A guide to write effective Topic Sentences

1. Methods for WritingMethods for Writing
Topic sentencesTopic sentences
Step Up to WritingStep Up to Writing
Author: Unknown / Adapted by: G. ArosemenaAuthor: Unknown / Adapted by: G. Arosemena

2. #1 Power(Number
Statements)
• A Po we r (Num be r) state m e nt is a
se nte nce that co ntains a num be r wo rd.
The num be r wo rd is the fo cus o f the
se nte nce . It te lls yo ur re ade r that a list
o f info rm atio n willfo llo w.

3. • Helpful numberwords:
a couple of a number of
numerous some
various many
several two

4. Examples
•Three cities have serious pollution
problems.
•In winter I enjoy watching several high
school sports.
•I enjoy four kinds of music.
•The parade was wonderful; two exciting
things happened.

5. Avoiding “There are”
• When writing power statements,
there are, these are, or here are
can become a trap. Instead try
starting with who, what, where,
orwhen.

6. Topic = Friends
Who: Tamara and Eva are my two best friends.
What: The word friendship means two things.
Where: At school I have several good friends.
When: Last summer my best friend Sam traveled to
three unusual places.
Topic = School Lunches
What: Pizza is the most popular item at lunch for two
reasons.
Where: At Woodland Elementary, students have many
choices at lunchtime.

7. #2Occasion/Position
Statements
• An Occasion/Position statement is usually a
complex sentence.
• The Occasion:
– Is the first part of the topic sentence
– Introduces your reason for writing
– Is the dependent clause
– Can be any event, problem, idea, solution, or
circumstance that gives you a reason to write.

8. Occasion/Position
Statement Beginnings
After As soon as Even
though
So that Whenever
Although Because If Though Where
As Before In order
that
Unless Wherever
As if Even In order
to
Until Whether
As long as Even if Since When While

9. • The Position:The Position:
–Is the second part of the topic
sentence
–States what you plan to prove or
explain in yourparagraph
–Is the independent clause in the
complex sentence.

10. • Even though bike helmets are sometimes unfashionable
and uncomfortable, all cyclists should wear them.
• If students use chemicals to do science experiments, it
is important that they learn the proper way to dispose
of them.
• When I want to relax, I listen to the music of George
Gershwin.
• Although baseball cards are just pieces of cardboard
with pictures on them, some of them are worth a lot of
money.

11. Coming to America Examples
• Although Japan is located on the other side of
the Pacific Ocean, many Japanese people have
crossed it to become American citizens.
• Although I have never seen Italy, my ancestors
were Italian.
• Unless pictures of my grandparents were shown,
you would never know that I am actually
French.
• Since I have never seen Poland, I am
fascinated by the pictures.
• Since Italian food is my favorite food to eat, I
am excited to learn more about Italy from
which my ancestors came.

12. Creating anCreating an
Introductory ParagraphIntroductory Paragraph
• Begin with a thesis statement or topic
sentence:
Although Charles Lindbergh was
sometimes called “Lucky Lindy,” no one
would dare refer to his 1927 flight
across the Atlantic as a feat of luck.

13. Introductory Paragraph cont…
• Once you have a topic sentence
add a plan:
Although Charles Lindbergh was sometimes called
“Lucky Lindy,” no one would dare refer to his
1927 flight across the Atlantic as a feat of luck.
His successful flight was clearly due
to extensive planning, talent as a
pilot, and raw courage.

14. Introductory Paragraph
formula
Topic sentence + Plan = Introduction

15. Introductory Paragraphs
examples
• There are many things I like to do in the summer.
Two are my favorite.
• There are three people in the world for me to
admire. In this paper I have listed the people I
admire and why I admire them.

16. Introductory Paragraph
Practice
• After I read The Lion, The Witch
and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis,
I recommended the book to my
friends. This book was great
because ____________ and
____________.

17. #3 However Statements
• Create a compound sentence using however
in the middle of the sentence. Place a
semi-colon (;) before the word however
and a comma (,) after the word however.
• Usually the first part will be the
occasion (reason for writing); the second
part will state the position (what you
plan or explain).

18. Examples
• The new rules for the school
cafeteria seemed unfair to the
students; however, the rules have
made the cafeteria a better place to
eat.
• My father is very strict; however, he
has good reasons for all of his rules
• Ants are very small creatures and
may seem insignificant; however,
scientists around the world study
these insects.

19. Other conjunctive adverbs
to try
------------------------------------
as a result in fact meanwhile
otherwise consequently instead
therefore still next
furthermore nevertheless likewise

20. Examples
• The new Little League coaches were
not happy with the old practice
schedule; instead, they presented a
plan that gave each team equal
access to the practice field
• The teacher was upset the number
of late assignments; consequently,
late assignments received a ten
percent reduction on the score.

21. #4 And, But, and Or
Statements
Use a compound sentence with one
of the following conjunctions:
– but, or, yet,
– for, and, nor, so
Remember to use a comma before
the conjunction.

22. Examples
• Some people find it difficult to program a DVD
Player, but most will succeed if the just
remember to follow these guidelines.
• Reptiles are all alike because they have
backbones, breathe with lungs, and have scales,
yet reptiles come in a variety of sizes and
shapes.
• Anne Frank, a Jewish girl, spent two years
hiding from the Nazis during World War II, and
her bravery and courage is retold in the book
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.

23. Example
• Birthday parties are full fun
activities and they are time for
many surprises.
• Friends and family arrive with gifts
yet birthday parties need delicious
delectable treats.

24. #5 The List Statements
• A common method for writing a
topic sentence is to list the
categories that you will talk about
in your paper.
• There are several types of lists
you can use.

25. • List of words:List of words:
– All college students need money,
encouragement, friends, and courage.
– The corner store offers the best in
candy selection, prices and service.
– When I set out to buy a new car, I
looked for a vehicle that was
reliable, safe, and economical.

26. • List of phrases:List of phrases:
– My grandparents prefer to
vacation in Mexico, in the Pacific
Northwest, and in the tropics.
– The Mattson’s love their new
home but are having trouble with
the dishwasher mounting and the
front sidewalk.

27. • List ofList of dependentdependent
(can’t stand on their(can’t stand on their
own)own) clausesclauses::
– When I received my kitten, when
I graduated with a master’s
degree, and when I got married, I
realized life is worth living.

28. •List of independent
(can stand alone)
clauses:
High school graduates can attend
community college, they can enroll in
state universities, or they can study at
private schools throughout the United
States.

29. NOTE About List
Statements
Do not mix words, phrases or
clauses. If you start with a phrase,
all parts of the list should be
phrases. If you start with a noun,
all parts of the list should be nouns.
This is known as keeping the list
parallel.

30. #6 Get Their Attention
• A Declarative Statement uses a strong
verb (action word).
• Examples
– Children will love the new flavored cereals
– Aunt Susan’s foolproof holiday recipes saved me
and impressed my family.
– Fourth grade test scores at Woodland Elementary
soared.

31. Thanks ;)Thanks ;)