Introduction
In an academic paragraph, writers use a common style of organization. They write a general
statement to express their main idea about a topic. They follow their topic sentence with
supporting information. Then they conclude their paragraph with another general statement. At
the end of Chapter 3, you will write a paragraph with this basic structure.
Analyzing the Model
Exercise 1
The writing model discusses the advantages of leisure time. Read the model. Then
answer the questions.
Take a Break!
In today's busy world, it is easy to forget about the importance of taking time off. Whether it
lasts for a couple of hours or a few days, leisure time has specific benefits. First of all,
relaxation reduces stress that can lead to serious health problems. For example, some
people spend a restful day watching movies or reading. Others play sports. Whatever the
activity, they begin to feel physically and emotionally stronger. The next benefit is creativity.
Individuals with hobbies such as photography, travel, and music develop new talents and get
ideas that they can use at school or in the office. Finally, interests outside of work can lead to
a positive attitude. For instance, when volunteers help children learn to read, they feel
wonderful about what they have achieved. Then they feel like working harder when they
return to their regular responsibilities. All in all, leisure time helps people stay healthy and has
the additional benefit of allowing them to work more industriously and productively.
Questions about the Model
1. Look at the title. What is the topic of the paragraph?
____________________________________________________________________________
2. Look at the second sentence. What does it say about the topic?
____________________________________________________________________________
3. Now look at the last sentence. Does it summarize the main points or restate the topic
sentence in different words?
____________________________________________________________________________
THE TOPIC SENTENCE
The topic sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph. It has two parts: a topic and
a controlling idea. The topic names the subject of the paragraph. In the writing model, the topic
is leisure time. The controlling idea tells the main idea about the topic. It is called the controlling
idea because it controls, or limits, the topic to a very specific idea. In the model, the controlling
idea is that leisure time is beneficial.
Here are examples of topic sentences with the same topic but different controlling ideas:
Topic + controlling idea
1a. Some hobbies are relaxing.
Topic + controlling idea
1b. Some hobbies are too expensive.
Topic + controlling idea
2a. Some jobs are dangerous.
Topic + controlling idea
2b. Some jobs are repetitive and boring.
Topic + controlling idea
2c. Some jobs are perfect for students.
Exercise 2:
Predicting Content from the Controlling Idea
Work with a partner, a small group, or the whole class. For each topic sentence, discuss
the type of supporting information a paragraph on the topic might contain.
1. Some jobs are dangerous.
2. Some jobs are repetitive and boring.
3. Some jobs are perfect for students.
Position of the Topic Sentence
The best place is usually at the beginning. A topic sentence at the beginning of a paragraph
gives readers an idea of what they will be reading. This helps them understand the paragraph
more easily.
Note: A topic sentence is neither too general nor too specific.
TOO GENERAL: A job is part of life.
Why? There is no specific controlling idea. The reader has no idea what the paragraph will say
about jobs except that people have them.
TOO SPECIFIC: An increasing number of people in the United States work 50 hours a week.
Why? It gives a detail that should come later in the paragraph.
GOOD The number of hours that Americans work each week has changed in the past 30 years.
Why? It gives a hint that the paragraph will discuss changes to the number of hours that
Americans work.
Exercise 3: Read each paragraph. Circle the best topic sentence in the list. Then write it
on the line.
PARAGRAPH 1
Mountain Climbing
There are three main types of mountains climbing. Trail climbing is the easiest. Climbers just
walk along trails to the top of a mountain. The trails are not very steep, and the mountains are
small. The second type, rock climbing, takes place on steeper slopes and bigger mountains.
Climbers generally have to use special equipment such as climbing shoes, ropes, and metal
nails called pitons. The third type is ice climbing. Ice climbing takes place only on very high
mountains and requires a lot of special equipment. Equipment used in ice climbing includes
ice axes and crampons, which are spikes attached to a climber's boots for walking on ice and
hard snow. In short, mountain climbing can range from an easy walk to a challenging trek.
a. There are three main types of mountain climbing.
b. Mountain climbing requires special skills and equipment.
c. The sport of mountain climbing is practiced worldwide. d. Mountain climbing is one of the
most difficult sports.
Paragraph 2
Regional Foods in the United States
For example, Kansas City, in the very center of the United States, is known for its beef, and
Kansas City barbecue is everyone's favorite way to enjoy it. In Boston, people love baked
beans. In the Southwest, chili, a stew made of meat, beans, tomatoes, and hot peppers, is
the regional dish. Wisconsin, a state with many dairy farms, is famous for its cheese. Go to
Maryland and Virginia for crab cakes, which are fried crab and breadcrumb patties. In the
Northeast, try clam chowder, a rich clam, potato, and onion soup. Indeed, many U.S. cities
and regions have a special food for everyone to enjoy.
a. There is a variety of food in the United States.
b. Food in the United States varies from sweet desserts to spicy stews.
c. Different regions of the United States have their own traditional foods. d. Food in the United
States is quite delicious.
Exercise 4: Decide whether the following topic sentences are Good, too specific, or too
general.
1-It is estimated that travelers spend more than $500 million in the United States. ___________
2-Research shows that there are 3 main purposes for traveling. ________________
3-Digital cameras are a common form of technology these days. ____________
4-Mobile phones has several advantages over landline phones. _____________
