Topic Sentences = Topic + Controlling Idea

Before writing any essay or even a paragraph, it is important to think, first about
the topic and then what you want to say about the topic.  Most often, the topic is
easy, but the question then turns to what you want to say about the topic which is
the controlling idea.  Topic sentences should always contain both (1) a topic and
(2) a controlling idea.

Read the following topic sentences.  They all contain a topic (in red) and a
controlling idea (in green).  When your introduction contains a clearly stated topic
sentence such as one of the following, your reader will know what to expect and,
therefore, understand your ideas better.

1. People can avoid burglaries by taking certain precautions. 

(The precautions for…)

2. There are several advantages to growing up in a small town. 

(The advantages of…)

3. Most US universities require a 550 point TOEFL score for a number of

reasons. 
(The reasons for…)

4. Air pollution in Mexico City is the worst in the world for a number of
reasons. 
(The causes of…) or (The effects of…)

5. Fixing a flat tire on a bicycle is easy if you follow these steps. 

(The steps for…)

6. There are several enjoyable ways to travel between the US and Queretaro. 
(The ways to…) or (The methods of…)

7. Animals in danger of becoming extinct come from a wide range of countries. 

(The different countries… [parts, kinds, types])

8. Effective leadership requires specific qualities that anyone can develop. 

(The qualities (or characteristics or traits) of…)

9. Industrial waste poured into Lake Michigan has led to dramatic changes in its
ability to support marine life. 
(The effects of…)

10. In order to fully explore the wreck of the Titanic, scientists must address
 several problems. 
(The difficulties of…) or (The obstacles to…)

Summary

A carefully thought out topic sentence will serve two important functions.  First, it
will provide you, the author, the means to stay focused on your objective.  It's a lot
easier to write if you know what you are going to write about!  Second, a clearly
stated topic sentence will provide readers with the tools they need to clearly
understand what you have to say.  These are important reasons to carefully
consider topic sentences before beginning writing.

1: What is the main topic?

Avoiding burglaries
Locking doors
Leaving lights on
Buying an alarm system
2: What is the main topic?
Knowing your neighbors
Walking to work
Growing up in a small town
Living a simpler lifestyle
3: What is the main topic?
Industry smokestacks
Trash and garbage in the streets
Automobile and truck exhaust
Pollution in Mexico City
4: What is the main topic?
Stop the bicycle safely
Repair a flat tire on a bicycle
Find a quiet place away from the road
Remove the tire
Use a patch kit to fix the tube
Replace the tire
5: What is the main topic?
 Travelling by bus
Travelling by train
Travelling by plane
Travelling by car
Travelling by ship
Travelling to the US
6: What is the main topic?
Effective leadership
Clear goals
Broad vision
Communicative ability
7: What is the main topic?
Mount Rushmore
Vietnam War Memorial
Washington Monument
Historical Landmarks
8: What is the main topic?
Walk on short errands
Use stairs instead of elevator
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Avoid overeating
Eat good foods
9: What is the main topic?
Psychology
Physics
Mathematics
School subjects
Art History
International Business
10: What is the main topic?
Sports
Football
Basketball
 Tennis
Bicycling
Swimming
11: What is the main topic?
Overcoming the depth of the water
Exploring the wreck of the Titanic
Getting light down into the darkness
Dealing with the water pressure
12: What is the main topic?
Statue of Liberty
Eiffel Tower
Famous Architecture
Great Wall of China
Taj Mahal
13: What is the main topic?
Listening in class
Setting a specific time to study
Getting good grades
Getting quality sleep and exercise
14: What is the main topic?
Water temperature raises
Kills some species of fish
Industrial waste pours into Lake Michigan
Bottom-feeding scavenger fish proliferate
Destroys most water recreational sports
Specific Topics