TOPIC SENTENCES

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TOPIC SENTENCES
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What is a topic sentence?

• A topic sentence
• is a complete sentence.
• has a topic and controlling idea.
• is the first sentence of a paragraph.
• is the main idea of the paragraph.

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A topic sentence CANNOT BE
AN INCOMPLETE SENTENCE

• The best coffee.
• A great president.
• Cell phones for emergencies.

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A topic sentenceCANNOT BE
A FACT

• Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president.
• The U.S. imports coffee from Columbia.

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A topic sentence CANNOT BE
A QUESTION

• Why do people drink coffee?
• Why do Americans celebrate Lincolns
  birthday?

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A topic sentence DOES NOT
INCLUDE DETAILS

• Coffee is becoming very popular because a lot of
  people like to go to Starbucks and relax and meet
  with friends.

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THE TOPIC

• A topic tells the reader the subject of the
  paragraph.
• It answers the question What (or who) is your
  paragraph about?
• For example
• swimming
• Abraham Lincoln
• coffee
• cell phones

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CONTROLLING IDEAS

• A controlling idea tells the reader what the
  writer is going to say about the topic.
• It answers the question What do you want to tell
  me about your topic?
• Examples of controlling ideas

dangerous
great
exciting
favorite
funny
popular
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Topic Sentences

• Swimming is great exercise.
• Swimming is my favorite Olympic event.
• Abraham Lincoln had a difficult childhood.
• Abraham Lincoln is a popular past president.
• Coffee is becoming very popular.
• Drinking coffee has some health benefits.
• Cell phones make our life easier.
• Cell phones are annoying.

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Are these good Topic Sentences?

• Fullerton College has many students.
• Valentines Day is a popular day in the United
  States.
• Was President Washington a good president?
• The best gift for your girlfriend.
• There are several good techniques for active
  reading.
• Cellular phones are very useful because if you
  are going to be late you can call someone and let
  them know.