Predict the Content With Topic Sentences

As a reader, you are constantly engaged in prediction. Each time you read a topic sentence, you form an idea of what the paragraph contains. When the topic sentence is carelessly constructed, you will likely be confused—the same as if you took a sip of coffee and discovered it was actually tea! In this next activity, you will have a chance to evaluate how well topic sentences predict the content of the paragraph.

Step 1: Based on the topic sentence, predict the content or themes you would expect to find in the paragraph. Enter notes into the box, and then click on Check Answer.

Step 2: Click on Show Paragraph to read the paragraph. Is the content as you expected? If not, identify the problem with the topic sentence. (Since you don’t have access to preceding paragraphs, you will not be able to comment on relevance to what has gone before.)

Step 3: In the box, answer the question, “Is the topic sentence predictive?” Make notes on what made the topic sentence effective or ineffective, and then click on Check Answer.

Example 1

Topic sentence	According to good corporate governance practice, shareholders have a number of basic rights and obligations.
Expected Content/Themes
Paragraph
Topic Sentence Predictive?

Example 2

Topic sentence	In the transition from a fully planned economy to a market economy, poverty seems to be transient—households tend to cycle in and out of poverty.
Expected Content/Themes
Paragraph
Topic Sentence Predictive?