Mrs. Blosch

FROM THE BOOKFOCUS: WRITING SENTENCES AND PARAGRAPHS

BY MARTHA E. CAMPBELLAnd

INDIANA UNIVERSITY WRITING TUTORIAL SERVICES

Topic Sentences

Paragraphs

A paragraph is a group of sentences that presents a main idea and related details to a reader.

A paragraph can stand alone or can be combined with other paragraphs to create a longer paper.

The first line of a paragraph is indented. We do this so that readers know that a new idea is being introduced.

Paragraphs

A good paragraph has the following key elements: A focused topic A main idea expressed in a topic sentence Details supporting the main idea A concluding sentence

Paragraphs vary in length. In general a good 8th grade paragraph is 5-9 sentences long.

Example

Walking to Physical FitnessWalking is my favorite way to exercise. Walking thirty to forty minutes every morning is a great way to relax. When I walk with a friend, I can talk about the day ahead or share some challenges I am facing. When I walk by myself, I can meditate and get rid of my stress. Walking regularly also improves my general health. Fitness experts recommend an exercise routine to keep the heart strong. Furthermore, walking every day lessens my risk of disease. I know the positive effects walking has made in my life, and I will continue my walk to physical fitness.

Example

“Walking to Physical Fitness” has all the elements of a good paragraph: A focused topic: walking as a form of exercise A main idea expressed in a topic sentence:

Walking is my favorite way to exercise. Details supporting the main idea: a great way

to relax, walk with a friend, walk by myself, improves my general health, keeps the heart strong, lessens my risk of disease

A concluding sentence: I know the positive effects walking has made in my life, and I will continue my walk to physical fitness.

Limiting a Topic

Limiting a topic is the first step in writing a strong paragraph.

Many topics are too broad to talk about in 7-9 sentences.

We must focus or limit the topic so that we can talk about it completely in a single paragraph.

Limiting a Topic

3 ways to narrow the topic “Childhood”:1. Childhood

Birthday parties The best birthday party I ever had

2. Childhood My friends

My friends in the seventh grade• My best friend in seventh grade

3. Childhood Summer vacations

Family trips• The time my family went camping• The night it rained and our tent collapsed

Example

Topic: SportsSportsIndoor sports

Soccer Girl’s Soccer

Girl’s soccer at Sandcreek Middle School• The girl’s soccer game at SMS on a specific

date• The best shot in the girl’s soccer game at

SMS on the above date

Writing a Topic Sentence

The topic sentence of a paragraph expresses the single main idea the writer wants to communicate to the reader.

All the other sentences in a paragraph explain the topic sentence.

It keeps the writer on track as they write.It helps the reader understand the

message of the paper.

Writing a Topic Sentence

A topic sentence is neither too broad nor too narrow. If it is too broad, you will not be able to

discuss it in a single paragraph. If it is too narrow, you will have difficulty

writing an entire paragraph about the topic.

Examples

Too Broad: Mystery novels are fun to read.Too narrow: The last mystery novel I read was 300

pages long.Just Right: The plot of the novel May Tomorrow

Never Come is suspenseful.

Too Broad: Eating correctly is important.Too narrow: Spinach is an excellent source of iron.Just Right: An important step in preventing heart

disease is eating fruits and vegetables daily.

Writing a Topic Sentence

A topic sentence has 2 parts:1.It names the topic.2.It expresses an idea about it.

Example:Topic Sentence: Successful students know

how to manage study time.Topic: Successful StudentsWhat about the topic? Know how to manage

study time

Examples

Topic Sentence: Knowing how to study for tests is important in high school.

Topic: Knowing how to study for testsWhat about the topic? Is important in high school

Topic Sentence: Taking notes in class is another essential study skill.

Topic: Taking notes in classWhat about the topic? Is another essential study

skill

Locating the Topic SentenceA topic sentence can appear

anywhere in a paragraph, but is often the first sentence. Provides a road map for your reader. Reader’s attention is focused on the main

idea from the beginning. Rest of paragraph is expected to support

that main idea.

Locating the Topic SentenceA topic sentence can also appear as

the last sentence in the paragraph. Leads the reader to the topic sentence

with supporting details. Attracts the reader’s interest or adds

suspense.

Examples

One important study skill critical for college success is doing homework completely. Students who are working for academic success know that it is important to follow the directions for each exercise. For example, if the math instructor has asked students to show all their work on a homework assignment, then the students should complete all steps of each problem. Successful students also attempt to answer all the questions in every homework assignment. If a problem is easy, the student can place a check mark next to it in the margin. If one of the problems is especially difficult, the student can place a question mark next to it as a reminder to ask the instructor for help. All in all, students who work hard to complete their homework to the best of their ability are well on their way to success in the classroom.

First sentence topic sentence:

Examples

Even though Anthony has never taken a college test, he has already discovered the importance of reviewing his textbook and his class notes and preparing study cards before each test.

Anthony sighs as he thinks about his humanities test on Friday. How should he prepare for the test? He has never taken a test in college, and now he faces studying three chapters on the history of Rome. Fortunately, his instructor provided a review sheet with key terms and concepts from each chapter. Anthony finds each term and concept in his textbook and highlights the related information. Then he reads through his class notes. Finally, he makes an index card for each item on the review sheet and records the information he wants to recall on the test. Afterward, he spends several hours reciting and reviewing the details on his note cards.

Last sentence topic sentence: