Topic Sentence Examples

Topic Sentences and Controlling Ideas

Every topic sentence will have a topic and a controlling idea. The controlling idea shows the direction the paragraph will take.

Here are some examples:

·         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. 

·         The topic is “To be an effective CEO” and the controlling idea is "certain characteristics." 

·         Topic Sentence: There are many possible contributing factors to global warming.

·         The topic is "global warming" and the controlling idea is "contributing factors." 

·         Topic Sentence: Fortune hunters encounter many difficulties when exploring a shipwreck.  

·         The topic is “exploring a shipwreck” and the controlling idea is “many difficulties.”

·         Topic Sentence: Dogs make wonderful pets because they help you to live longer. 

·         The topic is "dogs make wonderful pets" and the controlling idea is "because they help you to live longer."

·         Topic Sentence: Crime in poverty-stricken areas occurs as a result of a systemic discrimination. 

·         The topic is "crime in poverty stricken areas" and the controlling idea is "systemic discrimination." 

·         Topic Sentence: Teen pregnancy may be prevented by improved education.

·         The topic is "teen pregnancy may be prevented" and the controlling idea is "improved education."

·         Topic Sentence: Cooking requires a number of different skills.

·         The topic is "cooking" and the controlling idea is "many different skills."

·         Topic Sentence: It is important to be ready before buying a house.

·         The topic is "buying a house" and the controlling idea is it's "important to be ready." 

·         Topic Sentence: Graduating from high school is important for many different reasons.

·         The topic is "graduating from high school" and the controlling idea is "many different reasons."

·         Topic Sentence: Having a first child is difficult because of the significant adjustments in your life. 

·         The topic is "having a first child" and the controlling idea is "significant adjustments in your life."

·         Topic Sentence: Remodeling a kitchen successfully requires research and a good eye. 

·         The topic is "remodeling a kitchen" and the controlling idea is "requires research and a good eye."