Transcript Methods for Writing Topic sentences

Methods for Writing
Topic sentences
Step Up to Writing
8th GRADE
Author: Unknown / Adapted by: Mrs. Guerra
#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
numerous
various
many
several
a number of
some
a myriad
four
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 = Friends
Who: 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 Lunches
What: Pizza is the most popular item at lunch for two
reasons.
Where: At Woodland Elementary, students have many
choices at lunchtime.
Topic=Immigration
research
• Scotland has a special place in my heart for several
reasons.
• Russia is interesting for three reasons.
• Korea is a wonderful country for a myriad of reasons.
• Italy is a very special country for three reasons.
• Norway is a unique country for numerous reasons.
• Several features of Scotland have peeked my
interest.
#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
Where
As
Before
In order
that
Unless
Wherever
As if
Even
In order
to
Until
Whether
As long as
Even if
Since
When
While
• 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
Introductory Paragraph
• 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.
• Although I have taken many wonderful vacations,
my trip with my two best friends to New York
City is one I’ll always remember. This was a
fantastic trip because of the sights we saw, the
people we met, and the laughs we shared.
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
otherwise
therefore
furthermore
in fact
consequently
still
nevertheless
meanwhile
instead
next
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:
– 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:
– 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 dependent
(can’t stand on their
own) clauses:
– 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.
THE END