Paragraph Structure - Controlling Ideas

Guided Practice

The following topic sentences have controlling ideas.

Click on the underlined segment of the topic sentence that contains the controlling idea.

  1. Tennis racquets have changed greatly in the last ten years.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    CORRECT! The controlling idea is have changed greatly

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

  2. People from many different cultures live in Boston.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    CORRECT! The controlling idea is different cultures

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

  3. Cats are better pets than dogs for many reasons.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    CORRECT! The controlling idea is better pets than dogs

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

  4. Yesterday was the worst day of my life.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    CORRECT! The controlling idea is worst day of my life

  5. Oral presentations make me very nervous.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    CORRECT! The controlling idea is make me very nervous

  6. The oldest child in the family is often the most independent.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    CORRECT! The controlling idea is most independent

  7. Tools for left-handed people are sometimes poorly designed.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    CORRECT! The controlling idea is poorly designed

  8. Wendy's now offers the most nutritious selection of all the fast food restaurants.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    CORRECT! The controlling idea is most nutritious selection

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

  9. Computer skills are a requirement for many office jobs.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    CORRECT! The controlling idea is requirement for many office jobs

  10. Hardwood flooring is a better buy than carpetng.

    INCORRECT. TRY AGAIN.

    CORRECT! The controlling idea is better buy than carpeting

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