Topic Sentences

UNIFYING IDEA !! While the thesis statement presents the unifying idea for the entire paper, Topic sentences present the unifying idea for body paragraphs.

Good topic sentences come in all sorts of varieties What they have in common is that they: encompass the entire argument of the paragraph are clearly linked to the thesis statement clearly develop one aspect of the thesis

Strategy State the topic and then add One strategy that can help you devise strong, focused topic sentences is: State the topic and then add the writer’s idea about the topic

Topic Sentence Example Montag and Clarisse’s friendship demonstrates Bradbury’s idea that when people take time to communicate and enjoy nature, the result is often a more authentic and happier life for both.

Why? Using this strategy, you can establish a range of actions in the first part of the sentence and a statement of the significance of those actions in the second part:

Topic sentence: part 1 “Montag and Clarisse’s friendship demonstrates Bradbury’s idea that when people take time to communicate and enjoy nature,” the first part states the range of action the paragraph will address;

Topic sentence: part 2 the result is often a more authentic and happier life for both.” which is an interpretive statement that examines the significance of the actions.

The Two Parts of a Topic Sentence: The topic The writer’s idea about the topic The writer’s idea is usually expressed in a key word or words. All the details in a paragraph should support the idea expressed in the key words.

writing the Topic Sentence You want to do three things: (1) Tell the Reader Clearly What the Paragraph Is About (2) Tell the reader why this is significant (3) Make Sure That Every Sentence in the Paragraph Is Related to the Topic Sentence