1. Identifying Topic Sentences
Common Places: Integrated Reading and Writing

2. Four-Step Method 1. Read the paragraph and identify its topic.
2. Figure out the writer’s point about the topic.
3. Write a sentence that includes the topic
and the writer’s point.
4. Find a sentence similar to the one you wrote.

3. Study the following paragraph and apply the four-step process.
To begin, let’s underline repeated words and phrases that suggest the topic.
Four-Step Method

4. Writer’s topic? stress management
Stress management is an emotional intelligence skill that increases the value of employees in a workplace. Personnel who have methods for relieving stress are much less likely to lash out at either coworkers or customers. Additionally, the ability to control stress helps workers be more efficient because they are not distracted by tension and worry. Staff who are successful at keeping their stress levels down will often rise to a higher level and become especially valued employees.
Writer’s topic?
stress management
Step 1

5. stress management skills for workers Writer’s point about the topic?
Stress management is an emotional intelligence skill that increases the value of employees in a workplace. Personnel who have methods for relieving stress are much less likely to lash out at either coworkers or customers. Additionally, the ability to control stress helps workers be more efficient because they are not distracted by tension and worry. Staff who are successful at keeping their stress levels down will often rise to a higher level and become especially valued employees.
importance of
stress management skills for workers
Writer’s point about the topic?
Step 2

6. Writer’s point about the topic:
Writer’s topic:
stress management
Writer’s point about the topic:
the importance of stress management skills for workers
Now, construct a sentence that includes both the topic and the writer’s point:
Stress management is important for workers.
Step 3

7. Find a sentence similar to the one you wrote.
Stress management is an emotional intelligence skill that increases the value of employees in a workplace. Personnel who have methods for relieving stress are much less likely to lash out at either coworkers or customers. Additionally, the ability to control stress helps workers be more efficient because they are not distracted by tension and worry. Staff who are successful at keeping their stress levels down will often rise to a higher level and become especially valued employees.
Find a sentence similar to the one you wrote.
Step 4

8. Does the sentence have the qualities typical of topic sentences?
Stress management is an emotional intelligence skill that increases the value of employees in a workplace.
Characteristics of an Effective Topic Sentence
 It expresses the most important point in the paragraph.
 It presents an idea that requires support.
 It expresses an idea that is broader than the ideas in supporting sentences.
 It is not a question.    

9. The End