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From my understanding in a topic sentence the topic is always the subject and cannot be the controlling idea, is that correct ?
Then, if it is the case, it is possible to have 2 controlling ideas in a topic sentence. See my example below.
For example : "This bicycle tour goes through a great selection of Bordeaux’s vineyards and wineries."
Are my controlling ideas vineyards and wineries and is it ok to 2 or is one the norm ?
Thank you,
The best way to answer this question would be to start out with clear definitions of what the key terms are.
You've defined the 'topic' as 'the subject of a topic sentence'. You've haven't, however, defined the 'controlling idea'.
It can be useful to think of the 'topic' as the 'what', and the 'controlling idea' as the 'why' - 'why bother?' 'why is this important?' and note that this generally applies to formal writing - particularly to essays or persuasive writing.
In these contexts, the controlling idea will apply to the overarching composition as a whole; within that, there can be subsections which will generally have subtopics and controlling ideas which feature as the topic sentences and conclusions of paragraphs shaping the argument.
In the example you give above, you have two 'whats':
1 - Bicycle tour
2 - Sights it covers
As far as I can see, there is no 'why' in your example - 'great selection' doesn't really get close - it certainly wouldn't satisfy the cynic - 'specially selected' or 'exclusive selection' might be better candidates.
