1. introducing writing

EXERCISE 1

Circle the topic and underline the controlling idea in each of the following sentences.

Example:

Driving on freeways requires skill and alertness.

1.

Doing  well in college requires organization.

2.

Trying to buy house is sometimes frustrating.

3.

School board meeting inform parents about the school.

4.

Buying furniture can be challenging.

5.

Enrolling in college can be a surprising experience.

6.

Traveling to a foreign country is enlightening.

7.

Riding an airplane can be stressful.

8.

Going to a high school reunion can bring back many memories

9.

Walking to school in the spring saves money.

10. My family enjoys summer fishing trips.

11. Going out to eat can be a cultural experience.

12. Riding a bicycle takes coordination.

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EXERCISE 2

Complete each topic below by writing a statement (conclusion or opinion) about it. You will be focusing the topic by adding a controlling idea.

Example:

San Diego 

is a good place for wind jamming

1.

The pizza restaurant ____________________________________________________

2.

Cars _________________________________________________________________

3.

My sister _____________________________________________________________

4.

Jeeps ________________________________________________________________

5.

A nature hike __________________________________________________________

6.

Baby-sitting ___________________________________________________________

7.

Working on my car _____________________________________________________

8.

Pine trees ____________________________________________________________

9.

Reading the newspaper _________________________________________________

10.

I saved my money to ___________________________________________________

11.

Melanie ______________________________________________________________

12.

A family reunion _______________________________________________________

13.

To attend major league ball games ________________________________________

14.

Repairing old radios ____________________________________________________

15.

Relatives _____________________________________________________________

16.

Going on Vacation ______________________________________________________

17.

Making a cake _________________________________________________________

18.

Rebuilding an engine ___________________________________________________

EXERCISE 3

In the following lists, circle the letter beside the sentence that does not develop the controlling idea which appears in the topic sentences. Then write out the paragraphs, 

leaving out sentences that do not belong. Write on a separate sheet of paper.