TOPIC SENTENCES. A well-organized paragraph supports or develops a single controlling idea, which is expressed in a sentence called the topic sentence. A topic sentence has several important functions: it substantiates or supports an essay's thesis statement; it unifies the content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; and it Examples of topic sentences. Here are examples of topic sentences with a main idea listed to help you see how the topic sentence supports the main point of a piece of writing: Example 1: Main idea: President James Polk expanded the physical land of the United States during his presidency. For example, if you had an assignment to develop a topic sentence for a process paragraph where you need to outline the steps in the rock cycle, the topic sentence might look something like this: There are three steps in the rock cycle—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. A good topic sentence usually states an opinion or attitude that can be supported by details and examples. A good topic sentence is specific enough to be clear and interesting. A good topic sentence gives a definite direction to a paragraph. Provided by the Academic Center for Excellence Controlling Idea / Topic Sentences Reviewed June 2008 The act of providing convincing data or groundwork leads the reader to the topic sentence, which then also serves as the conclusion. The following sample paragraph is an example of one in which the topic sentence and controlling idea appear in the final position: People do it everyday. Examples of a Topic Sentence Topic Sentence: There are many reasons why pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world. The topic is "pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world" and the controlling idea is "many reasons." Topic Sentence: To be an effective CEO requires certain characteristics. svwymd.

topic sentence and controlling idea examples