The topic sentence is typically the first sentence of a paragraph, and it introduces the subject of a paragraph by laying out a controlling idea or particular point of view on the topic. The rest of the paragraph will include supporting sentences with examples and evidence to support the main point.
TOPIC SENTENCES. A well-organized paragraph supports or develops a single controlling idea, which is expressed in a sentence called the topic sentence. A topic sentence has several important functions: it substantiates or supports an essay's thesis statement; it unifies the content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; and itStep 1. Decide on a controlling idea and create a topic sentence. Paragraph development begins with the formulation of the controlling idea. This idea directs the paragraph's development. Often, the controlling idea of a paragraph will appear in the form of a topic sentence.The controlling idea (or ideas) then steer that topic in a certain direction. According to the Rochester Institute of Technology Supporting English Acquisition webpage, " The controlling idea is the point of the paragraph. It guides the ideas that provide support for the paragraph and limits the scope of the paragraph." Examples of topic A good topic sentence contains both a topic and a controlling idea or opinion. Weak example. In this paragraph, I am going to discuss the rising suicide rate among young professionals. (This topic sentence provides a main idea, but it does not present a controlling idea.) Stronger example. I. Double underline the topic and underline the controlling idea in each of the following topic sentence. 1. College students take many kinds of tests. 2. Good roommates have four characteristics. 3. Small cars have several advantages. 4. A baseball player must master several skills. Examples of Controlling Ideas. Here is an example of a controlling idea at a topic sentence level: Topic sentence: In order to effectively control a country's population, the government must have a well-developed system of birth registration. Controlling idea: "system of birth registration" The act of providing convincing data or groundwork leads the reader to the topic sentence, which then also serves as the conclusion. The following sample paragraph is an example of one in which the topic sentence and controlling idea appear in the final position: People do it everyday. 0PDQ.