The document discusses identifying topic sentences and supporting details in paragraphs. It defines topic sentences as the most important sentence in a paragraph that expresses the main idea. A good topic sentence contains a topic and controlling idea, where the controlling idea limits the topic to something specific. Supporting sentences in a paragraph provide more information about the ideas in the topic sentence.

1. Identifying Topic Sentence of Paragraphs We are going to learn : How to identify the topic of a text How to identify topic sentences How to identify supporting details

2. Topic Sentences Every paragraph should have a topic sentence. This is the most important sentence because it expresses the main idea of the paragraph. Definition

3. Body Paragraph An important factor in learning a foreign language has to do with the concept of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. When we do something for the “fun of it” or because we enjoy it, that is called intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is when we do something for the purpose of receiving some kind of external reward such as money, time off from work, etc. Many education experts believe that intrinsic motivation is more powerful when it comes to helping students retain what they’ve learned. The question and challenge for teachers today is, “How can we help our students become intrinsically motivated in what we are teaching?” Example Topic Sentence Topic Sentence: states the main idea of the paragraph.

4. Topic Sentence Essentials Complete Sentence There are several things you need to remember when writing topic sentences. The first is that topic sentences are always complete sentences.

5. Example Strategies of learning English. There are many strategies that you can use to help you learn a new language. Not a complete sentence

6. Example The Day of the Dead. The Day of the Dead is a special holiday in Mexico when people can get together to remember deceased loved ones. Not a complete sentence

7. Topic Sentence Essentials Two Parts A topic sentence contains the topic of the paragraph and a controlling idea . The controlling idea limits the topic to something very specific.

8. Topic Sentence Companies should develop more efficient forms of energy such as solar heating panels. Example This sentence does not contain a controlling idea. This is not a good topic sentence, because it does not limit the topic to make it more specific. Controlling Idea : limits the ideas in the paragraph and makes the sentence more specific. Topic Sentence Companies need to develop more efficient forms of energy. Topic: names the main idea

9. Example #2 Topic and Controlling Idea Topic Sentence One of the most serious problems in today’s inner-city public schools is overcrowded classrooms. Topic: names the main idea or general subject of the paragraph Controlling Idea : makes a specific comment about the subject. Tells the reader what the paragraph will say about the main topic.

10. Example #2 Topic and Controlling Idea Topic Sentence One of the most serious problems in today’s inner-city public schools is the low percentage of trained teachers. Topic: names the main idea or general subject of the paragraph Controlling Idea : makes a specific comment about the subject. Tells the reader what the paragraph will say about the main topic.

11. Be Careful! Make sure that your topic sentence does not contain too many controlling ideas.

12. Topic Sentence The advent of the Internet has benefited society through improved communication. Example There are too many controlling ideas to be covered in one paragraph. A good topic sentence should be limited to one controlling idea. Most topic sentences contain only one controlling idea. Topic Sentence The advent of the Internet has benefited society through improved communication, access to information, and streamlined commerce.

13. Supporting Sentences Definition Every paragraph has sentences that relate to the ideas in the topic sentence. These sentences are called supporting sentences. Look at the supporting sentences on the next page to see how the writer provided more information on the subject in the topic sentence.

14. Supporting Sentences Topic Sentence An important factor in learning a foreign language has to do with the concept of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. When we do something for the “fun of it” or because we enjoy it, that is called intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is when we do something for the purpose of receiving some kind of external reward such as money, time off from work, etc. Many education experts believe that intrinsic motivation is more powerful when it comes to helping students retain what they’ve learned. Supporting Sentences