Constructing Topic Sentences We call the first sentence

Constructing Topic Sentences

We call the first sentence in a paragraph the topic sentence. It should be the start of the argument you plan to make in your paragraph. A strong topic sentence is a claim, meaning that it expresses an opinion or arguable point. A topic sentence is weak if it simply states a fact or outlines the plan for the paragraph.

• The first topic sentence is strong because it makes a claim that the author can then support with facts. • The second topic sentence is weak because it just states a fact rather than sharing an opinion.

Which of these topic sentences is a claim? • Next, I'll describe the various flavors of cookies. • The invention of cookies changed the way Americans think about dessert. • There were over 40 types of cookies at last year’s Baker’s Olympics.

• The invention of cookies changed the way Americans think about dessert. This topic sentence is a claim since it expresses an opinion. It is not a fact.

Topic Sentence Speed Round (without talking!) Green = Strong Claim Red = Weak Claim

News publications should not be allowed to publish photographs of children without parental permission.

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Teachers who give group grades on school projects encourage teamwork amongst students.

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At the beginning of the movie, Shrek lives alone.

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Yoga is the most effective outlet for students to relieve stress.

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Team sports are a popular extracurricular activity for middle and high school students in the United States.

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This next paragraph is about how young and old people use technology

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Through the characters of Curley and Curley’s wife, Steinbeck reveals that loneliness can result in bitter and controlling behavior.

Steinbeck reveals that loneliness can result in bitter and controlling behavior through the characters of Curley and Curley’s wife,

Using Curley and Curley’s wife to reveal the pitfalls of loneliness, John Steinbeck reveals that bitterness and control dictate how we interact with others.

Bitterness and control seen in Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men characters, Curley and Curley’s wife, reveal how loneliness can lead to serious physical consequences.

Peer Review Topic Sentences 1. Does it make an argument about loneliness? You should be able to repeat their argument back to them clearly (in your own words) 2. Does it include: reference to John Steinbeck, TWO feeling words, the name of the character(s)