Writing Topic Sentences Topic Sentences = Topic + Controlling Idea

Topic Sentences: An Overview identifies the main ideaEvery paragraph should include a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the paragraph. Generally, the topic sentence appears at the beginning of the paragraph. It is often the paragraph’s very first sentence. A topic sentence also states the point the writer wishes to make about that subject.

Topic Sentences: Generally Specific A paragraph’s topic sentence must be general enough to express the paragraph’s overall subject. But it should be specific enough that the reader can understand the paragraph’s main subject and point.

Topic Sentences: A tiny thesis Topic sentences often act like tiny thesis statements. Like a thesis statement, a topic sentence makes a claim of some sort.

Topic Sentences: A tiny thesis As the thesis statement is the unifying force in the essay, so the topic sentence must be the unifying force in the paragraph. Further, as is the case with the thesis statement, when the topic sentence makes a claim, the paragraph which follows must expand, describe, or prove it in some way. Topic sentences make a point and give reasons or examples to support it.

Topic Sentences Often Use Phrases Such As: One of the main reasons for ….. One of the major factors in ………… is……………. Generally speaking, ……… One of the strongest arguments against/ in favor of………is …. One of the main advantages / disadvantages of ………….is ……

Good vs. Needs Improvement Abraham Lincoln was born in Abraham Lincoln, born in 1809, was one of the most influential politicians in history.

Good vs. Needs Improvement I am going to discuss the Battle of Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg, fought in 1863, was the turning point in the Civil War.

Good vs. Needs Improvement The Civil War had lasting effects on the American South. Because the Civil War was fought mostly on Southern soil, it had lasting effects on the region.

Your Task & Examples Write out the topic sentences for your outline. fiveThere should be at least five. Use the following examples as a guide. Topic Sentences = Topic + Controlling Idea

Sample Topic Sentences Crime in poverty-stricken areas occurs as a result of a systemic discrimination. Having a first child is difficult because of the significant adjustments in your life.

Sample Topic Sentences One of the strongest arguments in favor of limiting the amount of time that youngsters spend in front of screens is that children need to be more active in order to have a healthy lifestyle.

Sample Topic Sentences Industrial waste poured into Lake Michigan has led to dramatic changes in its ability to support marine life. Education is important in lowering crime rates. Teen pregnancy may be prevented by improved education.

From Outline to Topic Sentence OUTLINE Ten years later, the sanctions have not brought about the desired results. TOPIC SENTENCE More than ten years have passed since the UN implemented these sanctions, the United States is engaged in a war on terrorism, and Saddam Hussein still refuses to cooperate with the United Nations.

From Outline to Topic Sentence OUTLINE Living conditions in Iraq have worsened since TOPIC SENTENCE To understand the issue, we first need to consider what the UN wanted the sanctions to accomplish in Iraq. Following the Gulf War, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 687 on April 3, 1991.

From Outline to Topic Sentence OUTLINE The children have been most affected. TOPIC SENTENCE One of the most basic needs is food, and the economic sanctions have cut back Iraq’s access to food. Before the sanctions, Iraq imported up to 66 percent of its food; until 1990, Iraq spent an average of $2.5 billion on food imports each year (“United Nations”). But after the economic sanctions were put into place, Iraq could no longer import as much food as it needed. Instead, it has been forced to rely heavily on its own food production, which is limited because of the desert climate. As a result, Iraqis have lived with constant food shortages. Who has suffered most from these food shortages and the breakdown in basic services? The children. The economic sanctions have affected children more severely than other Iraqis because their young bodies break down more easily under the added strains.

From Outline to Topic Sentence OUTLINE The UN is searching for solutions. TOPIC SENTENCE Because of pressure from humanitarian groups, the United Nations has been searching for many years for a solution to the suffering.

WRITE TOPIC SENTENCES BASED OFF OF YOUR OUTLINE.