1. Trilateral Topic Sentences
The Interpretation of Literature
Anna Williams

2. Essay Organization: The Basics
(thesis)
In general, most academic essays follow a pretty basic formula that mirrors the hermeneutic circle…
Introduction that ends with thesis statement
Body paragraphs that each represent a point of supporting evidence for the thesis statement
Conclusion that re-states thesis (using different words), reiterates main points, and reminds readers why the argument matters.
(body paragraphs)
Topic sentences do THESE THINGS

3. The SECRET WEAPON of good essays?
TRILATERAL TOPIC SENTENCES!!!!!
Topic sentences appear at the beginning of each body paragraph.
Benefits for the reader: make the argument in the easy easier to understand
Benefits for the writer: make the essay EASIER TO WRITE

4. To practice… Since we’ve been reading Fun Home, let’s pretend Alison Bechdel is writing her own “Autobiography of a Reader” essay.
Alison Bechdel’s thesis:
“I prefer to read the same books I saw my father reading while he was alive, because I want to understand how we are both alike and not alike.”
Alison Bechdel’s first TTS:
“The first of my father’s books that I read was A Happy Death by Albert Camus, which helped me see that both my father and I have a tendency to analyze things according to our own experience.”

5. TRILATERAL TOPIC SENTENCE COMPONENTS…
Component #1: Transition
In a brief word or phrase, alert readers that you are moving to a new topic. Like a SIGNPOST to guide readers through your argument.
“The first of my father’s books that I read was A Happy Death by Albert Camus, which helped me see that both my father and I have a tendency to analyze things according to our own experience.”
Other transitions: next, another, after, then, finally

6. TRILATERAL TOPIC SENTENCE COMPONENTS…
Component #2: Statement of New Topic
Let readers know exactly what point of supportive evidence you’re going to discuss now (ANALYSIS)
“The first of my father’s books that I read was A Happy Death by Albert Camus, which helped me see that both my father and I have a tendency to analyze things according to our own experience.”
The particular book she’ll discuss in this paragraph is the topic.

7. TRILATERAL TOPIC SENTENCE COMPONENTS…
Component #3: Re-connection to thesis
Remind readers of the overall argument you’re making (SYNTHESIS)
“The first of my father’s books that I read was A Happy Death by Albert Camus, which helped me see that both my father and I have a tendency to analyze things according to our own experience.”
Her thesis states that the reason she reads such books is to help her understand how she is like/unlike her father, so this part of the sentence shows us how this particular book helped her to do that.

8. Conclusion…
TRILATERAL TOPIC SENTENCES (TTS’s) help with the CLARITY of your paper by allowing readers to…
follow your logic (transition)
recognize what you’ll argue in the upcoming paragraph (new topic)
understand how this new idea supports the overall argument you are making in your essay (reconnection to thesis).