The Topic Statement
The Topic Statement is the first sentence in each body paragraph. The sentence must be general and reflect the subject/focus of that particular paragraph.
Topic Sentences
Good topic sentences can improve an essay's readability and organization. They usually meet the following criteria:
1. First sentence. A topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph, not the last sentence of the previous paragraph.
2. Link to thesis. Topic sentences use keywords or phrases from the thesis to indicate which part of the thesis will be discussed.
3. Introduce the subject of the paragraph. They tell the reader what concept will be discussed and provide an introduction to the paragraph.
4. Link to the previous paragraph. They link the subject of the present paragraph to that of the previous paragraph.
5. Indicate the progression of the essay. Topic sentences may also signal to the reader where the essay has been and where it is headed through signposting words such as "first," "second," or "finally."
Topic statements are NOT
1. Details
2. Facts
3. Quotes
4. Examples
They are a general overview, usually created by pulling a key word from the thesis, of the subject of the paragraph.
Example:
If your thesis read: Parental involvement is key in raising the performance levels of schools.
Then, your 3 body topics might be: 1. One way parents can get involved in their child's education is to help them learn every night. (Examples: Help with homework, read, implement "homework hour," etc.)
2. Parents should also be physically involved by regularly attending the school's campus. (Examples: Join PTA, volunteer in some capacity, meet with teachers, read to students, etc.).
3. Although it may take more time and effort, parents should also be directly involved with legislation that affects education. (Examples: Stay updated on curriculum changes, watch the news, write letters to representatives, etc.).
Thesis Statement
a short statement, usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper..., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and evidence.
One way to start a compare and contrast thesis is by using words like whereas, while, even though, and although to suggest a contrasting element will follow.
For example: Although the media depict most women as housewives and stay-at-home mothers, in reality many women work full time and put their children in daycare.
3 Pronged:
Although Domino's and Papa John's are both fast food chain pizza joints, the taste, quality, and service of their products vastly differ.
One More: It is said that art often imitates life; while I am not a character on a television screen, my life is, in many ways, reflected in the image of Sheldon Cooper.
Example Topics: (Education, Physical Appearance, Personal Style, Habits/Nuances, Fears, Values/Beliefs, etc.) Use a key word in each topic to keep the paragraph "grounded."
Remember to have a creative title and lead-in-- and key words-- that you can use in the conclusion to tie your paper up nicely. You always want to make an impact!
Topic Sentences
Good topic sentences can improve an essay's readability and organization. They usually meet the following criteria:
1. First sentence. A topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph, not the last sentence of the previous paragraph.
2. Link to thesis. Topic sentences use keywords or phrases from the thesis to indicate which part of the thesis will be discussed.
3. Introduce the subject of the paragraph. They tell the reader what concept will be discussed and provide an introduction to the paragraph.
4. Link to the previous paragraph. They link the subject of the present paragraph to that of the previous paragraph.
5. Indicate the progression of the essay. Topic sentences may also signal to the reader where the essay has been and where it is headed through signposting words such as "first," "second," or "finally."
Topic statements are NOT
1. Details
2. Facts
3. Quotes
4. Examples
They are a general overview, usually created by pulling a key word from the thesis, of the subject of the paragraph.
Example:
If your thesis read: Parental involvement is key in raising the performance levels of schools.
Then, your 3 body topics might be: 1. One way parents can get involved in their child's education is to help them learn every night. (Examples: Help with homework, read, implement "homework hour," etc.)
2. Parents should also be physically involved by regularly attending the school's campus. (Examples: Join PTA, volunteer in some capacity, meet with teachers, read to students, etc.).
3. Although it may take more time and effort, parents should also be directly involved with legislation that affects education. (Examples: Stay updated on curriculum changes, watch the news, write letters to representatives, etc.).
Thesis Statement
a short statement, usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper..., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and evidence.
One way to start a compare and contrast thesis is by using words like whereas, while, even though, and although to suggest a contrasting element will follow.
For example: Although the media depict most women as housewives and stay-at-home mothers, in reality many women work full time and put their children in daycare.
3 Pronged:
Although Domino's and Papa John's are both fast food chain pizza joints, the taste, quality, and service of their products vastly differ.
One More: It is said that art often imitates life; while I am not a character on a television screen, my life is, in many ways, reflected in the image of Sheldon Cooper.
Example Topics: (Education, Physical Appearance, Personal Style, Habits/Nuances, Fears, Values/Beliefs, etc.) Use a key word in each topic to keep the paragraph "grounded."
Remember to have a creative title and lead-in-- and key words-- that you can use in the conclusion to tie your paper up nicely. You always want to make an impact!
Sample Comparison/Contrast Outline
Thesis that links 2 subjects (you & the character):________________________________________________________________________________
**Remember you always need a lead-in, and you will need to provide context, explaining who your character is & which work of fiction the character is from. Summarize the show/film/book in 1-2 sentences for CONTEXT.
Body Paragraphs (3). Choose 3 TOPICS (examples: physical appearance, goals, beliefs, values, personality trait(s), style/fashion sense, etc.)
Write down the KEY WORD that will be the focus of each body paragraph:
Body 1: _________________________________________
Body 2:_________________________________________
Body 3:_________________________________________
Try to come up with a TOPIC STATEMENT for each body paragraph that includes the key word.
Topic 1:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Topic 2:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Topic 3:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion: Make the overall impact the character has had on you clear. What have you learned from this character, admire about this character, hope to emulate, etc.? Refer back to your title for affect.
**Remember you always need a lead-in, and you will need to provide context, explaining who your character is & which work of fiction the character is from. Summarize the show/film/book in 1-2 sentences for CONTEXT.
Body Paragraphs (3). Choose 3 TOPICS (examples: physical appearance, goals, beliefs, values, personality trait(s), style/fashion sense, etc.)
Write down the KEY WORD that will be the focus of each body paragraph:
Body 1: _________________________________________
Body 2:_________________________________________
Body 3:_________________________________________
Try to come up with a TOPIC STATEMENT for each body paragraph that includes the key word.
Topic 1:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Topic 2:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Topic 3:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion: Make the overall impact the character has had on you clear. What have you learned from this character, admire about this character, hope to emulate, etc.? Refer back to your title for affect.