The document discusses the key components of paragraphs, including the topic sentence. It explains that a topic sentence contains a topic and controlling idea. The topic tells what the paragraph is about, while the controlling idea tells what the paragraph will say specifically about the topic. The document provides examples of topic sentences and how to identify the topic and controlling idea within them. It notes that while the topic is usually first, the controlling idea can come first in some cases. The document aims to help readers understand how to identify the essential elements of a strong topic sentence.

1. Module 1
Topic Sentence
I understand the secret of life…
but I can’t figure this out!
Information taken from: Hogue, A. (2008). First
Steps in Academic Writing. 2nd Ed. Longman

2. Parts of a Paragraph
A paragraph has 3 main parts:
1. Topic sentence
2. Supporting sentences
3. Concluding sentence

3. Topic Sentence
The most important sentence in a paragraph
is the topic sentence.
It is called the topic sentence because it tells
the reader what the topic of the paragraph is.
The topic sentence is usually the first
sentence in a paragraph.

4. Parts of a Topic sentence
A topic sentence has two parts: a topic and a
controlling idea.
The topic tells what the paragraph is about.
The controlling idea tells what the paragraph
will say about the topic. It tells the reader: This
paragraph will discuss this things – and ONLY
this things – about this topic.

5. Let´s Practice
In the following paragraphs, identify the topic sentence.
In the topic sentence identify the topic and the controlling idea.

6. Example 1:
Flight Attendants
#Flight attendants have three important
characteristics. First of all, flight attendants are
friendly. They enjoy greeting passengers and
making them feel comfortable. Sometimes,
passengers are afraid of flying. A friendly flight
attendant can talk to them and help them feel
calm. Second, flight attendants are self-confident.
They give instructions to passengers, and they
must be firm enough so that passengers obey
them. This is very important in emergencies.
Third, flight attendants are physically strong. They
push heavy carts, ….

7. Example 1
Answer
What is the topic sentence?
Flight attendants have three important characteristics.
The topic is flight attendants
The controlling idea tells us that they have three
characteristics.
The paragraph won’t tell us about their uniforms, their
training, or their duties. It will only discuss three
characteristics that they have.

8. Example 2 and 3
The writes of these paragraphs have different ideas
about the man in the photo.

9. Example 2
Answer
What is the topic sentence?
The man in the photo is a hardworking man.
The topic is the man in the photo.
The controlling idea tells us that he is a hardworking
man.
The paragraph will explain why he is hardworking. It won´t
refer to any other aspect of his life.

10. Example 3
Answer
What is the topic sentence?
The man in the photo has an exciting life.
The topic is the man in the photo.
The controlling idea tells us that he has an exciting life.
The paragraph explains why his life is exciting.

11. More Examples
 Here are examples of other topic sentences.
The topic in all three examples is the same:
English
English is constantly adding new words.
English borrows words from other languages.
English is necessary for different jobs.
 The controlling idea says something different
about English.
 From the controlling ideas, you can imagine
what the rest of the paragraph will say about
English.

12. Usually, the topic comes first and the controlling idea comes
second in the topic sentence. However, the controlling idea may
come first.
Examples:
Topic controlling idea
English borrows words from other languages.
Controlling idea Topic
Other languages give words to English.
Controlling idea Topic
There are several reasons why I like my room.
Topic controlling idea
I like my room for several reasons.

13. Sometimes the topic and the controlling
idea are in two sentences.
Example:
People sometimes confuse sea lions and
seals. These animals are different in several
ways. The sea lion has…
Topic: sea lions and seals
Controlling idea: they are different in
several ways.