1. MLA Format Review Topic Sentences RPS #2

2. Bell Work
Have you used MLA Format before when you have written essays? Create a MLA format heading. (To the best of your ability.)

3. Agenda
MLA Format
Topic Sentences

4. Objective I can utilize MLA format
I can apply my knowledge of topic sentences to ensure my writing is more clear and precise.

5. MLA Format: Key Points Example John Smith Cento English 9 Period 1
Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1 inch margins
In-text citations are correctly formatted
Work Cited page is correctly formatted
Pages numbered with your last name and number in top right corner.
MLA Heading: Top Left Corner
Your Name
My Name
Class
Date
Example
John Smith
Cento
English 9 Period 1
27 August 2018

6. Topic Sentences
Topic sentence - a single sentence located at the beginning of each body paragraph that expresses the main idea of the paragraph.
Think of it as a label for the body paragraph.
Readers should know what the paragraph will be about simply by reading the topic sentence.

7. A good topic sentence will…
Topic Sentences
A good topic sentence will…
be a single, declarative sentence
convey the main idea of the paragraph
be precise – use precise and specific words
be brief – only include important information
be clear

8. Topic Sentences
A topic sentence is located in the beginning of a body paragraph that expresses the main idea of just the body paragraph in which it is located.
Topic sentences do not need to present an argument.

9. Topic Sentences A poor topic sentence will…
be vague and include vague words
include facts or quotes
include information from other paragraphs
be too broad or include generalizations
include phrases like…
This paragraph will be about…
In this paragraph I will write about…

10. What makes this a poor topic sentence?
The traffic light is a great invention.

11. The traffic light is one of society’s most efficient inventions because it helps manage traffic and conserve fuel.
The traffic light is a great invention.
In this paragraph I am going to discuss one reasons why the invention of the traffic light is a good invention.

12. Supporting Examples support the topic sentence and thesis statement
After your topic sentence you will state an example.
A good supporting example will…
support the topic sentence and thesis statement
include facts, quotes, and details
be directly related to the main point in which you are trying to establish

13. Supporting Examples A poor supporting example will…
not be related to the paper
not help you make your point or prove your argument
only restate conventional wisdom
not add any significant value to the paper

14. An Example of an Example
Essay Topic: Think of an invention that has completely transformed society. In an informative essay, identify the invention and explain how it has positively or negatively affected society.
Topic sentence: The traffic light is one of society’s most efficient inventions because it helps manage traffic and conserve fuel. Poor example: There are lots of traffic lights everywhere. *What makes the example a poor example?

16. Explanations
After you state your topic sentence and provide an example, you will want to explain your example.
The explanation is your own words connecting your example to your topic sentence to provide a point.

17. Explanations A good Explanation will… A poor explanation will…
be written in your own words
link the example to the topic sentence
help link multiple examples together
present the audience with thought-provoking information
simply restate the topic sentence
not advance your argument/point
only restate conventional wisdom
include words and phrases like…
This proves that…
This quote shows that…

18. Explanation-Examples
Essay Topic: Think of an invention that has completely transformed society. In an informative essay, identify the invention and explain how it has positively or negatively affected society.
Topic sentence & example: The traffic light is one of society’s most efficient inventions because it helps manage traffic and conserve fuel. According to Phys.org, synched or connected traffic lights can conserve fuel as much as 20 percent. Why is this a poor explanation: This proves that traffic lights conserve fuel.