country has four benefits. 2. People of all ages have fun at beaches. 3. Small cars have certain advantages. 4. Many different jobs require English. 5. Flight attendants have three important characteristics. 6.
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