Topic Sentences

A topic sentence is…  A sentence that starts a body paragraph and tells the audience what that body paragraph will be about.  The most important sentence in that paragraph.  Linked to the Thesis Statement

Why? A topic sentence is…  Important because it tells what your paragraph will be about.  Important because it links the paragraph to your thesis.  Important because it keeps you organized and focused.

Where? A topic sentence goes…  At the beginning of each body paragraph.

How to write a topic sentence  For the first line of every body paragraph, you must have a topic sentence.  Look at the thesis, be sure to include the GENERAL TOPIC, the COMMENTARY, and 1 of the SUBTOPICS.  Create that sentence in a new and interesting way.

Equation for Topic Sentences General Topic from Thesis + Commentary from Thesis + 1 of the Subtopics from Thesis + Saying it in a new way = Topic Sentence

Sample Topic Sentences for Pepsi vs. Coke  Thesis Statement: Pepsi is better than Coke because it tastes better, it costs less, and it has a better logo. TopicPepsi OpinionIs better than coke Main Point #1 It tastes better Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 1:Because it tastes better than Coke, Pepsi will always be the better choice.

Sample Topic Sentences for Pepsi vs. Coke  Thesis Statement: Pepsi is better than Coke because it tastes better, it costs less, and it has a better logo. TopicPepsi OpinionIs better than coke Main Point #2 It costs less Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 2: Pepsi is better than Coke because it costs less.

Sample Topic Sentences for Pepsi vs. Coke  Thesis Statement: Pepsi is better than Coke because it tastes better, it costs less, and it has a better logo. TopicPepsi OpinionIs better than coke Main Point #3 Its logo is better Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 3: The great Pepsi logo makes Pepsi the sure winner over Coke.

Sample Topic Sentences Thesis Statement: Pepsi is better than Coke because it tastes better, it costs less, and it has a better logo. Topic Sentences Body Paragraph 1:Because it tastes better than Coke, Pepsi will always be the better choice. Body Paragraph 2: Pepsi is better than Coke because it costs less. Body Paragraph 3: The great Pepsi logo makes Pepsi the sure winner over Coke. TopicPepsi OpinionIs better than coke 1 Main PointIt tastes better TopicPepsi OpinionIs better than coke 1 Main PointIt costs less TopicPepsi OpinionIs better than coke 1 Main PointIts logo is better

Sample Topic Sentences Thesis Statement: Writing poetry is the best hobby because it allows for freedom of expression, it is a creative outlet, and it can be done anywhere. Topic Sentences: Body Paragraph 1: Freedom of expression is one of human’s greatest gift, which is one reason why writing poetry is the best hobby. Body Paragraph 2: Writing poetry is such a wonderful hobby because it is a creative outlet for all people. Body Paragraph 3: Finally, writing poetry is the best hobby because it is a hobby that can be done anywhere at any time. Topic Opinion 1 Main Point Topic Opinion 1 Main Point Topic Opinion 1 Main Point

Practice Topic Sentences Thesis Statement: Dogs are better than cats because they can protect their owners, they are more active, and they are more fun to play with. Topic Sentences Body Paragraph 1: Dogs are better than cats because _________________________. Body Paragraph 2: Because ___________________ ____________, they are clearly a better pet than cats are. Body Paragraph 3: ___________________________, therefore, dogs are better than cats.

Thesis Statement: The most influential scientist of the 1800s is George Wells Nelson because his life was inspirational, his advancements in medicine were unbelievable, and the Civil War needed a hero like him. Practice Topic Sentences Topic Sentence 1: Topic Sentence 2: Topic Sentence 3: Topic Opinion 1 Main Point Topic Opinion 1 Main Point Topic Opinion 1 Main Point

Thesis Statement: The greatest person ever is my grandma because she is always loving, she never gets angry, and she makes the best cookies on the planet. Practice Topic Sentences Topic Sentence 1: Topic Sentence 2: Topic Sentence 3: Topic Opinion 1 Main Point Topic Opinion 1 Main Point Topic Opinion 1 Main Point

Thesis Statement: The Hangover is the worst movie of our time because it promotes bad behavior, makes drug use funny, and shows a lack of respect towards women. Practice Topic Sentences Topic Sentence 1: Topic Sentence 2: Topic Sentence 3: Topic Opinion 1 Main Point Topic Opinion 1 Main Point Topic Opinion 1 Main Point

Thesis Statement: Elias Howe changed the world through his invention and lead a successful life because he succeeded even through a tough childhood, invented the sewing machine, and lived through the time of the Emancipation Proclamation. Topic Sentences Topic Sentence 1: Elias Howe was successful even though he had a very rough childhood. Topic Sentence 2: With the invention of the sewing machine, Elias Howe changed the world. Topic Sentence 3: Howe was alive when the Emancipation Proclamation was declared. TopicElias Howe OpinionSuccessful 1 Main PointRough childhood TopicElias Howe OpinionChanged the world 1 Main PointInvention of the sewing machine TopicElias Howe OpinionAlive 1 Main PointDuring Emancipation Proclamation

Now it’s time to try your own! 1.Write your thesis statement. 2.Color code your thesis statement. 3.Write out each of your topic sentences and color code them. 4.Check them with a partner to ensure they are correct before putting them into your outline.

Works Cited  Content created by the talented Mrs. Jill Schlenker