Question 26: Controlling Idea Paragraph

Only one word in question 26 ever changes:  the topic.  Otherwise, the question will look like this:

26  Write a well-developed paragraph in which you use ideas from both passages to establish a controlling idea about TOPIC.  Develop your controlling idea using specific examples and details from each paragraph.

What is this asking you to do?

First off, you need to know what the test means by a controlling idea.

Controlling Idea - a full-sentence observation about the topic that is true of both passages and could be true in the world as well.

Let's practice with two stories we all know:  Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood.

Here is your question:

26  Write a well-developed paragraph in which you use ideas from both passages to establish a controlling idea about wolves.  Develop your controlling idea using specific examples and detail from each paragraph.

Step 1.  Identify the topic.

It's wolves.  So I know my controlling idea needs to be about wolves.

Step 2.  Read Passage 1.  What does it tell me about wolves?

Well, in Three Little Pigs the wolf tries to destroy the pigs' houses and eat them.  So, I would say that this story tells me wolves are dangerous and prey on weaker animals.

Step 3.  Read Passage 2.  What does it tell me about wolves?

Okay, in Little Red Riding Hood the wolf eats the grandmother and tries to eat the girl.  So, what's the similarity?  Well, in both stories wolves are dangerous and want to eat weaker creatures.

Step 4.  Write your controlling idea.  Remember, your idea is a full sentence and it is about the topic.

Here's mine:

Both passages show that wolves prey on creatures who are weaker than them.

Check it:

Is it on topic?
Is it true of passage 1?
Is it true of passage 2?
Could it be applied to the world as well?

If the answer is yes to all four questions, move to the next step.

Step 5.  Find a quote from both passages to back up the controlling idea, and explain why this quote supports your idea.

In Three Little Pigs:  "The big bad wolf dearly loved to eat fat little piggies."

EXPLANATION:  The author characterizes the wolf as an animal who likes to prey on pigs, who are weaker then him.

In Little Red Riding Hood:  "The wicked wolf fell on Little Red Riding Hood, and ate her all up."  (Note:  this is how the original version really ends!)

EXPLANATION:  The wolf carries out his deceptive plan because he wants to eat the girl.  This shows that wolves will prey on children if they are not careful.

Step 6.  Put it all together in one smooth paragraph.  

Here's mine:

Both passages show that wolves prey on creatures who are weaker than them.  For example, in Three Little Pigs, the author writes, "The big bad wolf dearly loved to eat fat little piggies."  This line characterizes the wolf as an animal who likes to prey on pigs, who are weaker than him.  Similarly, in Little Red Riding Hood, "The wicked wolf fell on Little Red Riding Hood, and ate her all up."  This shows that the wolf carries out his deceptive plan because he wants to eat the girl.  This shows that wolves will prey on children if they are not careful.  In both passages, wolves are dangerous creatures who will eat creatures who are weaker than them.

WARNING:  Your topic will not be this easy.  But, the formula remains the same.  When in doubt, use this template:

Both passages show that <full-sentence controlling idea>.  For example, in Passage One, the author writes, "add quote."  This shows that <explain how this quote supports your controlling idea>.  Similarly, in Passage 2, "add quote."  This shows <explain how this quote supports your controlling idea>.  In both passages, <restate your controlling idea>.