Which of the following provides an effective topic statement for a discussion of the history of Austin Community College? (Click each sentence for more information.)
ACC’s first president in 1973 was Dr. Thomas Hatfield.
While this sentence provides a fact about the founding of Austin Community college, it fails to forecast the purpose of what will follow and does not establish an organizing pattern.
Community colleges grow depending on the need of the communities in which they are located. Some colleges grow rapidly.
This statement discusses growth and change of community colleges in general. However, it fails to explain either the specific subject – the history of Austin community college – or to preview the organizing pattern, the narrative that explains the college’s history.
Founded in 1973 with one campus and a student enrollment of 1,726, Austin Community College has grown to 8 campuses and a student enrollment of 45,100 by 2011.
This topic statement explains the topic, Austin Community College and growth. However, it doesn’t address the larger issues of the college’s history.
Founded in 1973 with one campus and a student enrollment of 1,726, Austin Community College has grown to 8 campuses and a student enrollment of 45,100 by 2011. This essay will trace the history of Austin Community College to explain how and why this growth took place.
This topic statement explains not only what will be covered (with a dramatic opening statement), but it also forecasts the essay’s purpose and organizing pattern.