Writing Lesson #1: Topic
Sentence
Modern World History
Hanson
Defining a good topic
sentence
!   An effective topic sentence is one that is not obvious;
rather it is discussable, arguable and interesting.
!   Tip #1: Try to avoid self-evident statements.
!   In the US, movie stars are greatly admired.
!   China and Europe have different histories.
Example of good topic
sentence
!   Tip #2: A strong topic sentence will give readers an
idea of the general direction of your paragraph and the
evidence you will provide.
!   Because the definitions of obscenity change as society changes,
the Supreme Court has handed down three contradictory
decisions on censorship in the past five years.
Some things to keep in mind
about topic sentences:
!   A topic sentence must be a complete sentence, not a
fragment.
!   A topic sentence should not be worded as a question.
!   A topic sentence should neither be too broad nor too
specific.
And furthermore . . .
!   A topic sentence should not contain elements that are
extraneous or irrelevant to your paragraph.
!   A topic sentence should avoid phrases like I think and
in my opinion because they weaken the writer’s
argument.
New Model of Topic Sentence
Construction: Construction!
Start with First Floor
!   OBSERVATION:
!   Menlo commemorated 9/11 today . . .
Second Floor
!   INTERPRETATION
!   Many students and faculty felt obligated to acknowledge the
event of 13 years ago . . .
Third Floor
!   SO WHAT?
!   Many Americans are still wounded by the terrorist attacks and
feel the need to commemorate the loss and show unity.
Final topic sentence: 3-story
“structure”
!   OBSERVATION, INTERPRETATION and SO
WHAT?
!   The fact that Menlo School was moved to acknowledge 9/11
with a solemn community-wide ceremony shows the wound of
the terrorist attacks is still felt in the US.