Topic Sentences, Supporting Sentences, Irrelevant Sentences, Concluding Sentences, Oh My!

Topic Sentences Are the first sentences of single paragraphs OR body paragraphs of an essay. Complete sentences with a subject and verb and a complete thought The length of a topic sentence is determined by the topic and the controlling idea HAS to HAVE a topic and a controlling idea

Sentences that CAN NOT be Topic Sentences Incomplete sentences (missing subject or verb or is an incomplete thought) Sentences that show an example Sentences that show evidence Sentences that analyze evidence Sentences that are too general Sentences that are about something different from the other sentences in the paragraph  off topic or random opinions/statements

Supporting Sentences Are complete sentences with subject and verb and a complete thought Are sentences that are ideas connected to the topic Are sentences/evidence that prove the controlling idea Are examples of the topic and controlling idea Are written in the middle of the paragraph; between the topic sentence and the concluding sentence.

Supporting Sentences Analyze (or summarize) the controlling idea The first sentence AFTER the topic sentence typically is an example or evidence. Must be placed in a logical order

Irrelevant Sentences Try to “Look Like” a supporting sentence Are off topic Are random opinions or statements Do not prove the controlling idea – they might actually disprove it Incomplete sentences (missing subject or verb or incomplete thoughts)

Concluding Sentences Are complete sentences and complete thoughts Are at the end of the paragraph Usually restate/tie back to the topic Usually restate/tie back to the controlling idea in other words

Directions: Copy the paragraph. Label all its parts Directions: Copy the paragraph. Label all its parts. Omit any irrelevant sentences. Add any parts that are missing. Jackie Robinson was one of the cleverest base runners in modern baseball. He made the pitcher nervous. He danced back and forth on the base path. He was such a great athlete. He broke the pitcher’s concentration. He went from standing still to full speed in one step. When Jackie Robinson was at third base, he usually scored. In 1949, he stole 37 bases. This was the most of any National League player between 1930 and 1956. Omitted Sentence(s):___________________Why? Underline any sentences you added.