Topic Sentence, Supporting Evidence, Relevance, Conclusion Effective Writing Topic Sentence, Supporting Evidence, Relevance, Conclusion

Topic Sentence An effective topic sentence will: be the first sentence in each body paragraph state the subject and focus of the paragraph (main idea) Similarly, the thesis statement announces the topic and position/claim of the essay focus on a single point – stick to it! support the thesis correspond to the three points of your thesis (in order)

Topic Sentence An effective topic sentence will not: be unfocused state more than one main idea be out of order according to your thesis include a quotation ask a question

Example: Non-Formulaic Thesis: Available data suggests that rather than increasing test scores, longer days actually lower test scores, as well as discourage creativity, and decrease overall productivity.

Topic Sentence Practice Write an effective topic sentence for each of the three points made in your thesis statement from earlier Example: Although all principals want to see an increase in test scores, lower test scores is what they will actually see if school days are lengthened.

Supporting Evidence To effectively support your position/claim, you must have: text-based evidence quotation – exact words and punctuation of original passage paraphrase – your own words, but the words and the original sentence structure must be changed. A paraphrase will be as long as or longer than the original passage. 2 to 3 pieces of evidence per body paragraph Of the two cited examples, direct quotations provide the strongest method of support.

Supporting Evidence Example: Original Passage: The cowbird, as well as other species of birds, lays its eggs in another bird's nest and thus avoids hatching and raising its own young. Quotation: “The cowbird, as well as other species of birds, lays its eggs in another bird’s nest and thus avoid hatching and raising its own young.”

Supporting Evidence Example: Original Passage: The cowbird, as well as other species of birds, lays its eggs in another bird's nest and thus avoids hatching and raising its own young. Paraphrase: Certain birds, including the cowbird, do not hatch and raise their own offspring but rather pass on these responsibilities by laying their eggs in other birds' nests.

Supporting Evidence Example Summary: Cowbirds do not hatch or raise their own young.

Supporting Evidence MLA style users should always use signal phrases to introduce supporting evidence. A signal phrase is a phrase, clause, or even a sentence which leads into a quotation or paraphrase.  These generally include the speaker/ author’s name and some justification for using him or her as an expert in this context; it may also help establish the context for the quotation.

Supporting Evidence A signal phrase: Sample signal phrases: lets your reader know when you are about to use someone else’s ideas ensures correct sentence grammar and mechanics Sample signal phrases: According to Author Name,… Author Name, historian, writes: As Author Name argues,… There are no stand alone quotations in this class. Every cited example must be preceded by a signal phrase.

Supporting Evidence Practice For both of the following examples, quote and paraphrase correctly: In 1692, the British colony of Massachusetts was convulsed by a witchcraft hysteria that resulted in the execution of twenty people and the jailing of more than 100 others. Taken from The Crucible by Arthur Miller, page 1124 ABIGAIL: I never sold myself! I’m a good girl! I’m a proper girl! Taken from The Crucible by Arthur Miller, page 1154

Parenthetical Citations When you quote or paraphrase another person’s work, you must include a parenthetical citation giving the original author credit. Parenthetical citations must be used for both quotations and paraphrases

Parenthetical Citations appear in parentheses at the end of the sentence in which the quotation or paraphrase is included are followed by a period Example: (Miller 1138). point to sources in an alphabetized list of works cited that appears at the end of your paper

Parenthetical Citations Go back to your quote/paraphrase examples and include a parenthetical citation for each.

Relevance A relevance sentence will: always follow a quotation or a paraphrase explain what the cited evidence means and how it supports the topic sentence Why does it matter? How is it important?

Relevance Example: Abigail Williams is the most despicable character in The Crucible due to the way she lies to cover up her guilt. When the town begins to talk of witchcraft, Abigail quickly accuses Tituba of wrongdoing: “’She made me do it! She made Betty do it!’” (Miller 1154). In this scene Abigail is placing all the blame for dancing in the woods and drinking blood on Tituba in order to avoid the suspicions and likely punishment of Reverend Hale.

Conclusion Your conclusion will: Your conclusion will not: restate the main idea of your essay summarize the three points of your thesis make an impression on your reader convey a sense of completeness and closure Your conclusion will not: re-state your introductory paragraph word-for-word introduce new ideas or information