1. Topic Sentences
What? Why?
How?

2. What? A topic sentence is…
A sentence that starts a body paragraph and tells the audience what that body paragraph will be about.
The most important sentence in that paragraph.
Linked to the Thesis Statement

3. Why? A topic sentence is…
Important because it tells what your paragraph will be about.
Important because it links the paragraph to your thesis.
Important because it keeps you organized and focused.

4. Where? A topic sentence goes…
At the beginning of each body paragraph.

5. How to write a topic sentence
For the first line of every body paragraph, you must have a topic sentence.
Look at the thesis, be sure to include the TOPIC, the OPINION, and 1 of the Main Points.
Create that sentence in a new and interesting way.

6. Equation for Topic Sentences
Topic from Thesis +
Opinion from Thesis
1 of the Main Points from Thesis
Saying it in a new way__________
= Topic Sentence

7. Sample Topic Sentences for Pepsi vs. Coke
Thesis Statement: Pepsi is better than Coke because it tastes better, it costs less, and it has a better logo.
Topic
Pepsi
Opinion
Is better than coke
Main Point #1
It tastes better
Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 1:Because it tastes better than Coke, Pepsi will always be the better choice.

8. Sample Topic Sentences for Pepsi vs. Coke
Thesis Statement: Pepsi is better than Coke because it tastes better, it costs less, and it has a better logo.
Topic
Pepsi
Opinion
Is better than coke
Main Point #2
It costs less
Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 2: Pepsi is better than Coke because it costs less.

9. Sample Topic Sentences for Pepsi vs. Coke
Thesis Statement: Pepsi is better than Coke because it tastes better, it costs less, and it has a better logo.
Topic
Pepsi
Opinion
Is better than coke
Main Point #3
Its logo is better
Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 3: The great Pepsi logo makes Pepsi the sure winner over Coke.

10. Sample Topic Sentences
Thesis Statement: Pepsi is better than Coke because it tastes better, it costs less, and it has a better logo.
Topic Sentences
Body Paragraph 1:Because it tastes better than Coke, Pepsi will always be the better choice.
Body Paragraph 2: Pepsi is better than Coke because it costs less.
Body Paragraph 3: The great Pepsi logo makes Pepsi the sure winner over Coke.
Topic
Pepsi
Opinion
Is better than coke
1 Main Point
It tastes better
Topic
Pepsi
Opinion
Is better than coke
1 Main Point
It costs less
Topic
Pepsi
Opinion
Is better than coke
1 Main Point
Its logo is better

11. Sample Topic Sentences
Thesis Statement: Writing poetry is the best hobby because it allows for freedom of expression, it is a creative outlet, and it can be done anywhere.
Topic Sentences:
Body Paragraph 1: Freedom of expression is one of human’s greatest gift, which is one reason why writing poetry is the best hobby.
Body Paragraph 2: Writing poetry is such a wonderful hobby because it is a creative outlet for all people.
Body Paragraph 3: Finally, writing poetry is the best hobby because it is a hobby that can be done anywhere at any time.
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point

12. Practice Topic Sentences
Thesis Statement: Dogs are better than cats because they can protect their owners, they are more active, and they are more fun to play with.
Topic Sentences
Body Paragraph 1: Dogs are better than cats because _________________________.
Body Paragraph 2: Because ___________________
____________ , they are clearly a better pet than cats are.
Body Paragraph 3: ___________________________ , therefore, dogs are better than cats.

13. Practice Topic Sentences
Thesis Statement: The most influential scientist of the 1800s is George Wells Nelson because his life was inspirational, his advancements in medicine were unbelievable, and the Civil War needed a hero like him.
Practice Topic Sentences
Topic Sentence 1:
Topic Sentence 2:
Topic Sentence 3:
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point

14. Practice Topic Sentences
Thesis Statement: The greatest person ever is my grandma because she is always loving, she never gets angry, and she makes the best cookies on the planet.
Practice Topic Sentences
Topic Sentence 1:
Topic Sentence 2:
Topic Sentence 3:
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point

15. Practice Topic Sentences
Thesis Statement: The Hangover is the worst movie of our time because it promotes bad behavior, makes drug use funny, and shows a lack of respect towards women.
Practice Topic Sentences
Topic Sentence 1:
Topic Sentence 2:
Topic Sentence 3:
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point
Topic
Opinion
1 Main Point

16. Thesis Statement: Cambodia is a country that constantly struggles because it doesn’t have enough resources for food, its environment doesn’t help things survive, but its cultural traditions try to bring happiness to the nation.
Topic Sentences
Topic Sentence 1: Cambodia constantly struggles because of the lack of resources to produce food.
Topic Sentence 2: Because Cambodia’s environment does not help things survive, it is a country with constant struggles.
Topic Sentence 3: Despite the constant struggles that Cambodia faces, the cultural traditions bring happiness to its people..
Topic
Cambodia
Opinion
Constantly struggles
1 Main Point
Not enough resources
Topic
Cambodia
Opinion
Constantly Struggles
1 Main Point
Environment doesn’t help things survive
Topic
Cambodia
Opinion
Constantly struggles
1 Main Point
BUT cultural traditions bring happiness

17. Now it’s time to try your own!
Write your thesis statement.
Color code your thesis statement.
Write out each of your topic sentences and color code them.
Check them with a partner to ensure they are correct before giving the sentences to me for a grade.