Topic Sentences Using topic sentences effectively to provide organization and direction in your paper

Topic Sentences What is a topic sentence?  It is the first sentence of a paragraph.  It makes a general statement.  It makes a claim.  It relates to your thesis.  It holds the paragraph together on one topic.

So, a topic sentence... makes a general statement: ▫Ford mass produced about two million of the Model-T in the 192os. in the form of a claim: ▫Ford’s mass production of the Model-T in the 1920s allowed many more people to drive who could not afford to before. that holds the paragraph together on that sole topic.

Check for understanding  Look at your notes and decide what is wrong with this topic sentence? The St. Valentine’s Day massacre killed seven of Al Capone’s rivals.

Check for understanding  Look at your notes and decide what is wrong with this topic sentence? The St. Valentine’s Day massacre killed seven of Al Capone’s rivals. It is not a general statement.

Check for understanding Needs to be a general statement:

Check for understanding Needs to be a general statement: Al Capone was linked to the brutal St. Valentine’s Day massacre.

Check for understanding Needs to be a general statement: Al Capone was linked to the brutal St. Valentine’s Day massacre. Okay, but what is it still missing?

Check for understanding Needs to be a general statement: Al Capone was linked to the brutal St. Valentine’s Day massacre. Okay, but what is it still missing?  Needs to be a claim.

Here’s what it should look like A general statement and a claim:

Here’s what it should look like A general statement and a claim: Al Capone’s involvement in the brutal St. Valentine’s Day massacre is an example of his ruthlessness towards rival gang members.

Transition words You may want to include a transition word to help your paper flow smoothly: Furthermore, Ford’s new mass production assembly line changed how quickly and inexpensively products can be produced.

Remember... Make your topic sentences:  A general idea.  One that makes a claim (argument).  One that relates to your thesis.  One that holds your paragraph together around one topic.