1. HOW or WHY does internal conflict increase the reader’s interest in a story?

2. From Assertion to Topic Sentence
Sample thesis:
In his novel Nothing but the Truth, Avi uses internal conflict to increase the reader’s interest in the novel by building suspense about Ms. Narwin’s future as a teacher, Philip’s relationship with his peers, and Phillip’s relationship with his parents.
These three assertions need to be developed into topic sentences with specific ideas.

3. From Assertion to Topic Sentence
Assertion: “building suspense about Ms. Narwin’s future as a teacher”
Possible topic sentences:
One way that Avi uses internal conflict to build interest is by leaving the reader in suspense about whether or not Ms. Narwin will be able to continue in the profession she so loves.
Ms. Narwin is passionate about her career, but the reader is unclear about whether or not she will be able to continue to teach; her internal conflict builds suspense about her fate as a teacher.

4. From Assertion to Topic Sentence
Assertion: “[building suspense about] Philip’s relationship with his peers”
Possible Topic Sentences:
Philip’s problems clearly have an impact on his relationship with his peers; by examining Philip’s internal struggle with the truth, Avi builds suspense about the future of Philip’s friendships.
As Philip wrestles to understand how his problem has gotten out of control, the reader is left to wonder about how Philip’s actions and internal conflict will affect his relationships with his peers.

5. From Assertion to Topic Sentence
Assertion: “[building suspense about] Phillip’s relationship with his parents”
Possible Topic Sentences:
As Philip reflects on his decisions and sees the consequences of his actions, the reader wonders if Philip’s relationship with his parents will suffer, thus building suspense.
Avi shows the reader Philip’s internal struggle with his decisions and the consequences of his actions, building suspense about how Philip’s relationship with his parents might change as a result of “the situation.”

6. Sample Body Paragraph
One way that Avi uses internal conflict to build interest is by leaving the reader in suspense about whether or not Ms. Narwin will be able to continue in the profession she so loves. Ms. Narwin clearly is conflicted about whether or not to remain a teacher after the scandal with Philip and the national anthem has hit the media. Mr. Duval, the reporter who interviews her, asks her what she will do about the “leave” the district administration has asked her to take. She responds, “I’m thinking of resigning” (Avi 207). She doesn’t state clearly that she will or will not resign. Her internal conflict is further revealed when Mr. Duval contacts her a second time. Then, Ms. Narwin is at the airport headed for Florida to visit her sister. Mr. Duvall asks her if she has resigned and Ms. Narwin replies, “I need some time to think “ (Avi 210). Ms. Narwin clearly is torn whether or not to return to the profession she loves. The reader sees her internal struggle in the way she can’t, or won’t, give a straight answer to the direct question Mr. Duval asks her. The reader is left in suspense wondering if Ms. Narwin will continue teaching, thus increasing the interest in the plot of the novel.