Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences

Topic Sentences (The First Sentence of Each Body Paragraph ). When you begin a new paragraph, you should always work to write a topic sentence that connects the evidence that you are about to present with the thesis statement. DON’T forget about your thesis statements!!!!! You should address aspects of your thesis with every single paragraph!!

Body Paragraph Structure Topic Sentence—Attempt to connect the passage you are going to quote with the thesis. Statement of Context—Write ONE sentence that helps the reader of your essay to understand WHERE in the novel the quote is taking place. Setting up the quote/ delivering the quote. DON’T BEGIN A SENTENCE WITH A QUOTE. (Scout says…) After the quote: Provide a thorough analysis of the passage itself. Break down the words in the quotation and fully explore how the passage relates to your overall thesis.

Sample Thesis / Topic Sentence Thesis: Atticus passes his ideals of his distinct point of view and judgment with his advice to Scout. These lessons guide Scout and make her see things in a different way in topics such as reading, school life, and judgment. Topic Sentence: Scout is inevitably outcasted on her very first day of school because of something that Atticus taught her.

Sample Thesis / Topic Sentence Thesis: “Much like Jim Folsom, Atticus Finch, though he does not hide his opposition to racism, cannot be considered a civil rights activist due to his lack of participation in any civil rights movements.” Topic Sentence: “Civil rights activists openly spoke out against those who opposed de- segregation and equal rights. Atticus Finch, however, did not defend himself or African Americans when Mrs. Dubose directly insulted both.

Sample Thesis / Topic Sentence Thesis: Atticus has been valued in shaping the maturity and development of Scout to be suitable in the Maycomb Society. Topic Sentence: One of the ways Atticus assists her into fitting in is by bringing upon the broad statement of “walking in somebody else’s shoes.”