Recognizing the topic sentences.

The word topic means “the subject of speech or writing.” A paragraph usually tells about one topic. Sometimes the title of a paragraph tells the topic. And sometimes one sentence is the “topic sentence.”

In a general way, the topic sentence tells the point or main idea of the topic. The topic sentence is often the first sentence of a paragraph, but not always. The other sentences usually give examples or facts or reasons for the main idea. They are the single or specific details.

Find the topic sentences in the four paragraphs of the reading.

Paragraph A ______________________________________________________.

Paragraph B ______________________________________________________.

Paragraph C ______________________________________________________.

Paragraph D ______________________________________________________.

Answers:

Paragraph A In some ways life on the campuses of institutions of higher learning is the same everywhere in the world.

Paragraph B Maybe student life is similar, but the system of higher education differs in countries around the world.

Paragraph C Teaching and learning methods and styles differ in various cultures, at different colleges and universities and in individual courses.

Paragraph D At many institutions of higher learning, resources for learning and recreation are available to students.