If you think of the topic of a selection as a subject, then the controlling (main or central) idea of that selection is the most important thing said about the subject or topic.
How do you identify a topic and controlling idea?
There are just two parts in a topic sentence, the topic and the controlling idea. The topic is WHAT the paragraph is about, and the controlling idea explains WHY you are writing the paragraph . In the examples below, the topic is in orange and the controlling idea is in green.
What is an example of a controlling idea?
Every topic sentence will have a topic and a controlling idea. The controlling idea shows the direction the paragraph will take . ... The topic is “pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world” and the controlling idea is “many reasons.”
What is a controlling idea *?
The controlling idea is the main idea that the writer is developing in a composition . The controlling idea usually expresses a definite opinion or attitude about the topic of the composition.
How do you write a topic sentence with a controlling idea?
The topic sentence contains two parts: the topic and a controlling idea. The topic is WHAT the paragraph is going to be about, and the controlling idea explains WHY the paragraph is being written. The topic sentence helps your reader understand the purpose of your paragraph.
What is the difference between main idea and controlling idea?
Topic sentences contain both a main idea (the subject, or topic that the writer is discussing) and a controlling idea (the writer’s specific stance on that subject). ... Different writers may use the same main idea but can steer their paragraph in a number of different directions according to their stance on the subject.
What is the controlling idea it seems as if every modern?
It seems as if every modern diet plan includes an elimination of carbohydrates from one’s diet . “Carbs” are being shunned as everyone seeks out “low-carb” foods and diets. But not every carbohydrate is a cookie; not every “carb” should be rejected. Consider a healthy bowl of pasta and vegetables before a swim or a run.
What are supporting ideas?
The supporting ideas are the more focused arguments that bolster the main ideas . They have a clear and direct connection with the main ideas. They are backed-up by evidence or illustrated by examples. In general, the supporting ideas that bolster the same main idea are grouped into one paragraph.
What are 3 examples of a topic sentence?
- In a paragraph about a summer vacation: My summer vacation at my grandparents’ farm was filled with hard work and fun.
- In a paragraph about school uniforms: School uniforms would help us to feel more unity as a student body.
- In a paragraph about how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich:
How do you identify a topic sentence?
A topic sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph. Sometimes referred to as a focus sentence, the topic sentence helps organize the paragraph by summarizing the information in the paragraph . In formal writing, the topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph (although it doesn’t have to be).
What are the two main elements of a topic sentence?
The topic sentence generally is composed of two parts: (a) the topic itself and (b) the controlling idea . Writing effective topic sentences, however, involves more than merely stating the subject of the paragraph. A good topic sentence is specific and well focused, guiding the entire paragraph.
What is an example of a main idea?
The main idea is a sentence that provides the subject for discussion ; it is the topic sentence. It is usually supported by a list of details. If you can tell what the supporting details have in common, you can discover the main idea. great heat of the desert sun at noon and in the bitter cold of the desert at night.
What does a main idea not do?
What the main idea does not do is to show what a reader will learn , rather, it only shows what the story is about, summarizes the details and events, and illustrates an important idea.
What is another word for main idea?
question, idea , topic, matter, theme, score, subject, core, profit, essence, reality, crux, income, body, heart, substance, foundation, importance, basis, focus.
Is the controlling idea the main idea?
The controlling idea is the main idea that the writer is developing in a composition . The controlling idea usually expresses a definite opinion or attitude about the topic of the composition. 2. The controlling idea can be supported within the paragraphs of the composition.
