Topic Sentences: Identifying Exercise 1 Underline the topic sentence in each of the following paragraphs – don’t forget that the topic sentence can be found anywhere in the paragraph! 1. Sydney is an exciting city to visit. It is the financial, industrial, shipping and cultural centre of NSW. Because of the busy waterfront, it has become a major world port and has had rapid population growth. There are beaches within the city limits, and it is just a short drive to the Blue Mountains. 2. The Burmese stretch their necks more than a ¼ of a metre to make themselves more attractive. The Maoris of New Zealand tattoo their chins as a sign of wealth. Mocuoul tribesmen in South America tie deer hooves to their wrists and ankles because they believe this will make them run faster. Some African tribes scar their bodies because they consider this a sign of beauty. People in different countries have varied customs. 3. Recently, I asked several people what images came to mind when they heard the word Africa. I heard such answers as “wild animals”, “lions”, “starving people”, “jungles” and “wars”. These answers show how little that many of us know about Africa today. There is more to Africa than what people see in movies or on television. 4. Noise pollution is on the increase. The dishwasher in the kitchen and the air conditioner in other rooms make the home noisy. On the streets and highways are screaming sirens of police cars and ambulances. Even the wilderness has been polluted with the noise of trail bikes. Anyone living near an airport knows the ear-splitting boom of the larger jet planes. Topic Sentences: Writing Sentences Exercise 2 Read the following paragraphs and decide what the topic sentence for each one should say. Write it on the lines provided. 1. TOPIC SENTENCE: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ There are over two billion people in the world. Each day about 324,000 babies are born and the world’s population grows larger. At the present time, there is not enough food for everyone. More than half the world’s population does not get enough of the right kinds of food to stay healthy. About ten thousand people in the world die from hunger every day. 2. TOPIC SENTENCE: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ In London some English people spoon mustard into their coffee, while in Denver an American might add a dash of ketchup to it. Many Europeans put strips of orange and lemon peels, cloves and cinnamon sticks into the brew. Perhaps the riches cup of coffee can be enjoyed in Ireland, where whiskey and whipped cream are added. 3. TOPIC SENTENCE: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Most people can recall burning a finger or hand on a stove when they were children. But few people know what to do if they burn themselves today. Often, they try to clean the burned area and apply a greasy ointment or butter to it. Actually, that is the worst thing one can do, as it increases chances of infection or scarring. For a very minor burn, apply cold water and then put a protective, sterile dressing on it. If the burned area blisters, see a doctor. Topic Sentences: Writing Paragraphs Exercise 3 Now try writing a paragraph of your own. You can choose some ideas from the list below or come up with your own. My favourite place … The most interesting person I know … Dogs versus cats … I think education is … ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________