Question

Identify the appropriate topic sentence
An American woman may, for example, put on a kimono, a Japanese word. Americans living in warmer climates may take and afternoon siesta on an outdoor patio without realizing that these words have Spanish origins. They may enjoy the fragrance of jasmine flowers, a word introduced to the English language from Persia. They may be blissfully unaware that the chaise lounge on which they relax and the glass of vodka they have in hand, are French and Russian origin respectively.
A. There are many foreign words in English language.
B. Although the majority of Americans may not be aware of it, several features of their culture and language have come from other cultures.
C. Americans are unaware of many things.
D. Americans should learn new languages.

Answer 1

Hint: A topic sentence is the essence of the paragraph or the article or any text, which gives us an idea of what the topic is about. It is the focal point of the sentence which helps us prepare our mind about what the rest of what is to be read.

Complete step by step answer:
Option A – This option states a fact that many words of foreign origin are a part of English language; however, it does not capture the essence of the paragraph. Hence this is not the right answer.
Option B – This option gives us an idea of what the paragraph is about; it gives a quick gist of the entire topic of how Americans are unaware of their language which is a cumulative of many languages and cultures. The sentence ‘they may be blissfully unaware’ proves this point. Hence this is the right answer.
Option C – This is a vague statement, which is not only clear but it is also offensive to the Americans. This is not the right answer.
Option D – This is more of an interjection than a topic statement, which is like demanding Americans to learn new languages. It does not explain the essence of the paragraph hence this is not the right answer.

Thus, the correct option is (B)

Note:
Although chances are that topical sentences are the first-most sentences in a paragraph, sometimes they may be the second or the third; the given paragraph is the best example to understand this.