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4 Topic Sentences

The document discusses topic sentences and their role in establishing the main idea of a paragraph. Topic sentences can be found at the beginning, middle or end of a paragraph, and sometimes are not explicitly stated. Three examples of paragraphs are provided, with multiple choice options for identifying the topic sentence in each case. The correct topic sentences are then identified. Two additional paragraphs are given with topic sentences, and multiple choice options are provided for identifying sentences that best support or develop those topic sentences.

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ManoelaCN
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658 views

4 Topic Sentences

The document discusses topic sentences and their role in establishing the main idea of a paragraph. Topic sentences can be found at the beginning, middle or end of a paragraph, and sometimes are not explicitly stated. Three examples of paragraphs are provided, with multiple choice options for identifying the topic sentence in each case. The correct topic sentences are then identified. Two additional paragraphs are given with topic sentences, and multiple choice options are provided for identifying sentences that best support or develop those topic sentences.

Uploaded by

ManoelaCN
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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4

Topic

Sentences

n the last section, you learned what a main idea is. Often, writers

express their main idea in a clearly


defined sentence known as a topic sentence. Topic sentences are usually
found at the beginning of a paragraph in order to immediately establish the
main idea. But this is not always the casetopic sentences can be found
anywhere in a paragraph, and sometimes, the author chooses not to use
one at all. Still, looking for the topic sentence is a good skill to have when
ferreting out the meaning of a reading passage.
For the following three questions, choose the topic sentence that best fits
the paragraph.
111. The term spices is a pleasant one, whether it connotes fine French
cuisine or a down-home, cinnamon-flavored apple pie. ____________. In the
past, individuals traveled the world seeking exotic spices for profit and, in
searching, have changed the course of history. Indeed, to
gain control of lands harboring new spices, nations have actually gone to
war.
a. The taste and aroma of spices are the main elements that make food
such a source of
fascination and pleasure.
b. The term might equally bring to mind Indian curry made thousands of
miles away
and those delicious barbecued ribs sold on the corner.
c. It is exciting to find a good cookbook and experiment with spices from
other

landsindeed, it is one way to travel around the globe!


d. The history of spices, however, is another matter altogether, and at
times, it can be
filled with danger and intrigue.

112. It weighs less than three pounds and is hardly more interesting to look
at than an overly ripe cauliflower. ___________________________.
It has created poetry and music, planned and executed horrific wars, and
devised intricate
scientific theories. It thinks and dreams, plots and schemes, and easily holds
more information
than all the libraries on Earth.
a. The human brain is made of gelatinous matter and contains no nerve
endings.
b. The science of neurology has found a way to map the most important
areas of the
human brain.
c. Nevertheless, the human brain is the most mysterious and complex
object on Earth.
d. However, scientists say that each person uses only 10% of his or her
brain over the
course of a lifetime!
20

113. Gary is a distinguished looking man with a touch of gray at the


temples. Even in his early
50s, he still turns heads.He enjoys spending most of his time admiring his
profile in the
mirror. In fact, he considers his good looks to be his second-most important
asset. The first,
however, is money.He is lucky in this area, too, having been born into a
wealthy family.
__________.He loves the power his wealth has given him.He could buy
whatever he
desires, whether that be people, places, or things. Gary checks that mirror
often and feels
great delight with what he sees.
a. Garys gray hair is his worst characteristic.
b. Conceit is the beginning and the end
of Garys character; conceit of person and situation.
c. Gary feels blessed to be wealthy and the joy consumes his every thought.
d. The only objects of Garys respect are others who hold positions in
society above him.

For the following questions, a topic sentence is given. Try choosing the
sentence that best develops or supports it.
114. Life on Earth is ancient and, even at its first appearance, unimaginably
complex.
a. Scientists place its beginnings at some three billion years ago, when they
hypothesize
that the first molecule floated up out of the ooze with the unique ability to
replicate itself.
b. The most complex life form is, of course, the mammaland the most
complex mammal is humankind.
c. It is unknown exactly where life started, where the first molecule was
born that had the ability to replicate itself.
d. Darwins theory of evolution was one attempt to explain what essentially
remains a great mystery.
115. Cosmetic plastic surgery is one of the fastest growing segments of U.S.
medicine.
a. Cosmetic plastic surgery can have dangerous side effects, some of which
can be fatal.
b. Americans are eager to make their bodies as perfect as possible and to
minimize the visible
signs of aging.
c. The price of cosmetic plastic surgery is also on the rise.
d. This increase in cosmetic plastic surgery says something quite disturbing
about
our culture.

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