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Writing Activity #2

Writing Activity #2. Topic Sentences. How can I become a great writer?. Master good paragraph writing first Good paragraphs contain a topic sentence, an appropriate number of supporting details (concrete details and commentary), and a concluding sentence

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Writing Activity #2

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  1. Writing Activity #2 Topic Sentences

  2. How can I become a great writer? • Master good paragraph writing first • Good paragraphs contain a topic sentence, an appropriate number of supporting details (concrete details and commentary), and a concluding sentence • After you have mastered good paragraph writing, you can move on to writing excellent essays • We’re going to practice good topic sentence writing today . . .

  3. Review: What is a Topic Sentence? • The first sentence in a body paragraph • Must contain a subject and opinion (commentary) for the entire paragraph Definitions obtained from Teaching the Multi-Paragraph Essay: A Sequential Nine-Week Unit by Jane C. Schaffer

  4. Topic Sentence Example • Russell Middle School uses stamp cards to reward students who demonstrate Dog Pack PRIDE. Subject: Russell Middle School Opinion: demonstrates Dog Pack PRIDE

  5. 2 Types of Topic Sentences Remember: A topic sentence is going to have a subject and commentary about that subject. Information obtained from: http://www.merritt.edu/apps/pub.asp?Q=52 • A statement of opinion • A statement of opinion contains some form of judgment and the paragraph will support the opinion in the topic sentence. • Example: • The computeris the greatest invention of the twentieth century. • A statement of intent • A statement of intent contains no opinion; instead, it informs the reader of what will be objectively explained in the paragraph. • Example: • The common seasoning monosodium glutamate (MSG)has negative side effects.

  6. Topic Sentence Functions An effective topic sentence: • Relates to the thesis (if applicable). • Sets up a claim, assertion, argument, evaluation, analysis. • Contains controlling ideas about the topic that need to be developed in the sentences that follow. • Is the most general sentence in the paragraph. • Orients the reader. • Provides a context for understanding what follows. • Explains the relationships among elements. • Summarizes the rest of the paragraph. • Promises what will follow. The topic sentence controls the rest of the paragraph. Information obtained from: http://www.merritt.edu/apps/pub.asp?Q=52

  7. Topic Sentence Guidelines • Atopic sentence must be a complete sentence to perform all the necessary functions. • Weak: Health is an important subject in school. • Better: To help educate students about important issues such as birth control and sexually transmitted diseases, schools should offer health class. Information obtained from: http://www.merritt.edu/apps/pub.asp?Q=52

  8. No Questions • A topic sentence must predict or promise what follows, so it should not be a question. • Weak: Should schools provide free computers for their students? • Better: Since schools should assist students in their studies and prepare them for their future careers, they must offer students the technological advantage of free and easy access to computers. Information obtained from: http://www.merritt.edu/apps/pub.asp?Q=52

  9. Don’t Weaken Your Topic Sentence • Phrases such as “I think” or “in my opinion” may muddle or weaken topic sentences. Your writing is always your opinion, so you don’t need these phrases unless they are central to the idea that you are trying to convey. • Weak: I think that it is important for every woman to carry mace or pepper spray. • Better: As violent criminals take over the city streets, women must carry mace or pepper spray to protect themselves. Information obtained from: http://www.merritt.edu/apps/pub.asp?Q=52

  10. Be Clear and Specific • A topic sentence needs to be clear and specific, so that it can predict and summarize the rest of the paragraph for the reader. • Weak: Public transit is terrible. • Better: Incapable of providing reliable, comfortable service, the San Francisco Municipal Transit system is failing its ridership.

  11. Practice Pretend you have been asked to write a paragraph about each of the subjects below. Please write a topic sentence for each. Follow the guidelines discussed to create an excellent topic sentence for the following subjects: • Russell Middle School • Football • Video games • Pets • Summer • Winter • Your choice of a topic . . .

  12. Possible Answers . . . • Russell Middle School is a great place to be. • Football is my favorite sport. • Video games help students learn. • Adopting a dog is a great thing to do. • Summer is an incredible time of year. • Winter does not have to be depressing. • Television is not always a bad thing.

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