diligence
PART TWO READING, WRITING, AND ORGANIZING PAragraphs
Topics, Main Ideas, and
Topic Sentences
5
Learning
Goals
Learn how to . . .
■ Goal 1
Structure a paragraph
■ Goal 2
Identify the topic of a paragraph ■ Goal 3
Locate main ideas
■ Goal 4
Think critically about main ideas
■ Goal 5
Write effective topic sentences Think About It!
Look at the photograph on this page. What do think is happening? Create a story or scenario in your mind. Then write a sentence describing what you think is happening.
The sentence you have written states the main idea—or main point—the photograph conveys. It expresses your view of what is happening. When others read the sentence you wrote, they understand your interpretation of the situation. They may agree or disagree with your view, but they will understand it. Both readers and writers, then, communicate and exchange ideas through the effective use of sentences that state a main point, which are called topic sentences. 143
144
Chapter 5 Topics, Main Ideas, and Topic Sentences
Reading and Writing Connections
Everyday Connections
• Writing You are sending an e-mail to the technical support p ersonnel of a computer manufacturer asking for help with a problem. Your topic sentence should directly state the problem.
• Reading As a support technician, you need to read an e-mail complaint or question and identify the customer’s problem before you can provide assistance.
Academic Connections
• Reading You are reading a section of a sociology text titled
“Communities: Goals and Structures.” You try to find a paragraph that defines what a community is.
• Writing When answering an essay exam question for the same class, you are asked to briefly define and provide examples of a community. Your topic sentence should give a brief definition of community. Workplace Connections
• Writing You are the manager of a chain restaurant and must write an incident
Topics, Main Ideas, and
Topic Sentences
5
Learning
Goals
Learn how to . . .
■ Goal 1
Structure a paragraph
■ Goal 2
Identify the topic of a paragraph ■ Goal 3
Locate main ideas
■ Goal 4
Think critically about main ideas
■ Goal 5
Write effective topic sentences Think About It!
Look at the photograph on this page. What do think is happening? Create a story or scenario in your mind. Then write a sentence describing what you think is happening.
The sentence you have written states the main idea—or main point—the photograph conveys. It expresses your view of what is happening. When others read the sentence you wrote, they understand your interpretation of the situation. They may agree or disagree with your view, but they will understand it. Both readers and writers, then, communicate and exchange ideas through the effective use of sentences that state a main point, which are called topic sentences. 143
144
Chapter 5 Topics, Main Ideas, and Topic Sentences
Reading and Writing Connections
Everyday Connections
• Writing You are sending an e-mail to the technical support p ersonnel of a computer manufacturer asking for help with a problem. Your topic sentence should directly state the problem.
• Reading As a support technician, you need to read an e-mail complaint or question and identify the customer’s problem before you can provide assistance.
Academic Connections
• Reading You are reading a section of a sociology text titled
“Communities: Goals and Structures.” You try to find a paragraph that defines what a community is.
• Writing When answering an essay exam question for the same class, you are asked to briefly define and provide examples of a community. Your topic sentence should give a brief definition of community. Workplace Connections
• Writing You are the manager of a chain restaurant and must write an incident
Cited: Teeter, Mark H. “School of Hard Knocks.” themoscownews. The Moscow News, 29 Mar. 2010