The document discusses topic sentences and provides examples of sentences that are too general, too specific, or effectively capture the topic and controlling idea to serve as a good topic sentence. It notes that good topic sentences state the main subject and convey the key point or argument in a clear but broad way.

1. Topic Sentences

2. A good topic sentenceThe Pippin cafeteria is a nice place. Too generalThe Pippin cafeteria is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Too specificThe Pippin cafeteria is a comfortable place to sit and talk with your friends.Good topic sentence

3. Too specific or too general?Saigon is a big city.Too generalStudying English is difficult.Too generalI came to America many years ago.Too generalMonolingual dictionaries have one language, and bilingual dictionaries have two languages.Too specific

4. Too specific or too general?You can purchase French perfumes in expensive blue crystal bottles.Too specific American food is tasteless and greasy because Americans use to many canned, frozen, and prepackaged foods and because everything is friend in oil or butter.Too specificAmerican food is tasteless and greasy.Good topic sentence

5. Topic + Controlling Idea= Topic SentenceThe most serious problem in higher education in Venezuela is the growing number of students who fail courses several times.The creativity of the preschool child can be developed with special activities.Audience violence at soccer games is destroying the game.