Writing Strong Topic sentences

WRITING STRONG TOPIC

SENTENCES

WHY DO WE NEED STRONG TOPIC SENTENCES?

• Get attention.• Get interest.• Make a good first impression.• Set up the rest of the writing.• Make• the rest of the writing easier.

NO FINGERPRINTING

• What is fingerprinting?• In this paper I will tell you.• This is my paragraph about…• Here is my first idea…

NO FIRST PERSON

• I, we, me, my, our• In my opinion,• I think…• I believe…

READ THE QUESTION… USE THE QUESTION• What are three important benefits of living in

Colorado?• Three important benefits of living in Colorado

are…• Why is it important to get a good education?• It is important to get a good education

because…

OCCASION/POSITION STATEMENTS

• Complex sentences• Occasion – introduces the reason for

writing• Position – states what you will prove or

explain.

POWER (NUMBER) STATEMENTS

• These sentences contain a number word that is the focus of the sentence.

• It tells your reader that a list of information will follow.

AVOID “THERE IS, THERE ARE, ETC.”• These weaken your writing.• Example• no

• There are three important steps in baking the perfect cake.• yes

• Baking the perfect cake can be done in three important steps.

AND, BUT, AND OR STATEMENTS

• These are compound sentences.• Join them with a coordinating conjunction

(fanboys)• Provide good information.

HOWEVER STATEMENTS• These will be compound sentences.• They are joined by however or other conjunctive

adverbs that separate the two parts of the sentence.• They contain two parts – similar to an

occasion/position statement.• You need a semicolon before the conjunctive

adverb and a comma after it

• Even though it is a difficult profession, being a doctor would be a rewarding career.

• Working in television was an exciting career; however, it was also very demanding.

• The United States is a powerful world leader for a number of important reasons.

• Television is an exciting career, yet teaching also provides great satisfaction.

WHAT’S WRONG?

• Riding a horse can be a relaxing outing; still; there are a number of safety precautions you must take to make your ride enjoyable.

WRITE FOUR DIFFERENT TOPIC SENTENCES FOR THE FOLLOWING.YOU NEED ONE OF EACH OF THOSE WE LEARNED TODAY. LABEL EACH..• What career are you considering and why?