Exercise 1
Several topic sentences are given below. Bold the topic and underline the controlling idea of each topic sentence.
1. Turkey is a very interesting country to visit.
(topic) (controlling idea)
2. Birds make excellent pet.
(topic) (controlling idea)
3. A really good place to study is the university library.
(topic) (controlling idea)
4. Learning the English language creates job opportunities.
(topic) (controlling idea)
5. One of the most valuable tools for students is the computer.
(topic) (controlling idea)
6. Summer is the best time to travel in my country.
(topic) (controlling idea)
Exercise 2
You are planning to write the following two paragraphs. Two or three of the sentences given in the list are suitable to be used as topic sentence for the paragraph.
Which of them in the list are suitable topic sentences for the paragraph?
A. (A paragraph on how to train a cat)
1. This paragraph is about how to train a cat.
2. Before a cat learns anything, it first teaches its owner a lesson in humility.
3. Everything you wouldn't have thought to ask about training a cat.
4. Training a cat takes physical stamina.
5. Animal training is a complicated subject.
B. (A paragraph about scuba diving)
1. The excitement of scuba diving.
2. My childhood fascination with scuba diving.
3. It is very interesting to experience scuba diving.
4. The sport of scuba diving has always excited me.
5. Since I was a child, I've been fascinated by scuba diving.
Exercise 3
Choose the best topic sentence from the three given sentences for each group of supporting sentences. Write it on the line provided.
Example:
___________(b)_________. I usually go skiing every weekend in the winter even though it is expensive. I love the feeling of flying down a mountain. The views are beautiful from the top of a mountain and along the trails. Even the danger of falling and getting hurt can’t keep me away from the slopes on a winter day.
a) Skiing is expensive.
b) Skiing is my favourite sport.
c) Skiing is dangerous.
1.) _________a____________. North Americans send cards for many occasions. They send cards to family and friends on birthdays and holidays. They also send thank-you cards, get well cards, graduation cards, and congratulation cards. It is very common to buy cards in stores and send them through the mail, but now sending cards using computer over the Internet is also popular.
a) Sending cards is very popular in North America.
b) Birthday cards are the most popular kind of card.
c) It is important to send thank-you cards.
2.) ________b_______________ . For example, a person can have breakfast in New York, board an airplane, and have dinner in Paris. A businesswoman in London can instantly place an order with a factory in Hong Kong by sending a fax. Furthermore, a schoolboy in Tokyo can turn on a TV and watch a baseball game being played in Los Angeles.
a) Airplanes have changed our lives.
b) Advances in technology have made the world seem smaller.
c) The fax machine was an important invention.
3.) _________c_______________ . One thing you must consider is the quality of the university’s educational program. You also need to think about the school’s size and location. Finally, you must be sure to consider the university’s tuition to make sure you can afford to go to school there.
a) It is expensive to attend a university in the United States.
b) There are several factors to consider when you choose a university to attend.
c) You should consider getting a good education.
Exercise 4
Underline the topic sentence of the paragraph.
Paragraph A
Disneyland is the greatest theme park in Southern California. Their rides range from thrilling to relaxing, so there is something for everybody, no matter their age. Restaurants of all kinds can be found to accommodate every taste. Each and every “land” has its own theme and feel to it. A day spent at Disneyland is a good day!
Paragraph B
My bedroom is the most comfortable place in my house. It has become my favourite room since I moved to this house five years ago. Actually it is not too large, but it is spacious enough. It looks like a small cottage with a bed placed in the corner of its room. If you enter my bedroom, you can see a table and a chair next to the bed as my place for studying. If you look around my bedroom, you will find a colourful wall. It is a combination of attractive colours like pink, violet and blue. The colours are mixed perfectly. For me, my bedroom is my little palace.
Exercise 5
Write a topic sentence for each paragraph. Make sure your topic sentence expresses the main idea of the paragraph.
Example:
Miami is the perfect place to take a vacation. It is always sunny and warm. The beaches are gorgeous, with soft white sand and beautiful water. There are many fine restaurants in the Miami area, and most of the hotels offer terrific entertainment nightly. It’s no wonder that Miami is my first choice for a vacation destination.
1.) my car is the wrost car . It never starts in cold weather. The horn and the left turn signal don’t work properly. Worst of all, the car radio only gets one station and the CD player is completely broken. I wish I could get a new car.
2.) paul has many hobbies . He has collected stamps and coins ever since he was a child. He is very proud of his valuable collections. Paul also enjoys painting and drawing. Recently he has become interested in gardening. Out of all his hobbies, Paul’s favourite one is reading. He usually reads at least one book every week. Paul keeps busy with all of his hobbies.
