Creating topic sentences and paragraphs What am I writing about? Creating topic sentences and paragraphs

Identifying topics http://eslbee.com/topic_sentences.htm People can avoid burglaries by taking certain precautions Topic:-avoid burglaries Controlling ideas-certain precautions There are several advantages to growing in a small town. Topic-growing in a small town Controlling ideas-advantages Fixing a flat tire on a bicycle is easy if you follow these steps. Topic-fixing a flat tire on a bicycle Controlling ideas-follow steps

Topics and Controlling Ideas First identify the topic. Topics cannot be too narrow or too broad My favorite food (too broad) My striped cat Identify what you want to say about the topic This is called the controlling idea. It helps to provide reasons for your paragraph.

Animals in danger of becoming extinct come from a wide range of countries. Topic: Controlling ideas: Effective leadership requires specific qualities that anyone can develop. Topic In order to fully explore the wreck of the Titanic, scientists must address several problems

Find the topic What is the topic? What is the controlling idea? Some kinds of mushrooms can be dangerous. Each year, many people are poisoned when they pick and eat mushrooms that they think are harmless. The “death cap” mushroom that grows in woods around the United States is one of the most deadly. Its poison works like the venom of a rattlesnake. The death cap looks very much like a common mushroom sold in grocery stores, but its poison can kill. Those who pick mushrooms to eat must be careful. Pull out your examples from the paragraph? What is the concluding sentence?

Create a topic sentence and effective paragraph Topic: the beach Controlling Idea: terrifying experience Topic: loyal friendship Controlling idea: very important in a relationship Topic: personal power Controlling idea: parents’ rule

What goes into supporting sentences In order to support a topic sentence you must have Facts and figures Numbers or documented information Examples Stories Details Quotes from text or in the world Description Adjectives and adverbs used to describe

Create a topic sentence and effective paragraph Put the following paragraph in order. Babe Ruth was born February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland. Babe Ruth played 21 seasons of professional baseball. In 1927, he set a personal record by hitting 60 home runs in one season. In his career, he hit 714 home runs. Ruth batted in 2,209 runs. He played in 10 World Series.

Create a topic sentence and effective paragraph Two ways to organize paragraphs logical (does it make sense) chronological (time) Use page 7 of workbook to combine skill of sentence structure and paragraph structure.

Find the repeating information use pages 106-108 first Chimpanzees may be one of the most intelligent animals in the world They are very smart There are chimps that have been trained to ride bicycles and to eat with forks. They are clever enough to invent all kinds of ways to get to their food. Chimps have been known to pile boxes on top of each other to reach food left in high places. Even though they are just animals, they are really very intelligent Some chimpanzees have been taught to communicate with people through the use of hand signals. Chimpanzees often surprise humans with their ability to learn.

Better Topic Sentences Topic Sentences have two parts Subject – who/what the paragraph is about Argument or action – the important thing about the subject. It is what the reader needs to know Ex: Although I have had many parties, my birthday party last Saturday was my best ever. Some good sentence starters start with subordinate clauses Since Although Even though Before As soon as Ex: As soon as I hear the word party, I remember by biggest birthday party ever. Let’s create our own:(hand out)

How to Move TRANS – as a prefix it means to move. When used in a paragraph a transitional words moves from one supporting sentence to another Examples that tell time are: First, second, next, then, as, soon, at last, …….. Examples that connect ideas are: For example, also, in addition, for this reason, although, however, ……… Brain Pop

Can you find the transition words The beginning of our vacation was full of disasters. First, our car would not start when we were ready to leave. It took a full hour to fix the problem. Then, we discovered that the dog had disappeared. After looking around the neighborhood, we found him under the house. At last, we pulled out onto the highway. Before long, we heard a siren screaming behind us. A police officer pulled us over and told us that we were speeding. Finally, with a sixty-dollar speeding ticket and a late start on our vacation, we were on our way. Use transition practice sheet

Types of writing EXPLAIN- tells the reader how to do something INFORMATIVE- gives information and shares knowledge NARRATIVE- to tell a story PERSUADE- convince or sway thought COMPARE/CONTRAST- describe comparisons

How do I inform Informative paragraphs provide the reader with information that they have learned from reading. Most of these paragraphs use facts, figures, and details to support the information. Ex: Chief Joseph was a famous leader for the Nez Perce, a Native American nation in the Northwest United States. In 1877, the United States government demanded that the Nez Perce move to a reservation in Idaho. Chief Joseph refused. After losing many battles in the U.S. troops, Chief Joseph and his followers tried to escape to Canada. Forty miles from the Canadian border, Colonel Miles, and his troops surprised the Nez Perce. Chief Joseph surrendered to Miles six days later. The courage of Chief Joseph deeply moved many Americans. They began to ask for better treatment for Native Americans