Topic Sentence

1. _____________________________________________. In fact, he usually shows up five minutes early everywhere he goes. Because he’s so considerate, he hates to keep people waiting. He also believes that being early creates a better expereince. One time, when we were going to a movie together, John arrived thirty minutes earlier just so he could get the best seats in the theatre. I’m glad to have such a punctual friend.

• John loves going to the movies.

• John is always on time.

• John hates to be kept waiting.

2. _________________________________________. The place is never crowded, but the service is still terrible. It seems like the staff has better things to do than wait on customers. Once I waited ten minutes just to buy a slice of pizza, and I was the only person in the whole store! I recommend staying away from Billy Bob’s Pizzeria.

• Billy Bob’s Pizzeria has the worst pizza.

• Billy Bob’s Pizzeria has the worst pizza.

• Billy Bob’s Pizzeria has terrible customer service.

3. I walked slowly down the dark path, afraid of my own shadow. But the tug on the leash propelled me forward. Buck, my golden retriever, was determined to take the most deserted trails through the forest. I could hear unfamiliar noises on all sides and urged Buck to do his business quickly. Oh, why couldn’t he be toilet trained? That would be better for everyone! _____________________________________.

• Buck is an inconsiderate dog.

• I hate walking my dog at night.

• The forest is a dangerous place to walk at night.

4. Generally speaking, zoos these days are losing popularity. Many people feel that it’s unfair to lock up wild animals to entertain humans. ________________________________ . Some zoos go to great lengths to build a good environment for its animals. The good zoos treat their animals well and provide opportunities for the public to learn about the natural world. The best zoos protect endangered species and raise awareness about animals and their habitats.

• Zoos perform a valuable service to society and should be part of every person’s childhood memory.

• Zoos are horrible places that should be shut down because it’s not humane to lock up wild animals.

• Zoos that do their best to make a pleasant habitat for the animals can be a pleasant place to visit.

The topic sentence has two parts the...

A topic sentence can be placed at... of a paragraph

• the beginning

• the middle

• the end

In academic essays, the topic sentences (the thesis statement) must be a...