A trip to the ocean can be a relaxing escape from the everyday pressures of life. A sailboat glistening on the horizon provides a mental escape to faraway places. The rhythm of the ocean beating against the sand is sedating music to a troubled mind. A slow, gentle breeze can relax your tensions. You should always be careful to avoid overexposure to the sun at the beach.

1. Type the sentences that answer the following questions:
a. What sentence is the topic sentence of the paragraph? b. What sentence is unrelated to the topic and can be eliminated?
A.I would have to go with the first sentence.
B.I say it is the last one.

I agree with both your answers.

To determine the correct answers, let's analyze the paragraph provided:

1. "A trip to the ocean can be a relaxing escape from the everyday pressures of life."
2. "A sailboat glistening on the horizon provides a mental escape to faraway places."
3. "The rhythm of the ocean beating against the sand is sedating music to a troubled mind."
4. "A slow, gentle breeze can relax your tensions."
5. "You should always be careful to avoid overexposure to the sun at the beach."

a. The topic sentence of the paragraph is the sentence that introduces the main idea or subject. In this case, it is the sentence that presents the overall theme or purpose of the paragraph. Sentence 1, which states, "A trip to the ocean can be a relaxing escape from the everyday pressures of life," is indeed the topic sentence. It establishes the idea that going to the ocean can serve as a calming and enjoyable retreat.

b. The sentence that is unrelated to the topic and can be eliminated is the one that does not contribute to the central idea or theme of the paragraph. In this case, sentence 5, which mentions the need to avoid overexposure to the sun at the beach, appears to be unrelated to the rest of the paragraph. It focuses on sun safety rather than the relaxation and escape provided by the ocean, so it can be eliminated as unrelated to the topic.

Therefore, the correct answers are:
a. The topic sentence is the first sentence: "A trip to the ocean can be a relaxing escape from the everyday pressures of life."
b. The unrelated sentence that can be eliminated is the last one: "You should always be careful to avoid overexposure to the sun at the beach."

a. The topic sentence of the paragraph is: "A trip to the ocean can be a relaxing escape from the everyday pressures of life."

b. The sentence that is unrelated to the topic and can be eliminated is: "You should always be careful to avoid overexposure to the sun at the beach."