What is a Topic?

A paragraph's topic is the subject of the paragraph -- who or what the paragraph is about.  Finding the topic of a paragraph is the first step in finding out what the paragraph is trying to say to you. This simple question will help you find the topic of a paragraph:  In general, who or what is this paragraph about?

Your answer to this question will be the paragraph's topic.  Your answer must not be too broad nor too narrow.

Read the paragraph below. As you do so, ask yourself "In general, who or what is this paragraph about?" After you have chosen what you think is the topic, read the Explanation that follows:

      Each year, thousands of people are bitten by snakes. Several steps should be taken if you are a victim of a snakebite. First, keep still and warm. Next, remove rings and tight clothing. Wrap a bandage above the bite, but do not apply a tourniquet, as this may cut off blood circulation. Also, do not try to remove snake venom. Finally, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

The topic of this paragraph is:

(a) snakebites

(b) things to do after a snakebite

(c) keeping still after a snakebite

Explanation

	The first choice, "snakebites" is too general. It is true that the paragraph is about snakebites, but it is only talking about one aspect of snakebites.
	The second choice, "things to do after a snakebite" is the right answer -- this is what the paragraph is about.
	The third choice, "keeping still after a snakebite," is too specific -- it is only one of the things you should do after being bit.

Now, read the next paragraph and look at the choices for the topic. One is too general, one is just right, and one is too specific. Think about which is which, then read the Explanation that follows.

       The cost of printing new money and then destroying old money has become too expensive for the government. As a result, serious efforts are being taken to replace the dollar bill with a dollar coin. The dollar coin will last far longer than a dollar bill. The coin would also be easier than the dollar bit to use in vending machines. Finally, it would help cities. Cities spend a lot of time counting bills placed in collection boxes. A dollar coin would change that.

The topic of this paragraph is:

(a) Using a dollar coin in a vending machine

(b) Reasons for a dollar coin

(c) A dollar coin

Explanation

	The first choice, "using a dollar coin in a vending machine," is too specific. It does not tell what the paragraph is about.
	The second choice, "reasons for a dollar coin," is the right answer -- this is what the paragraph is about. Most of the sentences present reasons that a dollar coin is better than a dollar bill.
	The third choice, "A dollar coin," is too general. The right topic will tell you what the paragraph is likely to say about a dollar coin.

Next -  Practice Exercises
       Return to Main Idea Menu

Reading Department | Courses | Contact Us | Cerritos College Web Author: B. Belroy Email:(bbelroy@cerritos.edu) Web Administrator Disclaimer

Last update: 04/07/06