Recognizing the Top Sentence in a Paragraph = One Topic Sentence + Supporting Sentences

Recognizing the Top Sentence in a Paragraph

Paragraph = One Topic Sentence + Supporting Sentences (+ A Summary or Conclusion)

Topic Sentence

• A topic sentence must be a complete sentence, not a fragment.

• A topic sentence is usually a clear and direct statement, not a question.

• The subject of the topic sentence is usually the subject idea of the paragraph.

Topic Sentence

• The verb and complement (predicate) of the topic sentence usually show the focus of the paragraph.

• The focus part of the topic sentences usually presents a judgment or attitude about the subject.

• A subordinate word group is sometimes used in the topic sentence to define the focus still further.

• Topic Sentence

• = Subject

• +

• Focus

Examples

• The life of a fireman is a combination of adventure and boredom.

• He was not only a supervisor, but a mentor and a friend.

Examples

• The most unfair program in Taiwan today is welfare for the aborigines.

• It is better to take wrong action against injustice than to take no action.

Examples

• Our politicians are becoming more and more adept at gaining personal fortunes by devious means.

• More and more people find that brisk walking offers benefits that jogging can’t.

Top Sentences Exercises

• Exercise 1

• Exercise 2

• Have you learned more about Topic Sentence now?