Lesson 3: Topic Sentences

Howdy and Hello! On 5/31 we continued our writing with a look at topic sentences.

Topic sentences are much like a compass in that it guides you and the reader of your work where your paragraph is headed. The topic sentence gives direction to your paragraph (and later your full essay but more on that later).

In writing, the topic sentence allows you to continuously check to make sure you are creating a paragraph that meets the expectations of this class and college level work.

Here are the four characteristics of an effective paragraph:

1. Direction: The paragraph has a strong topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph and sets the course the paragraph will follow

2. Unity: The paragraph makes one main point and sticks to that point

3. Coherence: The ideas in the paragraph are logically connected and easy to follow

4. Support: The paragraph contains specific details and discussion of the idea stated in the topic sentence.

We will continue to use these four characteristics and in lessons to come focus on each as well craft more and more writing assignments.

We began class by writing about what you know about topic sentences by examining and writing about any or all of the following prompts:

1. What is a topic sentence to you?

2. Have you used topic sentences in any previous writing?

3. when you heard that this class is about topic sentences how did you feel? Excited? Scared?

4. Do you feel understanding and using topic sentences in your writing is important? Why or why not?

Today we focused on analyzing topic sentences for both a topic and a specific point about the topic. We concluded with a free write on how you feel about using topic sentences. The prompt was:

After the exercise and discussion in class do you feel better or confident with beginning to use topic sentences in your own writing? Write either better, confident, or confused at the top of your paper to turn in depending on how you feel and write about that feeling as it relates to topic sentences. Remember just be honest and thoughtful and use the rubric to guide your writing and discussion in class.

Please turn in the in-class exercise and both of your free writes before leaving class.

See You Next Time!