Main Idea
VS Topic
TOPIC SENTENCES ARE LIKE HANDSHAKES, THE STRONGER, THE BETTER!
Main Idea VS Topic Sentence
by Mrs. Garner
Main Ideas and Topic Sentences are very
different. A TOPIC SENTENCE is a sentence
in the introduction that tells the reader what
your PAPER will be all about. In other words,
it gives them a look into your TOPIC.
A Main Idea sentence are sentences that
support your topic. These sentences come
first in your BODY paragraphs, they let the
reader know about the details in the topic.
Each main idea is supported by DETAILS, all
contained in ONE PARAGRAPH. For
example:
Topic: Thanksgiving
Topic Sentence: Although there are many
holidays that are favored by many,
Thanksgiving is the only one centered
around being thankful, spending time with
family, and eating delicious food.
Main Idea #1: Thanksgiving is a time to be
thankful.
Main Idea #2: Thanksgiving is a time to
spend with family.
Main Idea #3: Thanksgiving has delicious
food to eat!
Sentence
What’s the
difference?
IN THIS ISSUE
You can write a topic sentence two different
ways:
#1: Be broad but distinct.
Example: Thanksgiving is a widely- Topic Sentence
celebrated holiday. A sentence in the introduction that tells the reader what
your paper will be all about.
This tells the reader that your paper will be all
about Thanksgiving, the widely-celebrated
holiday.
#2: List your main ideas in the topic
sentence.
Example: Thanksgiving is a widely-celebrated
holiday centered around being thankful,
spending time with family, and eating
delicious food.
This tells the reader EXACTLY what will be
inside your paper by listing the main ideas
INSIDE the topic sentence.
Any way you decide to write your topic
Main Idea
A sentence that supports your topic. This
sentence is great, just be sure it is strong, like
sentence begins a body paragraph, and tells the
a handshake!
reader what the paragraph will be all about, not
the entire paper!