Finding the Missing Topic Sentence
Every well-built paragraph needs a topic sentence that states its main idea. When a paragraph is given without one, you can supply it by asking: What single idea do all these details add up to? The right topic sentence is general enough to cover every detail but specific enough to be meaningful.
Example (supply the topic sentence):
___________ The jack is a portable device for raising the car. The lug wrench is a tool for gripping the lug that holds a tire in place. These two tools, necessary to change a tire, are usually kept in the trunk.
Best topic sentence: "The two tools necessary to change a tire are considered standard equipment on new cars." (Not "Flat tires are a serious problem" — too broad; not "How to change a flat tire" — that is a different paragraph.)
Tip: A good topic sentence is neither too broad (covers more than the paragraph) nor too narrow (covers only one detail). It should fit the paragraph exactly.
Common mistake: Choosing a title or a single detail as the topic sentence. A topic sentence is a full sentence stating the controlling idea.
✏️ Test Yourself
1. "Flat tires are a serious problem for motorists." (for the tools paragraph)
2. "How to change a flat tire."
3. "The two tools needed to change a tire are standard equipment."
4. A topic sentence states the ___ idea.
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — A person only thinks of his/her interests or ideas.
“Her mother was self-absorbed that’s why she couldn’t fulfill her dreams.”
Meaning — To chide; to scold
“If you had done your home works, the teacher would never reprimand you.”
Meaning — To show sympathy
“You don’t need to sympathize; I can do it by myself.”
Meaning — Making one feel very tired; very tiring.
“I’m coming from an exhausting journey.”
Meaning — To manage something with whatever is available.
“We wangled some water when we were about to die.”