Making Topic Sentences Interesting M.E. Ellen Graber For Academic Writing, UMSNH

Expository Paragraphs Typical paragraph starts with controlling idea explain, develop support with evidence

Endangered Focus Beware Digressions and Deviations –Irrelevant details –Shifts in focus They can cause SPRAWL!!!!!! Taking away from unity, clarity and focus.

Example of irrelevant details When I was growing up, one of the places I enjoyed most was the cherry tree in the back yard. Behind the yard was an alley and then more houses. Every summer when the cherries began to ripen, I used to spend hours high in the tree, picking and eating the sweet, sun-warmed cherries. My mother always worried about my falling out of the tree, but I never did. But I had some competition for the cherries — flocks of birds that enjoyed them as much as I did and would perch all over the tree, devouring the fruit whenever I wasn't there. I used to wonder why the grown- ups never ate any of the cherries; but actually when the birds and I had finished, there weren't many left.

Example of irrelevant details When I was growing up, one of the places I enjoyed most was the cherry tree in the back yard. Behind the yard was an alley and then more houses. Every summer when the cherries began to ripen, I used to spend hours high in the tree, picking and eating the sweet, sun-warmed cherries. My mother always worried about my falling out of the tree, but I never did. But I had some competition for the cherries — flocks of birds that enjoyed them as much as I did and would perch all over the tree, devouring the fruit whenever I wasn't there. I used to wonder why the grown- ups never ate any of the cherries; but actually when the birds and I had finished, there weren't many left.

Controlling Ideas or Topic Sentences Adverb clause beginning Starting with an adverb clause helps to set the scene in few words: When I was growing up, one of the places I enjoyed most was the cherry tree in the back yard.

Which do you prefer ? It is a fact that capital punishment is not a deterrent to crime The punishment of criminals has always been a problem for society. Using active discourse: There is and it are weak, Use strong words to make your point and provide unity and focus.

Interesting topic sentence Which sentence is extra? Regardless of what some people may think, the desert is a beautiful place. The blossoming wildflowers in the spring are a joy to see. Spectacular sunsets delight the eye. Sometimes I go swimming. The occasional quail or roadrunner dart across the sandy roads. It is a unique experience.

What is a topic sentence? A topic sentence is a sentence whose main idea or claim controls the rest of the paragraph. The body of a paragraph explains, develops or supports with evidence the topic sentence's main idea or claim. The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of a paragraph, but not necessarily. It may come, for example, after a transition sentence; it may even come at the end of a paragraph. First sentences may begin with subordinate clause markers.

Subordinate clause markers Here is a chart of the transitional devices (also called conjunctive adverbs or adverbial conjunctions) accompanied with a simplified definition of function (note that some devices appear with more than one definition): addition besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, last, moreover, comparisonalso, in the same way, likewise, similarly concessiongranted, naturally, of course contrast although, at the same time, but at the same time, despite that, even so, even though, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, regardless, still, though, yet emphasiscertainly, indeed, in fact, of course example or illustration as an illustration, for example, for instance, in conclusion, indeed, in fact, in other words, in short, it is true, of course, namely, specifically, that is, to illustrate, thus, truly

More subordinate clause markers summary all in all, altogether, as has been said, finally, in brief, in conclusion, in other words, in particular, in short, in simpler terms, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to put it differently, to summarize time sequence after a while, afterward, again, also, and then, as long as, at last, at length, at that time, before, besides, earlier, eventually, finally, formerly, further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, in the past, last, lately, meanwhile, moreover, next, now, presently, second, shortly, simultaneously, since, so far, soon, still, subsequently, then, thereafter, too, until, until now, when

Variety is the spice of life Using a varied type of sentences will add interest in your writing. By using complex sentences and subordínate clauses for your topic sentences you will create focus and add background at the same time.