Topic Sentence Review

What does the topic sentence of a paragraph tell you?

• How many sentences the paragraph has

• A supporting detail about the topic

• The main idea of a paragraph

• A summary of the supporting details

A paragraph is a group of sentences that are about the same ____________.

• topic

• detail

• word

• book

What is the topic sentence in this paragraph?

Many cultures have their own versions of the same or similar fairy tales. For example, there are Cinderella stories from all over the world! They aren’t exactly the same, though. For instance, the fairy tale “How the Raja’s Son Won the Princess Labam” is from India. “Raja” is a title for king in India. In a Scottish version, the main character is named Rushen Coatie. Even though the details and words might be different, the basic story is similar.

• “Raja” is a title for king in India.

• Even though the details and words might be different, the basic story is similar.

• Many cultures have their own versions of the same or similar fairy tales.

• For instance, the fairy tale “How the Raja’s Son Won the Princess Labam” is from India.

The controlling idea...

• tells the main idea about the topic.

• ends the paragraph.

• gives specific details.

• tells why the sky is blue.

Read each sentence. Identify the topic and controlling idea.

Groups:

(a) Topic

,

(b) Controlling idea

• requires skill and alertness

• Driving on freeways

Read the sentence. Identify the topic and controlling idea.

Groups:

(a) Topic

,

(b) Controlling idea

• Driving on freeways

• sometimes requires an aggressive attitude

Read the sentence. Identify the topic and controlling idea.

The Caribbean island of Trinidad attracts tourists because of its calypso music.

Groups:

(a) Topic

,

(b) Controlling idea

• The Caribbean island of Trinidad attracts tourists

• attracts tourists because of its calypso music

Read the sentence. Identify the topic and controlling idea.

Spectacular beaches make Puerto Rico a tourist paradise.

Write your answer like this:

Topic:

Controlling idea:

Read the sentence. Identify the topic and controlling idea.

Moving away from home can be a stressful experience for young people.

Groups:

(a) Topic

,

(b) Controlling idea

• Moving away from home

• can be a stressful experience for young people.

Read the sentence. Identify the topic and controlling idea.

Owning an automobile is a necessity for me.

Groups:

(a) Topic

,

(b) Controlling idea

• is a necessity for me

• Owning an automobile