Topic Sentences Every paragraph should include a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the paragraph. A topic sentence also states the point the writer wishes to make about that subject. Generally, the topic sentence appears at the beginning of the paragraph. It is often the paragraph’s very first sentence. A paragraph’s topic sentence must be general enough to express the paragraph’s overall subject. But it should be specific enough that the reader can understand the paragraph’s main subject and point.  When choosing a topic sentence, remember these guidelines: The topic sentence should identify the main idea and point of the paragraph. To choose an appropriate topic sentence, think about the paragraph’s main idea and point. The supporting details in the paragraph (the sentences other than the topic sentence) will develop or explain the topic sentence.

Take out a piece of paper… How can you improve these topic sentences? Holden thinks everyone is a phony. Holden is an unreliable narrator. Holden likes his hunting hat.

Topic Sentence: Quote: Quote Integration: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Quote:   Quote Integration:

You cannot just throw a quote into your quick write (or any piece of writing) as its own sentence. You must introduce it first, then state the quote, and finally explain its relevance/significance to the point you’re trying to make. We’ll call this a QUOTE SANDWICH.

Introduce the quote In the text, Salinger writes, “…….” According to Salinger, “…………” Holden says, “………….”

State the Quote “He was at least a pretty friendly guy, Stradlater. It was partly a phony kind of friendly, but at least he always said hello to Ackley and all” (26). “I’m the most terrific liar you ever say in your life” (16). “But all of a sudden, I changed my mind. All of a sudden, I decided what I’d really do, I’d get the hell our of Pencey” (51).

Explain the relevance/significance of the quote to your point This shows that… This reveals that… This quote means…