Topic Sentence: Main Idea & Controlling Idea

 Topic Sentence

A topic sentence expresses the main idea of a paragraph and is the most general statement of the paragraph. Additionally, topic sentences contain both the main idea and the controlling idea.

 -The main idea is a complete sentence that includes the topic and what the writer wants to prove or discuss. Must be supported by details.

-The controlling idea is the point the writer makes about the topic. It gives a direction to the paragraph.

Examples:   "My brothers are artistic."

"English teachers work hard."

"Anything can happen at a county fair."

During an interactive session, we went through subtopics of the 'basic composition' of paragraphs. That is, focusing on identifying and analyzing the main idea and the controlling idea of a paragraph. We were engaged in activities to help widen our understanding of main ideas and controlling ideas. Moreover, how they may present themselves in a paragraph. Though this topic was not new to me, I am glad that I can refresh myself. I believe the activity increased my ability to identify these ideas in paragraphs when reading. As well as improve my capability to provide clarity in my writing.