Your essay is an effective tool to convey a clear idea and show how each paragraph connects to the last. The following questions can help you develop effective transitions: how does each paragraph relate to the main idea in the last paragraph? How effective is your use of “once examples,” specific detail, or transition words? And are transitions and echoing used properly? The next few steps will help you develop the most powerful essays possible.
Controlling idea
In the paragraph, the writer has a controlling idea that will guide the remainder of the piece. The controlling idea should be a statement of the author’s opinion and point of view, and it should be related to the topic sentence. The example of a controlling idea is the “health benefits” of running. This example demonstrates the importance of controlling ideas in a piece. The following paragraph focuses on this idea. The author has three reasons to back up the controlling idea in paragraph 4.
The controlling idea in paragraph 4 will usually be an implicit idea. It will usually be something about a principal, a topic, or a point of view. A controlling idea will also be a purpose if it is meant to persuade the principal to change something in his or her life. It is possible to use a controlling idea as an informational piece, if the topic is related to the author’s point of view.
A controlling idea in a paragraph is often found in a topic sentence. A controlling idea sets limitations for the paragraph’s scope. For example, if you are writing a laboratory report, the controlling idea would be “I have to write a report that contains four separate sections.” This controlling idea will allow the reader to predict what you will write about in the different sections. A controlling idea should be related to the topic sentence and the rest of the paragraph.
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. It introduces the topic of the paragraph and ties it to the thesis. Next, the controlling idea explains the idea of the paragraph. If it no longer links to the topic sentence, then the paragraph needs a new one. This is a great time to rephrase your thesis sentence. The next paragraph will contain the thesis statement of your paper and a new controlling idea.
Topic sentence
The subject of a paragraph is generally the person’s appearance. The topic sentence of paragraph 4 is the last sentence of the paragraph. Men and women both care about their appearance. However, women are more concerned with the way they dress. In the case of men, the attire is not as important as their personality. Men often prefer to look cool while interviewing a woman. In this regard, the topic sentence of paragraph 4 should not concern you.
Example of a topic sentence
A good topic sentence begins a paragraph with a new topic. A topic sentence uses the what and why structure to connect readers with the central idea of the paragraph. For example, if you are discussing the environmental impact of cattle farming, you might include specific research studies or statistics about cattle farming. The topic sentence may be used to summarize the previous paragraph, and anticipate new information in the next one. Ultimately, it will be the focus of the entire paragraph.
Another type of topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph. This type of topic sentence is called a medial topic sentence and functions as a transition between two ideas. It is useful when showing two sides of an issue. The topic sentence may be followed by a transition signal. In paragraph 4, the topic sentence introduces the next part of the paragraph. The conclusion of the paragraph should support the topic sentence.
Another example of a topic sentence is a “hook” or transition word. A hook will grab the attention of the reader and help him/her understand what the rest of the paragraph is about. A topic sentence can also come after a hook. An effective hook entices readers to read further. For example, a topic sentence in paragraph 4 can say, “A recent study shows that white blood cells are important for fighting infections and help protect the body.”
The most common type of topic sentences is the introduction of a paragraph. These sentences introduce the topic of the paragraph and the controlling idea that will inform readers what to expect from the rest of the paragraph. A topic sentence in the first paragraph helps readers understand the main idea and helps them relax. A topic sentence in the middle of a paragraph is another great place for a topic sentence. It can also be used to add variety.
A topic sentence can be as broad or as specific as the author desires. Generally, a topic sentence is found at the beginning of a body paragraph. While it is important to be broad enough to allow for subtopics, a topic sentence should be concise and easily understood by the reader. It should communicate a point of view and avoid common facts. If the topic sentence is too general or too specific, it could be construed as a thesis statement.
After a topic sentence, you should explain the value of the example to support the main claim. Continue this pattern throughout the paragraph and explain each example you mention. The topic sentence and the examples should be explained together in the same sentence or in a separate sentence. If the topic sentence is too general, the reader will not understand the main point of the paragraph. The topic sentence should state the main idea or point of the paragraph.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.