Methods for Writing Methods for Writing Topic sentencesTopic sentences

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Author: Unknown / Adapted by: G. Author: Unknown / Adapted by: G. ArosemenaArosemena

#1 Power (Number Statements)

• A Power (Number) statement is a sentence that contains a number word. The number word is the focus of the sentence. It tells your reader that a list of information will follow.

•Helpful number words:

a couple of a number ofnumerous somevarious many

several two

Examples•Three cities have serious pollution problems.•In winter I enjoy watching several high school sports.•I enjoy four kinds of music.•The parade was wonderful; two exciting things happened.

Avoiding “There are”

•When writing power statements, there are, these are, or here are can become a trap. Instead try starting with who, what, where, or when.

Topic = FriendsWho: Tamara and Eva are my two best friends.What: The word friendship means two things.Where: At school I have several good friends.When: Last summer my best friend Sam traveled

to three unusual places.

Topic = School LunchesWhat: Pizza is the most popular item at lunch for

two reasons.Where: At Woodland Elementary, students have

many choices at lunchtime.

#2 Occasion/Position

Statements• An Occasion/Position statement is usually

a complex sentence.• The Occasion:

– Is the first part of the topic sentence– Introduces your reason for writing– Is the dependent clause– Can be any event, problem, idea, solution, or

circumstance that gives you a reason to write.

Occasion/Position Statement Beginnings

After As soon as

Even though

So that Whenever

Although Because If Though WhereAs Before In order

thatUnless Whereve

r

As if Even In order to

Until Whether

As long as

Even if Since When While

•The Position:The Position:– Is the second part of the topic sentence

–States what you plan to prove or explain in your paragraph

– Is the independent clause in the complex sentence.

• Even though bike helmets are sometimes unfashionable and uncomfortable, all cyclists should wear them.

• If students use chemicals to do science experiments, it is important that they learn the proper way to dispose of them.

• When I want to relax, I listen to the music of George Gershwin.

• Although baseball cards are just pieces of cardboard with pictures on them, some of them are worth a lot of money.

Coming to America Examples• Although Japan is located on the other side

of the Pacific Ocean, many Japanese people have crossed it to become American citizens.

• Although I have never seen Italy, my ancestors were Italian.

• Unless pictures of my grandparents were shown, you would never know that I am actually French.

• Since I have never seen Poland, I am fascinated by the pictures.

• Since Italian food is my favorite food to eat, I am excited to learn more about Italy from which my ancestors came.

Creating an Creating an Introductory Introductory ParagraphParagraph

• Begin with a thesis statement or topic sentence:

Although Charles Lindbergh was sometimes called “Lucky Lindy,” no one would dare refer to his 1927 flight across the Atlantic as a feat of luck.

Introductory Paragraph cont…

• Once you have a topic sentence add a plan:Although Charles Lindbergh was sometimes called “Lucky Lindy,” no one would dare refer to his 1927 flight across the Atlantic as a feat of luck.

His successful flight was clearly due to extensive planning, talent as a pilot, and raw courage.

Introductory Paragraph formula

Topic sentence + Plan = Introduction

Introductory Paragraphs examples

• There are many things I like to do in the summer. Two are my favorite.

• There are three people in the world for me to admire. In this paper I have listed the people I admire and why I admire them.

Introductory Paragraph Practice

• After I read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, I recommended the book to my friends. This book was great because ____________ and ____________.

#3 However Statements

• Create a compound sentence using however in the middle of the sentence. Place a semi-colon (;) before the word however and a comma (,) after the word however.

• Usually the first part will be the occasion (reason for writing); the second part will state the position (what you

plan or explain).

Examples• The new rules for the school cafeteria

seemed unfair to the students; however, the rules have made the cafeteria a better place to eat.

• My father is very strict; however, he has good reasons for all of his rules

• Ants are very small creatures and may seem insignificant; however, scientists around the world study these insects.

Other conjunctive adverbs to try

------------------------------------

as a result in fact meanwhileotherwise consequently

insteadtherefore still nextfurthermore nevertheless

likewise

Examples• The new Little League coaches

were not happy with the old practice schedule; instead, they presented a plan that gave each team equal access to the practice field

• The teacher was upset the number of late assignments; consequently, late assignments received a ten percent reduction on the score.

#4 And, But, and Or Statements

Use a compound sentence with one of the following conjunctions:

– but, or, yet,– for, and, nor, so

Remember to use a comma before the conjunction.

Examples• Some people find it difficult to program a DVD

Player, but most will succeed if the just remember to follow these guidelines.

• Reptiles are all alike because they have backbones, breathe with lungs, and have scales, yet reptiles come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

• Anne Frank, a Jewish girl, spent two years hiding from the Nazis during World War II, and her bravery and courage is retold in the book Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.

Example• Birthday parties are full fun

activities and they are time for many surprises.

• Friends and family arrive with gifts yet birthday parties need delicious delectable treats.

#5 The List Statements

• A common method for writing a topic sentence is to list the categories that you will talk about in your paper.

• There are several types of lists you can use.

•List of words:List of words:– All college students need money,

encouragement, friends, and courage.

– The corner store offers the best in candy selection, prices and service.

– When I set out to buy a new car, I looked for a vehicle that was reliable, safe, and economical.

•List of phrases:List of phrases:– My grandparents prefer to

vacation in Mexico, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the tropics.

– The Mattson’s love their new home but are having trouble with the dishwasher mounting and the front sidewalk.

•List of List of dependentdependent (can’t stand on (can’t stand on their own) their own) clausesclauses::– When I received my kitten,

when I graduated with a master’s degree, and when I got married, I realized life is worth living.

•List of independent (can stand alone) clauses:High school graduates can attend community college, they can enroll in state universities, or they can study at private schools throughout the United States.

NOTE About List Statements

Do not mix words, phrases or clauses. If you start with a phrase, all parts of the list should be phrases. If you start with a noun, all parts of the list should be nouns. This is known as keeping the list parallel.

#6 Get Their Attention

• A Declarative Statement uses a strong verb (action word).

• Examples– Children will love the new flavored cereals– Aunt Susan’s foolproof holiday recipes

saved me and impressed my family.– Fourth grade test scores at Woodland

Elementary soared.

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