Characteristics of a Topic Sentence:
* Clear and Concise: It should express the main point in a straightforward way.
* Specific: It should focus on a particular aspect of the broader topic.
* Controlling: It governs the content of the entire paragraph, ensuring all supporting details relate back to it.
* Located at the beginning: It is usually placed at the beginning of the paragraph for clarity.
Example:
Topic Sentence: The invention of the printing press revolutionized communication and knowledge dissemination in the 15th century.
* Paragraph: The invention of the printing press revolutionized communication and knowledge dissemination in the 15th century. Before its arrival, books were painstakingly copied by hand, making them rare and expensive. The printing press, however, allowed for the mass production of printed materials, making books more accessible to a wider audience. This led to a surge in literacy, the spread of new ideas, and the blossoming of intellectual discourse.
Key takeaway: The topic sentence is the foundation of a paragraph, guiding the reader through the development of the main idea.