COMPOSITION 1-TOPIC SENTENCES

1. PARAGRAPH
ORGANIZATION

2. Paragraph Organization in English
 The basic unit of writing in English is a
paragraph. A paragraph is usually short
(about eight to fifteen sentences) and
always includes a beginning, a middle, and
an end.
 The beginning is called the topic sentence.
The middle part has supporting
sentences. The end is called controlling
sentences.

3. Model paragraph:
TOPIC
SENTENCE
Blood type may match certain personality traits
SUPPORTING
SENTENCE
The first blood type is Type O. People with this
blood type are energetic. On the negative side,
Type O people can often be too proud. The
second blood is Type A. Type A people are
patients, but they can also be stubborn. The third
blood type is B. These people are creative but
forgetful. The last blood type is AB. Type AB
people are usually understanding of other’s
people feelings. However, they can also be
critical of other people.
CONCLUDING
SENTENCE
In short certain personality characteristics go
with a person’s blood type.

4.  The topic sentence in that paragraph tells
the reader what the writer is going to talk
about, the supporting sentence explain the
writer’s ideas, and the concluding
sentence reminds the reader of the point
the writer is making.

5. PRACTICE - 1

6. Identify the topic sentence, the supporting sentences, and the
concluding sentence in this paragraph.
COLORS AND YOU
Your preference for a certain color says something about
your personality. For example, if you like yellow, you are
probably happy and outgoing. You’re also very
productive. If your favorite color is blue, you are a calm
person, happy with your life, and at peace with other
people. If you prefer red, you are very active and love
intense experiences. If green is your color, you work on
having a healthy body and a useful life. You also
probably work to make society better. In conclusion,
your favorite color says a lot about you.

7. The Topic Sentence
 In a paragraph, the first sentence is the topic
sentence. The topic sentence is the main idea
of the paragraph. It lets the reader know what
the paragraph is going to be about. There are
two parts to a topic sentence:
the topic and the controlling idea
Look at this model:
 Blood types may match certain personality
traits
(topic) (controlling idea)

8.  The topic is a subject that you’re writing
about. In this case, the subject is blood
types. The controlling idea is what you
are saying about a topic or the one part of
the topic that you are writing about. The
controlling idea limits the topic.

9. Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important
characteristics
(topic) (controlling idea)
There are several advantages to growing up in a small
town
(Controlling idea) (topic)
Fixing a flat tire on a bicycle is easy if you follow these
steps
(topic)
(controlling idea)

10. PRACTICE - 2

11. Identifying : Circle the topic and underline
controlling idea!
1. Twin can have very different personalities.
2. It is possible top be too nice.
3. Tom has a great personality.
4. Many people have problems with the
winter blues.
5. Romantic people live longer lives.
6. It’s surprising that reading palms can tell
the future.
7. My brother is a very productive person.

12. More about Controlling ideas
 In addition to limiting the topic in a
paragraph, the controlling idea usually
adds to point of view to the topic
sentence. The point of view is the
opinion of the writer. This is because
topic sentences that state facts don’t
encourage the reader to read a
paragraph. A fact is true, but there’s often
not much more to say about it.

13.  Look at the following topic sentence:
Elaine has a personality
This isn’t a good topic sentence because it
states a fact. You can’t argue with this
statement, so the paragraph doesn’t have
much to say that is interesting.
Elaine has a difficult personality
This is a good topic sentence because it
stimulates the reader’s interest. Now, the
reader wants to find out why the writer
thinks that Elaine’s personality is difficult.

14. PRACTICE - 3

15. Decide which of the following sentences work as topic sentences. If
sentence does, circle the topic and underline the controlling idea. If it
doesn’t, cross it out.
1. My mother was born into a large family. (this
is a fact)
2. My mother was born into a happy family.
3. The professor gave a lecture.
4. The professor gave an exciting lecture.
5. Mark can sing like an opera star.
6. Mark can sing.
7. The house I grew up in was perfect for
children.
8. The house I grew up in was sold.

16. In the topic sentences below:
circle the topic and underline the controlling idea.
1. Hawaii is a relaxing place to visit.
2. My dog has a perfect dog personality.
3. People go to college for many reasons.
4. My uncle Charlie is a crazy person.
5. There are four types of blood.
6. Yoshi is very energetic.
7. Many situations can cause sleeplessness.
8. There are three types of personalities.
9. Astrology deals with twelve signs.
10.Katy has a creative mind.

17. THANK YOU