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Topic Sentences. Using topic sentences effectively to provide organization and direction in your paper. Topic Sentences. What is a topic sentence?. It is the first sentence of a paragraph. It makes a general statement. It makes a claim. It relates to your thesis .
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Topic Sentences Using topic sentences effectively to provide organization and direction in your paper
Topic Sentences • What is a topic sentence? • It is the first sentence of a paragraph. • It makes a general statement. • It makes a claim. • It relates to your thesis. • It holds the paragraph together on one topic.
So, a topic sentence . . . • makes a general statement: • Ford mass produced about two million of the Model-T in the 192os. • in the form of a claim: • Ford’s mass production of the Model-T in the 1920s allowed many more people to drive who could not afford to before. • that holds the paragraph together on that sole topic.
Check for understanding • Look at your notes and decide what is wrong with this topic sentence? The St. Valentine’s Day massacre killed seven of Al Capone’s rivals.
Check for understanding • Look at your notes and decide what is wrong with this topic sentence? The St. Valentine’s Day massacre killed seven of Al Capone’s rivals. • It is not a general statement.
Check for understanding • Needs to be a general statement:
Check for understanding • Needs to be a general statement: Al Capone was linked to the brutal St. Valentine’s Day massacre.
Check for understanding • Needs to be a general statement: Al Capone was linked to the brutal St. Valentine’s Day massacre. • Okay, but what is it still missing?
Check for understanding • Needs to be a general statement: Al Capone was linked to the brutal St. Valentine’s Day massacre. • Okay, but what is it still missing? • Needs to be a claim.
Here’s what it should look like • A general statement and a claim:
Here’s what it should look like • A general statement and a claim: Al Capone’s involvement in the brutal St. Valentine’s Day massacre is an example of his ruthlessness towards rival gang members.
Transition words • You may want to include a transition word to help your paper flow smoothly: Furthermore, Ford’s new mass production assembly line changed how quickly and inexpensively products can be produced.
Remember . . . • Make your topic sentences: • A general idea. • One that makes a claim (argument). • One that relates to your thesis. • One that holds your paragraph together around one topic.