Strong topic sentences
Which sentence states the main idea?
topic sentence
What makes a topic sentence weak?
too general, too specific
How social media influences teenagers’ self-esteem.
Topic sentence: Social media affects people in many ways.
Weak (too general)
This is a paragraph about happiness according to Buddhist tradition.
Topic sentence: One of the major teachings of Buddhism is that we can only find true happiness when we let go of our desire to have material objects and instead try to achieve peace within ourselves.
weak: too general
The importance of learning a second language.
Topic sentence: Learning another language helps people connect with different cultures and enhances job opportunities.
strong
The benefits of owning a pet.
Topic sentence: Having a dog can reduce stress, encourage exercise, and provide companionship.
weak: too specific