Topic Sentences, Concrete Detail, Commentary, and Concluding Sentences Essay Writing: Body Paragraphs: Topic Sentences, Concrete Detail, Commentary, and Concluding Sentences

What is a topic sentence? The first sentence in a body paragraph Must have a subject and an opinion Acts like the thesis of a body paragraph Like a thesis, organizes and states the focus of your body paragraph

Samples Thesis: My favorite season is summer. TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine. Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport. TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me.

Practice Write a topic sentence for each of the theses. Pep assemblies are a good idea. ______________________________ People should drink more water. ____________________________ Now, turn your three reasons into complete topic sentences: _________________________________

What are Concrete Details (CDs)? Specific details that form the backbone of your body paragraphs May include: facts, specifics, examples, descriptions, illustrations, support, proof, evidence, quotations, paraphrasing, or plot references Ratio: You need to write two sentences of commentary (opinion, analysis, reflection, etc) for every concrete detail (quote, etc).

Concrete Details (cont’d) Often, writers use transitional phrases to introduce concrete details (cds). For example, In addition, Furthermore, Also, Similarly, For Instance, Moreover

Samples Thesis: My favorite season is summer. TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine. CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and stay up late. Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport. TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me. CD: For instance, I have fun because I am good at throwing and catching the Frisbee.

Practice Write a concrete detail for each of the theses and topic sentences. Saturday is my favorite day of the week. I have a more relaxed schedule For example, _____________________________________ Fast food is unhealthy. Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain. For instance, _____________________________________ Now, write 2 concrete details for each of your reasons (follow the format you copied down earlier).

What is Commentary (CM)? Your opinion or comment about something Found throughout an essay NOT concrete detail May include: opinion, insight, analysis, interpretation, inference, personal response, feelings, evaluation, explication, and reflection. Reminder: There are 2 sentences of commentary for each concrete detail.

Samples Thesis: My favorite season is summer. TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine. CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and stay up late. CM: There are no emotional and physical demands on me. CM: Because there is less stress in my life, I feel more peaceful.

Samples Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport. TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me. CD: For instance, I have fun because I am good at throwing and catching the Frisbee. CM: I can’t enjoy something I’m not good at for long. CM: Furthermore, I feel better about myself when I do things well.

Practice Add a sentence of commentary to each of the items from the previous practice. Saturday is my favorite day of the week. I have a more relaxed schedule ______________________________________ Fast food is unhealthy. Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain. __________________________________________ Now, write commentary for your concrete details.

What is a Concluding Sentence (CS)? Last sentence in a body paragraph Gives a finished feeling to the paragraph Is ALL commentary Does NOT repeat key words

Samples Thesis: My favorite season is summer. TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine. CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and stay up late. CM: There are no emotional and physical demands on me. CM: I can recharge my batteries for awhile. CS: Not having any commitments lets me unwind.

Samples Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport. TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me. CD: For instance, I have fun because I am good at throwing and catching the Frisbee. CM: I can’t enjoy something I’m not good at for long. CM: It makes me feel good to be able to do something well. CS: Being a helpful part of a team lets me enjoy participating in a sport.

Practice Add a concluding sentence to each of the items from the previous practice, including your own. Saturday is my favorite day of the week. I have a more relaxed schedule ______________________________________ Fast food is unhealthy. Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain. __________________________________________ Now, write concluding sentences for each of your body paragraphs.