CONCEPTS TO REMEMBER

1. A single-paragraph composition is based on a topic that is developed by examples, facts, or other specific information.

2. The paragraph should contain a sentence, called a topic sentence, in which the topic of the paragraph is clearly explained.

3. The topic should be explained, or developed, by major points and supporting details that are related to the topic.

4. The paragraph should contain enough specific major points and supporting details to explain, or develop, the topic.

5. The information included in the topic sentence, major points, and supporting details should be accurate.

6. When phrases or sentences of another person are used, the source (author and publication) should be cited.

7. The topic sentence should usually be placed at the beginning of the paragraph.

8. The major points and supporting details should be arranged in an order that is logical and related to the meaning.

9. The concluding information should be stated in the final sentences of the paragraph.

The Topic Sentence

The topic sentence is the most general statement of the paragraph. It is the key sentence because it names the subject and the controlling idea: the writer’s main idea, opinion, or feeling about that topic.

The topic sentence can come at the beginning or at the end of a paragraph. As a beginning writer, you should write your topic sentence as the first sentence of your paragraph for two reasons. First, it will tell the reader what you are going to say. Second, you can look back at the topic sentence often as you write the supporting sentences. It will help you stick to the subject as you write.

The topic sentence of your paragraph must also have a controlling idea. The controlling idea is the main point, opinion or feeling that you have about the subject, and it controls or limits what you will write about it in your paragraph.

PRACTICE: Topic Sentences

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