1. Topic Sentences, Supporting Sentences, Irrelevant Sentences, Concluding Sentences, Oh My!

2. Topic Sentences
Are the first sentences of single paragraphs OR body paragraphs of an essay.
Complete sentences with a subject and verb and a complete thought
The length of a topic sentence is determined by the topic and the controlling idea
HAS to HAVE a topic and a controlling idea

3. Sentences that CAN NOT be Topic Sentences
Incomplete sentences (missing subject or verb or is an incomplete thought)
Sentences that show an example
Sentences that show evidence
Sentences that analyze evidence
Sentences that are too general
Sentences that are about something different from the other sentences in the paragraph  off topic or random opinions/statements

4. Supporting Sentences
Are complete sentences with subject and verb and a complete thought
Are sentences that are ideas connected to the topic
Are sentences/evidence that prove the controlling idea
Are examples of the topic and controlling idea
Are written in the middle of the paragraph; between the topic sentence and the concluding sentence.

5. Supporting Sentences Analyze (or summarize) the controlling idea
The first sentence AFTER the topic sentence typically is an example or evidence.
Must be placed in a logical order

6. Irrelevant Sentences Try to “Look Like” a supporting sentence
Are off topic
Are random opinions or statements
Do not prove the controlling idea – they might actually disprove it
Incomplete sentences (missing subject or verb or incomplete thoughts)

7. Concluding Sentences Are complete sentences and complete thoughts
Are at the end of the paragraph
Usually restate/tie back to the topic
Usually restate/tie back to the controlling idea in other words

8. Directions: Copy the paragraph. Label all its parts
Directions: Copy the paragraph. Label all its parts. Omit any irrelevant sentences. Add any parts that are missing.
Jackie Robinson was one of the cleverest base runners in modern baseball. He made the pitcher nervous. He danced back and forth on the base path. He was such a great athlete. He broke the pitcher’s concentration. He went from standing still to full speed in one step. When Jackie Robinson was at third base, he usually scored. In 1949, he stole 37 bases. This was the most of any National League player between 1930 and 1956.
Omitted Sentence(s):___________________Why?
Underline any sentences you added.