eng8-u2-writing· UNIT 2. FOOD AROUND THE WORLD· ~20 min

Unit 2 Writing: What is a topic sentence?

Choose a clear subject and controlling idea that the whole paragraph can develop.

A topic sentence tells the reader the paragraph’s subject and the main direction it will develop. It usually appears near the beginning. Its two elements are the main subject and a controlling idea. A strong topic sentence is specific enough to guide the paragraph but broad enough for several supporting details. It avoids obvious statements, overloaded detail lists, empty announcements, and unrelated second topics.

Key terms

topic sentence — The sentence that names the paragraph’s subject and signals its main direction.
main subject — The person, place, thing, or idea the paragraph is about.
controlling idea — What the writer plans to explain or show about the main subject.
supporting detail — A reason, example, fact, or explanation that develops the controlling idea.
Topic-sentence revision checks
ProblemQuestion to askRevision move
Too obviousWhat useful point will the paragraph explain?Add a controlling idea
Too detailedWhich facts can move to the body?Keep the broad direction
Empty announcementCan the sentence state the idea directly?Remove This paragraph is about
Two focusesWhich subject do all body details support?Remove the unrelated focus
✎Build from body details
  1. 1Group: The body mentions quick preparation, steady energy, and eating before school.
  2. 2Name the subject: The shared subject is a simple breakfast.
  3. 3Control the idea: Write ‘A simple breakfast can support a busy school morning.’
✎Remove an empty opening
  1. 1Draft: ‘This paragraph is about our cafeteria.’ only announces the topic.
  2. 2Direction: Decide what the body will show: healthy choice.
  3. 3Revision: Write ‘Our cafeteria offers several healthy lunch choices.’
🚫Broad does not mean vague

A useful topic sentence covers several details while still making a clear point.

💡Test it against the body

If one planned detail does not support the controlling idea, revise the topic sentence or remove that detail.

⚠️Usually is not always

The lesson teaches the topic sentence as usually first; do not turn that pattern into an absolute rule for every kind of writing.

Rules

  1. 1Name one main subject and add a controlling idea about it.
  2. 2Place the topic sentence at the beginning when following the usual model taught in this lesson.
  3. 3Give the paragraph a direction instead of stating something obvious.
  4. 4Save examples, times, quantities, and other specific evidence for supporting sentences.
  5. 5State the idea directly instead of writing This paragraph is about or I will write about.
  6. 6Check that every planned body sentence can develop the controlling idea.

Practice

5 easy · 5 medium · 5 hard

Up to 10 random questions per test

EasyMediumHardMixed