In section 25, the words in italics practically give in a sentence the main thought of the paragraph from "The Sketch-Book." Such a sentence is often called a topic sentence; it frequently appears in the paragraph - sometimes at the beginning, sometimes near the middle, sometimes at the end. It always helps a writer to secure unity if he has a topic sentence before him as he writes, and in many cases he will wish to make it the opening sentence of the paragraph.

Exercises

78. Can you find topic sentences in the following para graphs? If not, make lists of the subjects discussed, and in a carefully worded sentence write the main thought of each paragraph.

You are, I think, too fond of reading as it is. As one means of avoiding excess in this way, I would wish you to make it a rule never to read at mealtimes, norin company when there is any (even the most trivial) conversation going on, nor even to let your eagerness to learn encroach upon your play hours. Books are but one inlet of knowledge; and the pores of the mind, like those of the body, should be left open to all impressions. I applied too close to my studies, soon after I was of your age, and hurt myself irreparably by it. Whatever may be the value of learning, health and good spirits are of more.

As to the books you will have to read by choice or for amusement, the best are the commonest. The names of many of them are already familiar to you. Read them as you grow up with all the satisfaction in your power, and make much of them. It is perhaps the greatest pleasure you will have in life, the one you will think of longest, and repent of least. If my life had been more full of calamity than it has been (much more than I hope yours will be), I would live it over again, my poor little boy, to have read the books I did in my youth.

- Hazlitt, "On the Conduct of Life."

79. Prepare a one-minute talk on a subject suggested by one of these topic sentences. Make use of a topical outline.

1. As a part of our last lesson in English we read the first chapter of "Quentin Durward."

2. In history we are studying about Hannibal.

3. On my way to school this morning, I saw a peculiar street-car accident.

4. The elm in front of our house presents many interesting changes according to the season of the year.

5. Good penmanship is a part of good manners.

6. Letter writing is a practical art which we should all master.

80. Write the substance of your talk, beginning each paragraph with a topic sentence.

81. Exchange the themes just written and underscore the topic sentences.

82. Make plans of two themes suggested by the following topic sentences:

1. Once upon a time a wolf met a lamb.

2. "Ivanhoe" is much more interesting than "Silas Marner" because it contains more action.

3. "The Angelus" [or some other picture] is a picture that will repay careful study.

4. The story of "The Lady of the Lake" [or some other work] may be briefly told as follows.

5. The other morning I saw two sparrows attack a small gray bird.

6. The most exciting event of my life was of very short duration.

88. Write the theme outlined in one of your two plans, and give your topic sentence, or sentences.

84. Write a paragraph explaining why - is your favorite outdoor game. First prepare a topic sentence and keep it before you as you write.

85. With the aid of a topic sentence, write a paragraph on a subject of your own choosing. If you wish, turn to the list prepared in Exercise 19.

Exchange papers and write in a single sentence what you consider the main thought of your classmate's paragraph.

86. Write a theme beginning with a sentence in which you name several traits that you like in one of your friends. Use as many paragraphs as the subject demands.

In class, write a criticism of your theme, using the suggestions in Exercise 60.

87. Make a list of all the good subjects (1) for one-minute talks, (2) for short themes, that are suggested by the following topic sentences:

1. A gypsy camp is an interesting place to visit.

2. A printing office seems to have just one word for its motto, "Hurry!"

3. A robin is a friendly bird.

4. A crow is a suspicious sort of fellow; he seems to have a bad conscience.

5. A house aquarium is an endless source of amusement and instruction.

6. Lorna Doone is a heroine, even though she does not do many heroic things.

7. A milkman sees the world from an unusual point of view.

88. Prepare a plan of a talk on a subject taken from your list; be ready to talk on the subject just chosen.

89. Prepare a plan of a theme on a subject taken from the list called for in Exercise 13.

Write a theme based on this plan.

90. Find or write a topic sentence for each paragraph of an editorial in your school paper or in a newspaper.

91. Define a paragraph (see sect. 23), and show that unless the paragraph has unity (see sect. 25) there can be no real topic sentence (see sect. 29).

92. Be ready to talk for two minutes on "The Paragraph," using some such plan as the following:

1. Definition. (See sects. 16, 23).

2. Length. (See sect. 24).

3. Unity. (See sect. 25).

4. Topic sentence. (See sect. 29).