Question

Read a student’s reaction to a nonfiction article.

Summary:
I read an article by Alfred Jenson about oil spills. Jenson has crossed the Arctic Ocean many times on vessels designed for exploration and research. He believes oil spills can be prevented with stricter international regulations governing oil transport.

Controlling Idea:
The controlling idea of Jenson’s article is that many oil spills have occurred in recent years in the Arctic Ocean.

What must the student add to make this controlling idea complete?

Jenson’s viewpoint
expert testimony
Arctic Ocean statistics
specific dates

Answer 1

Jenson’s viewpoint.

A complete controlling idea should state the topic and the author’s position — e.g., “Many oil spills have occurred in the Arctic Ocean, and Jenson argues they can be prevented by stricter international regulations.”