Why write a topic sentence?

Characteristics of a Good Topic Sentence introduces the topic to the audience without announcing it hooks the reader plants questions in the readers’ minds uses thought provoking words

Example of a well-written topic sentence Before: Columbus was an explorer. After: Travel has changed since the days of Columbus.

Example of a well-written topic sentence Before: People waste time. After: Some people pass time moving from one incomplete task to another, spending too little time with loved ones, or investing too little time in physical and mental self-improvement.

Your Job Today We are going to give you three scenarios. Your job is to write a topic sentence for each scenario.

Scenario #1 You’ve heard of the phrase “dress for success.” What does it mean to you? Does it mean dressing in a business suit like lawyers and bankers? Does it mean dressing in clothes that your friends wear so you “fit in” at school?

Scenario #2 Everyone knows how important it is to stay fit. The problem most people have is finding the time and finding the activities they will enjoy enough so they will do them regularly.

Scenario #3 Think about a place in your school and imagine what it will look like the day after the last day of school. You might choose the entrance to your school, a classroom, the lunchroom, or the gym. In one paragraph, describe the place in detail using as many senses as you can.

Group Activity Turn to your partnerand share your topic sentences with one another, offer suggestions and feedback that will help enhance the writing.