1. Writing Terrific Topic Sentences
Mini-lesson

2. Topic Sentences
A topic sentence is a statement that tells what your paragraph will be about.
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3. A topic sentence is different from a thesis statement
Topic Sentences
A topic sentence is different from a thesis statement
A thesis statement = main point of entire paper
A topic sentence = main point of a paragraph
Topic sentences act as support to the bigger thesis statement
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4. A good topic sentence does four important things.
Topic Sentences
A good topic sentence does four important things.
Helps you stay focused on the main idea of your paragraph
Helps readers to know what your paragraph will be about, without giving EVERYTHING away
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5. A good topic sentence does four important things.
Topic Sentences
A good topic sentence does four important things.
3. Leaves a positive impression on the reader
4. Supports the overall thesis statement
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6. Topic Sentences in Literature
A topic sentence for analyzing literature should include…
The book title and author
The name of the character(s) if mentioned
What will be discussed/focused on
Directly answering the prompt
Contain formal tone (no “I, me, we, etc.”)
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7. A topic sentence should:
State the main idea
Include or summarize reasons that support main idea
Make a claim about the main idea of the paragraph
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8. Example of a Topic Sentence
Let’s read a topic sentence and see if we can identify the
Main idea (what you’re writing about)
Support (what you think about the topic)
A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Main idea
Support
What claim is being made?
For a diet to be healthy it must include fruits and vegetables.

9. Bubble Map to Topic Sentence
1. Ask yourself: “What am I writing about?”
The answer to this question will be your main idea.
2. Ask yourself: “What do I know about the main idea?”
The answer to this question will be your support.
3. Create a bubble map.
Main idea
Healthy diet
Vegetables
Fruits
Support

10. Create a Bubble Map King Jacobsen was a better King than Ryan
1. Write your main idea in the middle of a piece of paper.
2. Draw a circle or box around it.
King Jacobsen was a better King
than Ryan
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This will be the topic of your paragraph.

11. King Jacobsen was a better
Create a Bubble Map
3. Draw a line from your bubble.
4. Write one reason that supports the main idea at the end the line.
5. Draw a box or circle around each idea.
6. Repeat for additional reasons.
King Jacobsen was a better
King than Ryan
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Made decisions on his own
Took his power back

12. Bubble Map to Topic Sentence
Main Idea
King Jacobsen was a better
king than Ryan
Made decisions
on his own
Took his power
back
Support
What is the main idea?
What are the reasons that support the main idea?

13. Bubble Map to Topic Sentence What claim is being made?
King Jacobsen was a better
king than Ryan
Made decisions
on his own
Took his power
back
Can you write a topic sentence using this main idea and summary of your supports?
Main Idea
King Jacobsen was a far stronger king than Ryan because he demonstrated superior leadership in his decision making.
Support
What claim is being made?

14. Can identify the main idea and supports?
Class Practice
Can identify the main idea and supports?
“Cooking is a passion that requires patience, creativity, and a variety of special skills.”
“Fortune hunters encounter many harrowing difficulties when exploring an aged shipwreck.”
“Teen pregnancy may be prevented by improved education and more support outlets for teens.” 

15. Writing a Topic Sentence
Teacher Hints

16. Hints & Reminders
A topic sentence is like a map that tells your reader where your paragraph is going.
A topic sentence is a declarative statement made to your reader.
A topic sentence has an idea and support
You shouldn’t stray from your topic sentence in a paragraph. If you have a new topic, start a new paragraph
In a larger essay, all topic sentences support the thesis

17. Identify the Strengths
In The Giver, author Lois Lowry uses a great deal of figurative language that makes her writing style unique and almost poetic.
One of the most important conflicts S.E. Hinton emphasizes in her novel, The Outsiders, is the struggle of man to overcome the negative influence of his environment.
Author Rick Riordan focuses on the responsibilities of wielding great power in his fabulous fantasy series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

18. Identify the Weaknesses
I believe that in the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Katniss is a strong character.
In Matched, the plot follows Cassie as she gains terrible knowledge about the society in which she lives.
Roland Smith’s novel, Peak, is about a young boy who struggles.

19. You Try
Somewhere on your notes, try writing an example topic sentence to the following prompts…
What are the benefits or disadvantages of using a cell phone in class?
What is the best ice cream flavor and why?
Summarize the plot of The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton