Activity: Writing Topic Sentences

Writing Topic Sentences Activity

For each of the following lists of three supporting main ideas for a hypothetical paragraph, please write an effective topic sentence. Be sure to keep in mind the "Four things you should know about topic sentences" that you read earlier.

Example:

Topic sentence: The service at the restaurant where my friend and I had dinner was terrible.

• after being seated, we had to wait a half hour for a server
• when we finally got our food, our orders were wrong
• I had to get up and find someone to refill my water

Exercises:

1. Topic sentence:
   • my history teacher always has a really positive attitude
   • my history teacher offers a lot of outside help and resources
   • my history teacher gives us second chances on the work we do for her class
     
     
2. Topic sentence:
   • the plumbing in my apartment is constantly getting backed up
   • the apartment has some serious heating problems
   • the floors and walls in my apartment all kind of slope inward
     
     
3. Topic sentence:
   • I had terrible tobacco cravings when I quit smoking
   • I was really moody and unpleasant to be around when I quit smoking
   • I had a lot of trouble focusing when I quit smoking
     
     
4.  Topic sentence:
   • There are all kinds of great resources at the library
   • I can always find a quiet space to work at the library
   • There is a huge computer lab where I can access the internet and print assignments at the library
     
     
5.  Topic sentence:
   • The local zoo has some really cool and unique animals
   • The zoo has some great rides and learning exhibits for children
   • The zoo has really helpful and knowledgeable employees

Source: Erin Severs
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