Topic Sentences & Paragraphs

Write 3 paragraphs about the classmate you interview. Be sure there is a topic sentence for each paragraph and supporting details that support the topic sentence.

When writing a paragraph about a person, the topic sentence includes the person's name, and the idea is the concept communicated about the person. For example, fill in any one of the blanks below and create different topic sentence that may be used in a paragraph describing a person.

John Smith enjoys ________________________________
John Smith hates _________________________________
John Smith loves __________________________________
John Smith works _________________________________
John Smith plays _________________________________
John Smith makes ________________________________
John Smith builds _________________________________
John Smith expects _______________________________
John Smith provides _______________________________

Write a summarizing topic sentence for each of three paragraphs of your choice. In the sentence, state the classmates' full name and describe the singular focused idea that the paragraph will develop. Then, draft a paragraph using the supporting details below:

Supporting Details

The supporting details are the remaining sentences of the paragraph, after the topic sentence. There are usually between 7 to 10 sentences that explain and develop the main idea or topic.
Some techniques used to develop a paragraph and provide supporting details include:

• Using examples and illustrations,
• Citing data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and others),
• Examining testimony (what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases),
• Using an anecdote or story,
• Defining terms in the paragraph,
• Comparing and contrasting two ideas or items,
• Evaluating causes and reasons,
• Examining effects and consequences,
• Analyzing the topic,
• Offering a chronology of an event (time segments).

Weak vs Strong Thesis Statements

Weak vs Strong Thesis statements: Presentation

Taken from this PDF: Thesis Exercise

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

Take a look-- we can all make positive changes, right?

Thesis Statements

View this presentation on Writing a Thesis Statement. Draft and post three of your own thesis statements based on the notes we made during our brainstorming session on Monday.

Note: The examples you will be viewing are based on literature, but the essence of technique remains the same. 

Intros and Conclusions

Using the topics in exercise 3 on page 12 in your text, write two different introductory paragraphs, each one featuring a different method (Definition, Quotation, Personal Narrative, Question, Staccato, Hypothetical Scenario, Historical Background). 

Remember, your introductory paragraphs should also contain a thesis statement.

When you are finished with your introductions, select two different types of conclusions and draft paragraphs for them as well. Publish your work online when you are done.

Paragraphs should be 4-6 sentence long. Feel free to use the internet for research. For additional examples, please see chapter 1 in your textbook. 

DNA Tells Students They Aren't Who They Thought

Answer the following questions based on the reading, NY Times Article:  DNA Tells Students They Aren't Who They Thought in 4-6 sentences and then respond to one of your peers for a total of 6 posts.

1. Pick out one quote that was significant to you. Explain it and why it was significant.
2. What biases did you have, for or against the subject, while reading this text? When did you become aware of it and did it hinder your evaluating the text in an objective way?
3. What ideas were you unfamiliar with from the text and how did you approach that information?
4. Pose one question you have about the text. 
5. Attempt to answer someone else's question.
6. Respond to another student's ideas-- agree, disagree, or add to what they have written in some way. Do not merely restate or parrot their statement. As always, be respectful and academic.

NY Times Article:  DNA Tells Students They Aren't Who They Thought