essay2

Brainstorming 2: Topic Sentences

 

PART ONE—THESIS REVIEW

 Select a topic from the options available in the Response 2 assignment.

· Turn the topic into a question. Write that question below. NOTE: This question should help you determine the primary focus of the topic/essay overall.

· Look over the thesis guide provided by your instructor, and then write the answer to the question you posed. This will be your thesis.

PART TWO—TOPIC SENTENCES AND FLOW

What Is a Topic Sentence?

The topic sentence contains the central idea around which a paragraph is developed. A good one has the following six characteristics (Not all topic sentences will contain every single characteristic. A writer should strive for the ideal; the ideal, however, is not always ideal):

· It introduces the topic of a paragraph without announcing it.

· It hooks the reader.

· It plants questions in the readers' mind.

· It uses  thought-provoking words.

· It is usually the first sentence; however, it can occur anywhere in the paragraph or it can be implied.

· It provides a transition from the previous paragraph.

· Brainstorm supporting points for your thesis, and list your ideas below. Look through your list, and combine and/or eliminate points to avoid redundancy.

· List your 1-3 main points you will use for your essay.

· Fill in the outline below, making sure that your thesis and topic sentences flow from point to point and make sense together.

· Thesis—

· Main Point One Topic Sentence—

· Main Point Two Topic Sentence—

· Main Point Three Topic Sentence—