Topic Sentence
September 21, 2016
The Short Response/Body Paragraph
Opinion = ?
Argument = ?
Opinion = How a person feels about a topic. No proof or evidence is needed.
Argument (Exposition) = Opinion + Proof
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Topic Sentence
September 21, 2016
The first sentence of a short response/body paragraph is called a Topic Sentence. Q: What is the purpose of the Topic Sentence?
A: The Topic Sentence must address or answer the writing prompt specifically using 2­3 text examples.
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Topic Sentence
September 21, 2016
Special Note:
Anonymous writing samples will be used during the school year to help all students develop the best writing strategies. No names will ever appear on student work unless the teacher has asked for and received permission. 3
Topic Sentence
September 21, 2016
While these Topic Sentences are clearly well­written, what suggestions can we offer to make them even better? 4
Topic Sentence
September 21, 2016
What suggestions can we offer to make these well­written topic sentences even better? 5
Topic Sentence
September 21, 2016
Avoid "Rhetorical Devices" (asking the reader a question). A better strategy is to answer the writing prompt specifically and provide two text examples. Include the title and author (when available) in the topic sentence.
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Topic Sentence
September 21, 2016
Exemplary Topic Sentence:
In "Courage to Stand Up to Friends," by Darus Howard,
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Topic Sentence
September 21, 2016
The Topic Sentence
Sample Prompt: In That Was Then, this Is Now, by S.E. Hinton, is Bryon a mature or immature character? Use two text details from the novel to explain your answer.
Strategies:
1. Read, think about, and reread the prompt. REPEAT THIS STEP OFTEN! Don't begin writing until you understand the prompt.
2. First Sentence = Topic Sentence
a. Answer the question specifically in the first part of the sentence followed by 2­3 text examples for that answer.
b. Include title and author (when possible)
c. Including the conjunction "because" is a good way to link your answer to the text examples.
Opinion/answer prompt, because (example 1) and (example 2).
(include title and author)
Example: "Bryon, the protagonist in S.E. Hinton's That Was Then, This Is Now, was a very mature character, because he helped Cathy find M&M and turned Mark in to the police."
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Topic Sentence
September 21, 2016
What to Avoid?
You and I
I think that...
Egocentric Writing; Off­Topic
and Self­
Evident
It is my strong, personal opinion that...
Paraphrase text examples in the topic sentence (direct quotes belong in the body)
All information and examples must come from the text only
No rhetorical devices (questions)
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Topic Sentence
Book(s)
September 21, 2016
Characters
Wisdom, Courage or Love
3 Text Examples
1
2
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