In addition to the concluding statement, the writer may wish to include a "final thought." The final thought is the last sentence of the stand-alone paragraph. Here are some examples of transitions used with concluding sentences: The concluding sentence often begins with a transition word to signal the reader. (e) Make a prediction based on the details of the paragraph (d) Offer a final observation about the controlling idea (c) Draw a conclusion based on the information set forth in the paragraph (b) Summarize by referring to the key points in the paragraph (a) Restate the topic sentence of the paragraph The concluding sentence for a stand-alone paragraph should accomplish one of the following: The purpose of this concluding sentence is two-fold: (1) to reiterate the main point developed by the body sentences and (2) to signal the reader that this is the end of the paragraph. This is accomplished through a "concluding sentence," essential to the stand-alone paragraph. Thus, the reader can predict that the writer will list and describe the four sections in order.The topic sentence and the body now completed, it remains only to end the paragraph. In this sentence, the controlling idea specifically states the limitation- four sections. The topic of this sentence is a laboratory report. When writing a laboratory report, you must complete four sections. Here is an example of a topic sentence with a controlling idea that specifically sets limitations for the scope of the paragraph. Additionally, the reader knows that such mastery comes with practice, the writer's opinion or perspective. From this single sentence the reader knows that the topic of the paragraph is the SLR camera and that the paragraph will discuss mastering the basics of using this camera. The controlling idea is mastered with considerable practice. The topic of this sentence is an SLR camera. The basics of using an SLR camera can be mastered with considerable practice. Here is an example of a topic sentence with a controlling idea that states the writer's opinion-the first way to limit the scope of the paragraph: In either case, this limited scope, then, serves to unify the paragraph, since any discussion must be within the parameters of the controlling idea. The controlling idea itself may provide specific limitation. The controlling idea may reveal the writer's opinion, point of view, or attitude toward the subject of the paragraph, which automatically will set parameters for discussion of the topic. Limiting the scope of the paragraph through the controlling idea may happen in one of two ways.ġ. And the reader also knows that the point of the paragraph will be to enumerate the healthful benefits of running. That is, the reader knows from this sentence that the paragraph is generally about running. The controlling idea is healthful benefits. The topic of this topic sentence is running. Running provides many healthful benefits. Here is an example of a topic sentence with a controlling idea that guides the support for the paragraph: It guides the ideas that provide support for the paragraph and limits the scope of the paragraph. Announcements (like This paragraph will discuss how to build a bird house.) hold little attraction for readers.Įven if all of the above conditions for a topic sentence are met, an effective topic sentence needs one additional element, the "controlling idea." The controlling idea is the point of the paragraph. A topic sentence should draw the reader into the paragraph. Negative language (for example, You might hate to do it, but you should keep your room clean.) should not be part of the topic sentence. Starting a topic sentence with there is/are (as in There are several ways to cook rice.) is a weak opener. If the topic sentence is too specific (for example, Webster's New World Dictionary has more than 40,000 words.), there will be nothing else to say on the subject. Is general enough to invite exploration of the topic. If the topic is too general (for example, I like camping.), the reader will not know what to expect in the paragraph. It is not a fact that everyone already knows to be true (for example, A dictionary has meanings for words.). A good topic sentence is specific and well focused, guiding the entire paragraph. Writing effective topic sentences, however, involves more than merely stating the subject of the paragraph. The following are topics suitable for a paragraph: The topic is the subject of the paragraph. The topic sentence generally is composed of two parts: (a) the topic itself and (b) the controlling idea. It is unquestionably the most important sentence in the paragraph. The "topic sentence" is the sentence in which the main idea of the paragraph is stated.
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