1. Action Verb Thesis Use a strong action verb… Samples: 1.Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States, designed several buildings. 2.The attack by Japanese warplanes on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii sparked United States involvement in WWII.

2. Where or when + what’s happening… When an idea is hard to find…try this simple approach. 1.In some parts of our country, citizens conserve energy in creative and interesting ways. 2.After graduation, students will pursue many other schools, relationships, and interests.

3. Occasion/Position Statements This complex sentence uses the occasion to give your reason for writing, and the position shows what you plan to prove. 1.If the country is serious about conserving gas, it must explore the concept of electric cars. 2.Because Jacques Cousteau loved the sea, he spent his life looking for ways to share his passion and knowledge.

4. And, But, Or, and So Statements These words are to be used in a compound sentence with the first clause as your reason for writing, and the second as the position that you will prove or explain. 1.People enjoy all genres of music, but jazz is at the top for many due to a variety of reasons. 2.To stay healthy, students should eat the right food, so they should start with smart decisions about the snacks they choose.

5. Power (Number) Statements Power statements contain number words. First the writer points out their position, and the number lets the reader know the exact list of information that will follow. 1.Three cities in the West have serious pollution problems that need attention now. 2.Election time is filled with many candidates, but as of now, the list has truly down to three viable people.

6. A Few Good Prepositions Prepositions show the relationship of one word with another. They do not stand alone but always in a phrase. The phrase will introduce your occasion, and the rest of the sentence will show what you plan to prove or explain. 1.According to the new school board study, teachers, parents, and students all support the new 8 th grade study skills class. 2.During the construction, the contractor made many safety requirements while walking around campus.

7. Compare or Contrast Ideas must be organized to show how concepts or items are alike or different when comparing or contrasting. Sample words to use would include some of the following: alike, better, differ, identical, opposite, similar, vary, in common. 1.Tennyson’s “The Eagle” and Wordsworth’s “To a Butterfly” have three similarities. 2.The first baseman’s glove and the catcher’s mitt differ in several ways. 3.My two favorite authors have similar styles.

8. Rhetorical Question Plus A Statement Rhetorical questions are questions that writers ask but do not expect their readers to answer. They are used to get the reader’s attention. The rhetorical question is your occasion; the statement as your position. 1.Should high school students be required to participate in extracurricular activities? Studies show that it gives the student added skills and benefits their education in many ways. 2.How could any person hurt a child? Statistics show that children get abused both physically and emotionally every day even by people that ‘love’ them.

9. However Topic Sentences However is a part of a group of words called conjunctive adverbs. These adverbs are used to divide the independent clauses in a compound sentence. Think of the 1 st clause as your occasion; think of the 2 nd clause as your position. (however, therefore, in fact, nevertheless, instead) (;………,) 1.Most Americans want to eliminate crime; however, it will take a great deal of money, time, and much effort to reach that goal. 2.The new students were excited about joining the vb team; still, many were unprepared for the demanding practices, schedules, and time required.

10. Semicolon and Side by Side Topic Sentences Use a semicolon in a topic sentence when you want to emphasize the relationship between the two independent clauses. First clause is your occasion; 2 nd one is what you will prove. 1.Buying a new car is exciting; it is also stressful! 2.Music helps people relax; listening, dancing, or singing can diminish stress. 3.The internet provides a wealth of information; danger with one’s personal info, safety, and stalkers are issues that all need to be guarded.

11. Infinitives in Topic Sentences An infinitive is a verb form introduced by the word “to”. to succeed – to accomplish – to finish...etc… Start your topic with the infinitive. It will make your sentence clear and direct. This should be used when explaining directions, sharing a process, or giving instructions. 1.To succeed in business, a person must establish clear but realistic goals. 2.To prepare for college, students should take several math, science, and English classes in high school. 3.To avoid problems with a computer, consumers should follow the tips that the manufacturer suggests.

12. Using a Quotation in a Topic Sentence Adding a quotation to a topic sentence can be very effective. Using one of the topic sentence strategies will make the task easier. The quotation plus your comments tells the reader your position – what you plan to prove or explain. When Mark Twain said, “Wrinkles should indicate where the smiles have been,” it really reminded me of my grandmother. Some say, “There is no I in TEAM.” I believe that to be true for three reasons.

13. Lists in Topic Sentences A common method for writing a topic senence is to list the key/star ideas that you will use in your essay. 1.There are several ways to list the ideas: - words – phrases – dependent clauses – - independent clauses 2.This type of topic sentence works best in an essay. 3.Keep your list parallel – do not mix words, phrases, or clauses

14. Samples of Lists in thesis Words 1. Computers offer convenience, speed, and tools for accuracy. 2. Golf requires power, balance, and accuracy. Phrases 1. Problems with school can include bullying, stress, and expenses. Clauses 1. Run for office, join a sports team, or start a club are ways to get acclimated into high school.