Topic Sentence review

Time management is a vital skill in college and in the workforce. What is the topic and the controlling idea?

topic: time management controlling idea: is a vital skill in college and in the workforce

A good topic sentence does TWO things:

1. It makes clear what the paragraph is about--the topic. 2.It expresses a view or makes a point about the topic--the controlling idea.

Your topic sentence should -----------------------------. It should identify your topic and express a view about it.

state the main point of your paragraph

State-operated lotteries are growing in popularity. What is the controlling idea?

...are growing in popularity.

Place your topic sentence ------ in the paragraph. This way, as you write, you can make sure that you stick to your point, and your readers will immediately be alerted to that point.

FIRST

Flossing your teeth daily is 83% effective in preventing tarter buildup. Is this a good example of a topic sentence?

No, this is a poor Topic Sentence: Too specific

Which is the topic sentence? (1) My roommate and I share a refrigerator. (2) My roommate's half of our refrigerator is very neat. (3) On the top shelf is carton of milk, a pitcher of orange juice, and a bottle of mineral water. (4) There are arranged in a straight line on the shelf.

Sentence 2

The first week of college can be a frustrating experience. What is the topic?

The first week of college

Flossing your teeth daily is the most important step to preventing gingivitis. Is this a good example of a topic sentence?

Yes, this is a good Topic Sentence

As a writer, it is important to ____________________________ that help your readers understand your main ideas and guide them through your paragraphs.

develop clear and concise topic sentences