1. Part Three: Topic Sentences & Evidence
Goals:
I can create a topic sentence for each paragraph.
I can connect my topic sentences back to my thesis.
I can collect evidence from the text that proves my topic sentence and supports my larger argument.

2. Topic Sentence:
It is the first sentence of a body or analysis paragraph.
It identifies one aspect of the major thesis and states a primary reason why the major thesis is true.
It is not a statement, but an argument that supports your overall argument.

3. Characteristics of strong topic sentences:
1. First sentence. A topic sentence is the first sentence of the paragraph.
2. Link to thesis. Topic sentences use keywords or phrases from the thesis to indicate which part of the thesis will be discussed – in this instance, examples of how the author use literary devices to develop a specific theme  Introduce the subject of the paragraph. They tell the reader what concept will be discussed and provide an introduction to the paragraph. 

4. Creating Topic Sentences
Take a look at your thesis. What theme have you chosen? What literary device(s) have you chosen to talk about in support of this theme?
What 3 examples or reasons have you found in the text to support your argument? 1. 2. 3.

5. Creating Topic Sentences
Turn one of your examples or reasons into a mini-argument. This should support your larger argument (thesis), but remain specific to the one example or reason you are discussing in your paragraph.

6. Collecting Evidence
Using your topic sentence(s) as a guide, collect evidence that proves or supports your argument.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself about a particular bit of evidence:
1. O.k., I’ve just stated this point, but so what? Why is it interesting? Why should anyone care?
2. What does this information imply?
3. What are the consequences of thinking this way or looking at a problem this way?
4. Why is this information important? Why does it matter?
5. How is this idea related to my thesis? What connections exist between them? Does it support my thesis? If so, how does it do that?
Answering these questions may help you explain how your evidence is related to your overall argument. If you can’t answer these questions, then you probably need a better piece of evidence.