[MUSIC] Every paragraph should have a topic
sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. The topic sentence informs the reader
what the paragraph will be about. The topic sentence is the most
general sentence in the paragraph. All the sentences that follow this
topic sentence are less general and more specific. This topic sentence states the purpose
of the paragraph for the reader. And it is the most important
sentence In the paragraph, it acts as an umbrella that covers
all of the ideas in the paragraph. Topic sentence contains controlling ideas that control the information
in the paragraph. Controlling ideas are words and phrases
that give the main ideas in the paragraph. The sentences that follow the topic
sentence will then examine, define, clarify or illustrate. That is, the sentences will support and prove the controlling ideas
in the topic sentence. One of the many important roles of a topic
sentence is to draw the readers in. Bring up questions in their minds
that they intend to be answered. That is why after the topic sentence
appears, the readers expect that the sentences that follow will answer the
questions about the controlling ideas such as who, what, when, where, how,
how much, how many, why, in what way? The answers to these questions
are the specific details and examples that follow the topic sentence. Writing a successful topic sentence is
the first step to an effective paragraph. Topic sentence cannot be
simple statement of fact because there should be no controlling
ideas that need to be developed. These are not topic sentences,
Albert Einstein was a German-born physicist who developed
the general theory of relativity. Why isn't this a good topic of sentence? Primarily, it tells the reader very
little about what you are going to say. Not only that, but you are not using this valuable space
in your paragraph to make a real point. Instead you can write, Albert Einstein,
a German-born physicist, was one of the most influential
scientists in history. With this topic sentence,
you are making a strong point which you will ideally back up with
plenty of fact and good information. The reader also knows what to expect
when you use this kind of statement. Another bad example,
physics is a compelling science. While you are telling
the reader what the topic is, you are still speaking in very broad
terms with this kind of statement. Weak topic sentences are often
stated as simple personal opinions with the controlling ideas I assume or
we find, that are difficult to support. Instead, remove I assume or we find and restructure the topic sentence
without those phrases. For example, a bad or weak topic sentence might be this, we
assume that humans cause climate change. How can you improve it? How can you make it better? You may rephrase it saying, humans
are the major cause of global warming. A successful topic sentence usually
contains one or both of the following, a statement of intent that tells what
the writer will explain in the paragraph. These topic sentences will not use the
writer's opinion and they often begin with statements as, this paper explains or the
purpose of this article is this and that. A statement of opinion that the writer
will prove or support in the paragraph. Topic sentences of opinion often
use value words, significant, remarkable, impressive. The combination of natural drivers
plus human drivers best match reality. This is an opinion. And now the intent, the paper
argues that lower-level atmosphere which contains the carbon
load is expanding. Few qualities make for
a good topic sentence. Brevity, long rambling
sentences can be confusing. Don't pack your topic
sentence too full of ideas. That is what the rest of
the paragraph is for. Clarity, likewise do not
beat around the bush. Say exactly what you want to say. Try not to engage in wordplay or
do not speak in vague terms. Precision, do not be too broad
when introducing the topic that you are going to discuss. Not only is that a bland approach,
it is also unhelpful to readers. On the other hand, there are few
things that make for a bad topic. Be sure that you are not using
these kinds of sentences to introduce your paragraphs as
they're unhelpful to readers and do little to help you get to your point or
get your point across. Do not use facts as topic sentences. Remember, you're using the topic
sentence to introduce a point you are trying to make or you're opinion. Do not just talk about the what,
talk about the why as well. That is, do not just think about
the effect, but it's cause. Don't say I am going to tell you or
I'm going to speak about, when introducing a topic. Generally speaking,
topic sentences are short, simple, clear, and give a strong idea that is
further developed in a paragraph. Any well written text will contain
a purpose statement, topic sentences, supporting arguments or supporting ideas. Generally, these elements will be found in
very specific positions within the text. For example, the thesis of the text will be found
at the end of the first paragraph. However, writing texts require
the author to be creative to ensure that the reader will find it interesting. Thus, finding each text structure
is not always as easy as simply counting sentences. As a result, you as a reader must critically read
the text to understand its structure.
