1. WS: 1.2- establish and support a central idea with a topic sentence Learning Objective: establish a topic sentence and supporting details

2. The Topic Sentence A topic sentence introduces or tells the reader the subject of the paragraph. Example: Many people are familiar with the insect eating Venus flytrap. Some even grow the plant in their homes. Like most plants, Venus flytraps get food from the soil. They could live without eating insects. They are healthier, though, when they have an occasional insect snack. Topic Sentence: - it is a generalized statement - it is usually located at the beginning of the paragraph - It includes the main idea of the paragraph

3. Steps to writing the topic sentence 1. Read entire paragraph. 2. Think about the subject of the paragraph 3. Read the supporting details in the paragraph 4. Choose a general statement that is supported by the details in the paragraph The California Gold Rush Men and women came to California in hopes of finding gold and becoming rich overnight. As one gold miner said in his journal, “My dream is to find gold so that I can make a new life.” Which sentence would best be used as a topic sentence to introduce the above paragraph. A.Gold was used to cap rotting teeth. B.The California Gold Rush of 1849 attracted people from countries all over the world. C.Gold Miners set up camps all over California. D.Tin cans were used to pan for gold.

4. 1. Read entire paragraph. 2. Think about the subject of the paragraph 3. Read the supporting details in the paragraph 4. Choose a general statement that is supported by the details in the paragraph (1)The Chinese discovered how to make paper thousands of years ago. They used thin layers of wet fibers. (2)These fibers came from different materials such as bamboo, jute, and straw. (3)The Chinese used fibers for rags. (4)Today, we use paper all the time. Which sentence best support the ideas in sentence 4? A.Today logs are often used to make paper. B.Practically everything we read and write is on paper. C.Paper gets its name from Egyptians. D.The paper mill is located in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Notice! This question is asking you to choose a supporting detail!

5. If Penelope wanted to add a paragraph About different places people go orienteering, Which of the following would be the best topic sentence? (a) People use such a large amount of supplies in orienteering, you may not find them all in one place. (b) Many orienteering contests are held every year in the United States. (c) People can choose many areas across the country that are perfect for orienteering (d) Since they are often alone, orienteers should follow safety rules If you wanted to add a paragraph about when submarines were first invented, which of the following would be the best topic sentence? a. A Dutchman named Cornelis von Drebbel had an idea. b.The first submarine was made in 1620. c.Submarines were used during World War II. d.Submarines can be found in all of the major countries in the world that have access to coastal waters. Which of the following would be the best topic sentence on a paragraph about famous people who first came to the americas? a.Christopher Columbus and Ponce de León are two of the famous explorers we learn about. b.These men came to North America in search of new lands and wealth, especially gold. c.Little did they know that they would one day be credited with introducing golden fruit to the Americas. d.Just about everyone has studied about early European visitors to the Americas. Which of the following sentences would be the best topic sentences in a paragraph about the benefits of oranges. Whether we drink orange juice or eat the fruit whole, oranges are tasty. Oranges and other forms of citrus fruit, like grapefruit, fill many of the body’s needs. That’s probably why each person in the United States eats about twelve pounds of citrus fruit every year. They are high in fiber and a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C.

6. It is the largest living thing on Earth. These trees grow to massive sizes because of their long lives. The fire-resistant bark that surrounded the trees protects them for many years. Giant sequoias have reddish-brown trunks with needle-like leaves. They also have small, oval cones. Most grow to be about one hundred feet tall or more. Which of the follow is a good topic sentence for the sentence. a.The giant sequoia is the largest type of tree in the world. b. For first-time visitors, the sight is unbelievable. c. Hundreds of visitors travel each year to Sequoia National Park to get a glimpse of these massive trees with unique names.