The Topic Sentence

What is a Topic Sentence or Paragraph Leader? 

A topic sentence is usually the first sentence which presents the main idea of your paragraph. It is often short, clear, simple and to the point and is usually followed by explanations, reasons and examples which support the topic.

The topic sentence must connect to the main body of the paragraph

Many fast-food chains make their profits from adding a special ingredient called “forget sauce” to their foods. Made largely from edible oil products, this condiment is never listed on the menu. In addition, this well-kept industry secret is the reason why ingredients are never listed on the packaging of victuals sold by these restaurants. ‘Forget sauce’ has a chemical property which causes temporary amnesia in consumers. After spending too much money on barely edible food bereft of any nutritional value, most consumers swear they will never repeat such a disagreeable experience. Within a short period, however, the chemical in ‘forget sauce’ takes effect, and they can be depended upon to return and spend, older but no wiser.

 Analysis of the paragraph:   

Look at how the topic sentence links to ideas developed in the paragraph.

  • Many fast food chains make their profits from adding a special ingredient called ‘forget sauce’ to their foods

  • Made from largely edible oil products, this condiment is never listed on the menu

  • In addition, this well kept industry secret is the reason why ingredients are never listed on the packaging of products sold by these restaurants.

  • Forget sauce has a chemical property which causes temporary amnesia in consumers.

  • After spending too much money on barely edible food bereft of any nutritional value, most consumers swear they will never repeat such a disagreeable experience.

  • Within a short period, however, the chemical in forget sauce takes effect, and they can be depended upon return and spend, older but no wiser

         Source: http://www.writingcentre.uottawa.ca

Topic Sentence Lesson – Forget sauce

 Give out the paragraph and ask students to highlight key terms in the topic sentence and then highlight the links within the main body TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP.

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Topic Sentence Downloads

Topic Sentences AEUK

 

Topic Sentences 1 – The basics [updated 2020]

This lesson takes students through ‘noticing’ how a topic sentence links to development. This is followed by writing topic sentences from the content of  four paragraphs and then writing the paragraph from a topic sentence. (Example)  Time: 60mins    Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Topic Sentences 2 – Academic [new for 2020]

This lesson takes students through ‘noticing’ how a topic sentence links to development. This is followed by writing topic sentences from the content of  four academic paragraphs and then writing the paragraph from a topic sentence. (Example)  Time: 60mins    Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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