Topic controlling idea

(Gold), a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics.

Supporting sentences develop the topic sentence. That is, they explain or prove that what is stated in the topic sentence is absolutely true. Following are some of the supporting sentences that explain the topic sentence about gold.

First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion.

For example, a Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today as the day it was made 25 centuries ago.

Another important characteristic of gold is its usefulness to industry and science. The most recent use of gold is in astronauts’ suits.

The concluding sentence signals the end of the paragraph and leaves the reader with important points to remember:

In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty but also for its utility.

Concluding sentences are customary for stand-alone paragraphs. However, paragraphs that are parts of a longer piece of writing usually do not need concluding sentences.

Exercise № 44. Read over the following paragraph consisting of supporting sentences and make up a decision of a suitable topic sentence.

……………….. It rained heavily in April; it rained much in May. It rained a lot in the mornings; it rather rained in the afternoons. It poured, it drizzled, it showered, it misted — but always it rained. Nevertheless, the good news is we will not have a drought this summer.

a. The rain makes me gloomy. b. This spring was the rainiest on record.

c. Rain is nice, but I prefer sunshine. d. Scientists know very little about the global climate.

Exercise № 45. For the following questions, a topic sentence is given. Try choosing the sentence that best develops or supports it.

1. A fireplace should be lined with special firebricks to prevent heat transfer.

a. Normal bricks are not dense enough to withstand excessive heat. b. Fire codes also require a smoke alarm in every room. c. Good up-drafts can make a pleasant fire, however. d. Modern houses don’t use as much lumber as older homes did.

2. 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.