1. Talking About Writing
Notes

2. Thesis statement
Thesis Statement= The main idea or main point of a written assignment.
It is specific
If often appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper
It can be modified to reflect what actually ended up being discussed in the paper

3. Introductions
“Introduction” = the broad beginning of a written assignment
It should answer these questions:
What is this paper about?
Why am I reading it?
What do you want me to do?
It should set the context for the paper
It should state why the main idea is important
A thesis statement is typically placed at the end of an introduction

4. Body Paragraphs
“Body Paragraph”= paragraph between the introduction and the conclusion
Each body paragraph typically follows the pattern here

5. Topic Sentences
Topic Sentence= identifies the main idea of the paragraph
Typically at the beginning at the paragraph
Must be general enough to express the paragraphs overall subject but should be specific enough that the reader can understand the paragraph’s main subject and point.

6. Topic Sentences Continued
Guidelines for choosing a topic sentence:
Should identify the main idea and point of the paragraph
Supporting details in the paragraph will develop or explain the topic sentence.
Should not be too general or too specific.
Look for a topic sentence that is general enough to show the paragraphs main idea instead of just one of its details.
Answer should be specific enough that the reader understands the main idea of the paragraph

7. Conclusions
“Conclusion”= the end parts written assignments that wrap up what authors have been discussing in their papers
Conclusions could
Restate the topic and its importance
Restate the thesis statement
Resolve opposing viewpoints
Include a call for action
Overview future research possibilities