1. The Topic Sentence

2. Differences in How Non-Fiction Writing Is Organized Chinese writers often prefer a subtle, “artistic” style. Chinese writers like to let readers draw their own inferences. Chinese paragraphs are shorter and less developed (sometimes only 1 sentence.) Western non-fiction writing is organized around topic sentences. Western writers like to state the point “up front.” Most Western paragraphs contain 5 or more sentences.

3. In English writing, the topic sentence states the main point of the paragraph and is followed by sentences that develop and support the main point.

4. It is often, but not always, the first sentence of a paragraph.

5. The topic sentence sets the “focus” of the paragraph.

6. So what are you going to focus on?

7. A broad topic sentence: Topic Sentence:My favorite color is red. Key Words:favorite color This topic sentences sets a focus, but the focus is still quite broad—it could cover anything from roses to race cars.

8. Sharpening the focus of the topic sentence: Topic Sentence: My favorite color is red for several reasons. Key Words: favorite color, reasons Although this topic sentence has a somewhat clinical tone, it works--the reader expects a series of reasons to follow.

9. Sharpening the focus of the topic sentence (Example 2): Topic Sentence: To me, the color red is a fascinating color that is associated with desire and passion. Key Words: fascinating, desire, passion The reader expects the ideas “desire” and “ passion” to be developed.

10. Sharpening the focus of the topic sentence (Example 2): Topic Sentence: Although some people may be uncomfortable with the attention that the color red attracts, I love the energy I get from red. Key Words: love, energy The reader expects examples of how the writer receives energy from the color red.

11. Van Gogh, “Vase with Red Poppies” (1886)

12. Student Paragraph 1: My Favorite Color In general, the color blue suggests sadness and age. In my opinion, blue is a boy’s color, and blue is like the endless sky. When I see this color, my mood calms down and I have a light heart. Blue is like magic, and if a guy wears a blue T-shirt, it makes people think he is very energetic. Blue is a simple but profound color. Teacher’s Comments: Your first sentence seems to be an attempt to “set the stage” for your opinion. But what follows seems like a collection of unrelated ideas about blue. There is no topic sentence, and there is no smooth, logical progression from one idea to the next.

13. Paragraph 1, Rewritten with a Topic Sentence (underlined) The Magic of Blue Many people associate the color blue with negative feelings like sadness and loneliness. For me, however, blue has only positive associations. For one thing, it is a great color for men—a blue T- shirt makes a guy look very energetic. But blue also has deeper associations for me. It is the color of the endless sky, and to me, it represents freedom. When I see the color blue, my mood settles down and I have a light heart. The color blue is like magic to me.

14. Student Paragraph 2 GRADE: ______ Three of My Strong Points I am good at sports. For example, I have finished second in a 100-meter dash. I am 170 cm tall, so I can play basketball well. Although I work in a clinic, I still keep healthy. People who are in poor health cannot do anything well. In everything I do, I do my best. Because I have full energy, I can help many people.

15. Problems with Paragraph 2 No topic sentence (the title cannot take the place of a topic sentence). The subpoints are difficult to recognize. The paragraph is.

16. Paragraph 2 - Improved Good Physical Condition: One of My Most Valuable Assets I am blessed to have a good body, and my strong physical condition gives me several advantages in life. First of all, I am good at sports. I am a fast runner and have finished second in a 100-meter dash. I am 170 cm tall, so I can also play basketball well. Second, I don’t easily get sick. Although I work in a clinic, I still keep healthy. People who are in poor health cannot do anything well. Third, I have a high energy level. Because my own energy level is high, I can help others. I have the energy to do my best in whatever I do. Being in good physical condition is an asset that we should not underestimate.

17. Student Paragraph 3—You be the teacher! GRADE _____ Three of My Strong Points Three of my strong points are an easygoing nature, skill in playing the piano, and an ability to swim well. My friends all say I am easygoing. I like to make friends and spend my time with friends and relatives. I am also friendly, and we all have fun together. I have played the piano for fourteen years, and I still play every week when I go back home. When people listen to me play, most think I play well. I am very happy to hear their compliments. My mother loves swimming, so all of us children had to learn how to swim when we were in first grade of elementary school. I won a freestyle swimming competition. Swimming is one of my favorite sports.

18. Easygoing Plays the piano Good swimmer So what do you think?

19. Teacher’s Comment You jump suddenly from one thing to another….

20. Teacher’s Comments on Paragraph 3 (cont’d.) You have a topic sentence and you develop the points in order. However, your paragraph seems “jerky” (incoherent). You jump suddenly from one point to another with no warning. Your first sentence also seems abrupt—you jump into details without introducing the general topic—and you also end suddenly, without a conclusion.

21. You mean…. REWRITE?

22. Okay… if you say so….

23. Paragraph 3 - Rewritten Three of My Strong Points In order to develop our potential to its fullest, we first have to recognize what our strong points are. I have several gifts and abilities that are a big part of who I am. First, I have an easygoing and friendly nature. Making friends and spending time with them is one of my major pleasures in life. Second, I am skilled at playing the piano. I have played for fourteen years and still play every week when I go back home. I receive many compliments on my playing, and I feel pleased when I hear them. Third, I am a strong swimmer. I give credit for this fact to my mother, who loves to swim herself and made all of us children begin swimming lessons when we were in the first grade. Today, swimming is one of my favorite sports. My easygoing, friendly nature and my ability to enjoy leisure activities such as playing the piano and swimming make me a happy person and enable me to share that happiness with others.

24. Are we happy now?

25. Good night!