1. Topic Sentences Comm Arts I Mr. Wreford

2. Topic Sentences Topic Sentences: –Give direction to your paragraph. –Shows exactly where you are headed.

3. Topic Sentences Characteristics of an Effective Paragraph –Direction means that the paragraph has a strong topic sentence that states the main idea and sets the course that the paragraph will follow.

4. Topic Sentences Characteristics of an Effective Paragraph –Unity means that the paragraph makes one main point and sticks to that point.

5. Topic Sentences Characteristics of an Effective Paragraph –Coherence means that the ideas in the paragraph are logically connected and easy to follow.

6. Topic Sentences Characteristics of an Effective Paragraph –Support means that the paragraph contains specific and detailed discussion of the idea stated in the topic sentence.

7. Topic Sentences Direction: Shaping the Topic Sentence of a Paragraph –Functions of a Topic Sentence: It tells the general topic of the paragraph. It makes a specific point about the topic. –Turn to page 30 in the text.

8. Topic Sentences Writing Topic Sentences That Fit: –A topic sentence that is too broad outlines more territory than a paragraph can comfortably cover. –A topic sentence that is too narrow draws the boundaries of the paragraph uncomfortably small, usually by focusing on some fact that would make a good supporting detail. –Turn to page 33 in the text.

9. Topic Sentences Let’s have some fun with Group Exercise 1 on page 35 of your text.

10. Topic Sentences Where should a topic sentence go? –May appear anywhere in a paragraph. –Is usually located at or near the beginning of a paragraph. –Turn to page 36 in the text.