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Topic Sentence Test 2

If it is suitable to be a topic sentence, highlight or circle the conclusion (the point or the focus).

If it is unsuitable to be a topic sentence, label it as too broad, too narrow, too vague, or a fact. Do not highlight or circle anything.

Examples:

Traveling can be educational. Too broad
Professional golfer Tiger Woods is a superstar.
Mr. Allen is a unique math teacher. Too vague
Helene has become addicted to the sport of running marathons.
Movies of today are less boring than movies of the past.
Aunt Sue is very fearful about being the victim of a home invasion.
Tom mismanages his pressure cleaning business.
Spike Lee’s four hour long HBO documentary about Hurricane Katrina damaging New Orleans was interesting.
After traveling in a 32 foot sailboat to the Bahamas, I learned to value comfort.
Actor Mel Gibson has a drinking problem.
My uncle’s new Hummer came with a high sticker price.
When I was twelve, my parents sent me away to live in a private boarding school.
From 2001-2004, the New England Patriots dominated the National Football League.
Daneeka was very young when she learned that she was adopted.
A Hummer is an expensive car to own and operate.
Dwyane Wade won the Most Valuable Player award in the 2006 NBA finals.
Million Dollar Baby should not have won its Academy Award for Best Motion Picture of 2004.
Paintball is a fun sport.
Sue’s wedding was an expensive affair.
Stereo City offers many brands of electronic equipment.
Unwanted pregnancies have many causes and effects but few solutions.
Ellen worked hard to become class valedictorian.
Last week Dad bought Mom a new sports car for her birthday.
Answers
Helene has become addicted to the sport of running marathons.
Movies of today are less boring than movies of the past. Too broad
Aunt Sue is very fearful about being the victim of a home invasion.
Tom mismanages his pressure cleaning business.
Spike Lee’s four hour long HBO documentary about Hurricane Katrina damaging New Orleans was interesting. Too vague
After traveling in a 32 foot sailboat to the Bahamas, I learned to value comfort.
Actor Mel Gibson has a drinking problem.
My uncle’s new Hummer came with a high sticker price. Too narrow
When I was twelve, my parents sent me away to live in a private boarding school. A fact
From 2001-2004, the New England Patriots dominated the National Football League.
Daneeka was very young when she learned that she was adopted. Too narrow
A Hummer is an expensive car to own and operate.
Dwyane Wade won the Most Valuable Player award in the 2006 NBA finals. A fact
Million Dollar Baby should not have won its Academy Award for Best Motion Picture of 2004.
Paintball is a fun sport. too vague
Sue’s wedding was an expensive affair.
Stereo City offers many brands of electronic equipment. Too narrow
Unwanted pregnancies have many causes and effects but few solutions. Too broad
Ellen worked hard to become class valedictorian.
Last week Dad bought Mom a new sports car for her birthday. A fact
Last updated 09/24/2006

This document is protected by copyright. It may be used and reproduced only for non-profit educational use.