Text Production: Apply Revision Strategies

Apply Revision Strategies to Topic Sentences

Because the topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph, it is the most important sentence in the paragraph. Check the content and sentence structure to make sure that this sentence clearly states the very limited subject.

Wordy phrases, such as "I am trying to show that," "I am trying to write about," and "This paragraph is going to be about," can help a writer organize his thoughts, but they waste space.

Revise the topic sentences below by eliminating the wordiness.

A part-time job seems to me to interfere with studying.

A part-time job interfers with studying.


The Consumer Reports website helps when buying a used car.

Sentence is ok.


In this paragraph I am going to show that a good professor enjoys students.

A good professor enjoys students.


All handguns should be registered in my opinion.

All handguns should be registered.


Traveling by bus is a good way to see the country.

Sentence is ok.


I am going to write about how taking a math course will help a person as a manager.

Taking a math course will help a person as a manager.