Writing Topic and Concluding Sentences

What is their Purpose? Topic Sentence: It sets the theme, or “tone,” of your paragraph. A paragraph’s “title” sentence, it can be simple, compound or complex. It also prepares the reader for what they’ll be reading about. Concluding Sentence: It may sum up the ideas and details written in the paragraph, leave a lasting thought for the reader to think about, or try to prepare the reader for the ideas in the next paragraph.

Topic Sentences: First, what they are NOT They are NOT concrete details. ex.) To escape persecution, Muhammad and his followers fled to Medina. They are NOT announcements. ex.) NOW HEAR THIS! I’m now going to tell you about Muhammad’s life. They are also, NOT LAME. ex.) Muhammad had a life. I think.

Topic Sentences: Now, what they ARE They ARE sentences that introduce the topic. ex.) Muhammad’s life was very dramatic. They ARE best written as compound or complex sentences. ex.) Even before his first revelation, Muhammad’s life was dramatic. They ARE always a pleasure to read. ex.) Not many other orphaned boys in history would be prepared for the dangerous and dramatic life ahead of them, as Muhammad was.

Conclusion Sentences: First, what they are NOT They are NOT concrete details. ex.) Muslims invented the astrolabe, which they used to tell the time and to know when to pray. They are NOT “sign-offs.” ex.) Well, those are Islam’s achievements. I hope you liked them. GOODNIGHT EVERYBODY! They, too, are also NOT LAME. ex.) There are a lot of achievements. In Islam. Right?

Conclusion Sentences: Now, what they ARE They ARE sentences that may “wrap-up” the topic. ex.) Middle-Age Europe was grateful to Islam for all of their technological advancements. They ARE sentences that can prepare the reader for the next paragraph. ex.) But although Muslim culture prospered during the Crusades, their progress began to deteriorate afterward. They ARE best written as a “finishing” thought. ex.) Without a doubt, Muhammad and the Islamic religion have left an invaluable mark upon world history.

Writing Thesis Statements

What is it’s Purpose? Thesis Statement: It sets the theme, or “tone,” of your ENTIRE ESSAY. If an essay had a “title” sentence, then this would be it. They are ONLY compound or complex sentences, and should be written after the hook.

Thesis Statements: First, what they are NOT They are NOT concrete details. ex.) Muhammad was born in Mecca around 570 A.D. They are NOT announcements. ex.) What I’m going to do now is tell you about Muhammad. Are they lame? NOPE! ex.) Muhammad’s life was long. (yawn)

Thesis Statements: Now, what they ARE They ARE sentences that introduce the ESSAY. ex.) Muhammad’s life and teachings have greatly influenced Islamic culture and the world. They ARE best written as compound or complex sentences. ex.) Although a controversial historical figure, Muhammad and his teachings have greatly influenced Islamic culture and the world.

Thesis Statements: Now, what they ARE Lastly, they ARE broad, clear and informative. ex.) Whether you think he is a prophet of peace or a bloodthirsty political killer, no one can deny that Muhammad’s life and teachings have influenced Islamic culture and the world.