How to: Write Topic Sentences
Topic
Controlling Idea
The role of the writer
Language Device or
Stylistic Technique
The writer's use of...
Symbolism
Contrast
Setting
Imagery
Rhetoric
Strong adjectives
Rhyme
Repetition
Punctuation
Short sentences
Verb to Show
Effect or
Function
Conveys
Captures
Connotes
Creates
Demonstrates
Emphasizes
Establishes
Highlights
Hints at
Illustrates
Implies
Reinforces
Reflects
Shows
Signifies
Suggests
Symbolizes
Underlines
Underscores
Function / Effect / Idea /
Theme / Mood /
Message /
Bias for the film
A sense of tragedy
A light mood
The theme of ambition
Adapted from: Hedges, Laurence, Lance King, Macclure Graham, and Swash Laura. Approaches to Learning: A Practical Guide, 2012.
How to: Integrate Quotes
1. Transition phrase + quote
The third technique used in this poem is repetition of a stanza which emphasizes
the idea of hope found in that stanza. For instance, the stanza beginning with,
‘The caged bird sings with a fearful trill’ is repeated two times in this poem. The
author's fearful language suggests that even with the fear of racism, African
Americans during this time period continued to hope for freedom and equality.
That is to say, 'the caged bird sings of freedom.'
2. Drop in
Breaking it down
Quoting
1. Context: Who
says it and when
do they say it?
Transition phrase
2. Transition
phrase.
3. What the
quote proves.
4. The quote
5. The quote's
function.
What
the
quote
proves
Context: Who says
it?
Macbeth is aware of the negative consequences of
his ambition. For instance he says, 'Stars, hide your
fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires.'
Macbeth's description of his 'desires' as 'black'
suggests wrong-doing.
The
quote
The quote's function
J. Underwood
How to write the comparison paragraph.
Contrast word
Topic sentence
Cheng's use of imagery reinforces the serious mood of his poem, Report to
The author
is active
Wordsworth, whereas Dahl uses a combination of images and rhyme to
establish a humorous mood in Television. Boey Kim Cheng makes use of
dark and sometimes violent images that connote a sense of death and loss.
Transition
+ quote
For example, Cheng describes the flowers as 'mute' and says that Proteus
'...is entombed in the waste / we dump.' Cheng treats the ancient gods
violently as in the simile, '...Neptune lies helpless as a beached whale.' In
addition, Cheng suggests the imminent death of the Christian God as He
'utters his last cry.' The disrespect with which the gods are treated cause
Drop
in
quote
Considers
the reader
feelings of dismay and repugnance in the reader. In contrast, Dahl skillfully
manipulates rhyme and imagery to create a playful mood, despite the
seriousness of his message. Dahl tells the reader that 'In almost every
house we've been, / We've watched them gaping at the screen.' The rhyme
Transition
+ contrast
is catchy and the image of children with their mouths open seems familiar to
the reader. Dahl prepares the reader for an emotional punch when he
invites the reader to laugh using the hyperbolic image of 'a dozen eyeballs
on the floor.' . Soon after this humorous image and rhyme, the author makes
Quote +
function
his point known, 'IT ROTS THE SENSE IN THE HEAD!' The playful mood
continues due to the delightful rhymes, but the serious nature of the author's
message does not escape the reader.
Transitional Expressions
For Contrast
Conversely
However
In contrast
In opposition
Although
Even though
Whereas
Nevertheless
On the contrary
On the other hand
On the one hand
But
Yet
While
For Comparison
Also
As well
Equally
In addition
In a similar way
In the same way
Likewise
similarly
J. Underwood