Revising Topic Sentences

The three paragraphs that follow are taken from a brochure explaining to the general reader some of the responsibilities involved in owning a horse. The topic sentences do not clearly indicate the organizational pattern the writer is using. Rewrite or add topic sentences to provide better coherence between and within paragraphs.

The first investment needs to be in education. Any horse owner needs to have some knowledge of horse care, riding, and horse psychology. Without education, the owner can unintentionally cause tragic consequences. A horse that gets into the grain bin can die a very painful death. An owner who is rough or inconsistent can turn a well-behaved horse into a rebel. An owner who is not paying attention can get an unexpected kick when the horse becomes frightened. . . .

These consequences can be minimized in direct proportion to the time spent with the horse. Horses are social animals that need contact with others. If there are no other horses available, the owner will be its focus and will need to spend more time with it. The horse should be handled and worked daily so that any physical or mental problems that occur can be spotted quickly. This will also build the communication that is necessary for a happy relationship. . . .

Horse expenses can be divided into the initial outlay and maintenance costs. You can spend any amount for a horse. A good price for an average horse is $1,200 to $3,500. You should always get an expert’s evaluation before you buy. The saddle and tack will probably cost from $350 to $2,000. The cost of keeping a horse can range from $500 to $3,500 a year, depending on the services you need. . . .