Fall 2012 Ms. Brown

1. Basic 2. Descriptive 3. Contrast 4. Support Points 5. Support Points with Contrast 6. Creative

 A basic topic sentence will provide a topic and a statement or opinion about the topic presented. This form of topic sentence should only be used during the prewriting and drafting stage.  Example:  Los Angeles is a fun city. ▪ Topic: Los Angeles ▪ Statement: fun city

 A descriptive topic sentence will provide a topic and a statement about the topic using descriptive language that evokes one or more of the senses:  Sight  Sound  Smell  Taste  Touch  Example:  Los Angeles with its bright lights and warm beaches is a fun vacation destination. ▪ Topic: Los Angeles ▪ Statement: fun vacation destination ▪ Senses evoked: bright lights (sight) and warm beaches (touch)

 A topic sentence that uses contrast will provide a way to introduce a topic and statement by making a point to show how two topics are dissimilar.  Example:  Although Las Vegas is known for its gambling, Los Angeles is the perfect vacation destination for celebrity sightings. ▪ Topic: Los Angeles ▪ Statement: perfect vacation destination for celebrity sightings.

 A topic sentence with support points provides a roadmap to your reader of the three main support points you will present to your reader.  Example:  Los Angeles is the best vacation destination for its warm beaches, five-star restaurants, and theme parks, which can be enjoyed by the whole family. ▪ Topic: Los Angeles ▪ Statement: best vacation destination ▪ Support 1 – beaches ▪ Support 2 – restaurants ▪ Support 3 – parks

 A topic sentence that uses support points and contrast will show how two topics are dissimilar and provide three main support points to your reader.  Example:  Although Las Vegas is has renowned hotels, casinos, and night clubs, Los Angeles is the best vacation destination for beaches, dining, and leisurely activities. ▪ Topic: Los Angeles ▪ Statement: best vacation destination ▪ Support 1 – beaches ▪ Support 2 – dining ▪ Support 3 – leisurely activities

 A creative topic sentence will add a bit of flair using literary devices such as metaphors, similes, etc. to introduce your topic and statement about that topic.  Example  Los Angeles is like a permanent summer vacation away from school. ▪ Topic: Los Angeles ▪ Statement: like a permanent summer vacation ▪ A simile will use the words “like” or “as” to make a comparison

Fall 2012 Ms. Brown