SUMMARY Lesson 2: Writing a Topic Sentence

A Good Summary ◦ Begins with a topic sentence that states the title and main idea of what is being summarized. The topic sentence should use clear and precise language and should not contain personal opinions.

The Brave Little Mule ◦ Take some time to identify and record your response the following: ◦ 1)The topic sentence for the The Brave Little Mule summary. ◦ *Hint: The topic sentence contains the title of the summary and the main idea as all topic sentences should! ◦ 2) Is the sentence clear and precise? ◦ 3)Does the writer give her opinion of the selection?

Answers. ◦ 1)The topic sentence for the The Brave Little Mule summary. ◦ The Brave Little Mule tells how a mule gave two pioneers the courage to continue their journey through Death Valley in ◦ 2) Is the sentence clear and precise? Yes. ◦ 3)Does the writer give her opinion of the selection? No.

What’s Missing from the topic sentence below? ◦ This story is about a mule that gave two pioneers the courage to continue their journey. ◦ How would you revise the sentence?

On Your Own ◦ Complete Activity A ◦ Complete Activity B, there may be more than one way to revise the sentences.

Extra Practice ◦ Read a short article or passage from a magazine, newspaper or textbook. Practice writing a topic sentence for a summary of the passage. ◦ Start with the first passage on pg. 125 of your History text.