1. Topic Sentences Mr. Doron

2. Topic Sentence – What is it? Every paragraph needs a topic sentence. Every paragraph needs a topic sentence. The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph. The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph. It gives the reader an idea of what the paragraph is going to be about. It gives the reader an idea of what the paragraph is going to be about. The supporting sentences need to be about the idea presented in the topic sentence. The supporting sentences need to be about the idea presented in the topic sentence. In a paragraph, every sentence should "belong". In a paragraph, every sentence should "belong".

3. Example #1 I had a wonderful summer. First, I started sleeping in every day. I would then go swimming with my friends. I stayed up late watching TV a lot, and I went to camp for a week. I wished my summer would never end! I had a wonderful summer. First, I started sleeping in every day. I would then go swimming with my friends. I stayed up late watching TV a lot, and I went to camp for a week. I wished my summer would never end! What is the topic sentence? What is the topic sentence? I had a wonderful summer. I had a wonderful summer.

4. Example #2 I was able to turn a negative into a positive. I had a big fight with one of my best friends. We fought over something that has to do with my pride. I wonder how I can overcome this feeling of always being right? I was the first one to apologize. At the end I feel that we are now closer. I was able to turn a negative into a positive. I had a big fight with one of my best friends. We fought over something that has to do with my pride. I wonder how I can overcome this feeling of always being right? I was the first one to apologize. At the end I feel that we are now closer. Topic Sentence is good! Topic Sentence is good!

5. Example #3 Regardless of what some people may think, the desert is a beautiful place. The blossoming wildflowers in the spring are a joy to see. Spectacular sunsets delight the eye. Sometimes I go swimming. The occasional quail or roadrunner dart across the sandy roads. It is a unique experience. Regardless of what some people may think, the desert is a beautiful place. The blossoming wildflowers in the spring are a joy to see. Spectacular sunsets delight the eye. Sometimes I go swimming. The occasional quail or roadrunner dart across the sandy roads. It is a unique experience. Topic sentence is good. Topic sentence is good. What doesn't belong? What doesn't belong? Sometimes I go swimming" has nothing whatsoever to do with the topic sentence that states that the desert is a beautiful place. Get rid of it! Sometimes I go swimming" has nothing whatsoever to do with the topic sentence that states that the desert is a beautiful place. Get rid of it!

6. References http://www.geocities.com/fifth_grade_tpe s/longfellow.html http://www.geocities.com/fifth_grade_tpe s/longfellow.html