Topic Sentence Activity

Rivkin/1310

You have a thesis statement. Now What? Topic Sentences!

• Why do we need topic sentences?

-Clarity-Preview of Paragraph-Relation to Thesis/Central Argument

Building Effective Topic Sentences

A strong topic sentence:

-Is found at the beginning of each body paragraph

-Directly and specifically supports the thesis statement

-Captures the entire argument that the paragraph should make

Let’s Apply This:

Thesis: “In the year 2050, humans will look back on today’s society and disapprove of the Guantanamo Bay Prison system, discrimination against women and homosexuals, and the depletion of the environment.”

What could the topic sentences be?

1.) When the society of 2050 looks back at our treatment of individuals at Guantanamo Bay, they will surely deem these acts as inhumane.

2.)Fifty-years from now, today’s society’s discrimination against women and homosexuals, in both the workplace and in every day life, will be viewed as an injustice.

Now Break Into Your New(er) Groups!

• Assign each group member 1 thesis statement that your group developed last class.

• On a separate sheet of paper, each group member should develop three topic sentences to support the assigned thesis statement.

• Use your peers for support in this process!

• Once everyone has written their topic sentences, discuss them with each other and as a group.

• Improve eachother’s topic sentences as much as possible!

• Remember: Their grade is your grade.