Making Topic Sentences Interesting
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Transcript of Making Topic Sentences Interesting
Making Topic Sentences InterestingMaking Topic Sentences Interesting
M.E. Ellen GraberFor Academic Writing,
UMSNH
Expository ParagraphsExpository Paragraphs
Typical paragraph
starts with controlling idea
explain, develop support with evidence
Endangered FocusEndangered Focus
• Beware Digressions and Deviations– Irrelevant details– Shifts in focus
• They can cause SPRAWL!!!!!! Taking away from unity, clarity and focus.
Example of irrelevant detailsExample of irrelevant details
• When I was growing up, one of the places I enjoyed most was the cherry tree in the back yard. Behind the yard was an alley and then more houses. Every summer when the cherries began to ripen, I used to spend hours high in the tree, picking and eating the sweet, sun-warmed cherries. My mother always worried about my falling out of the tree, but I never did. But I had some competition for the cherries — flocks of birds that enjoyed them as much as I did and would perch all over the tree, devouring the fruit whenever I wasn't there. I used to wonder why the grown-ups never ate any of the cherries; but actually when the birds and I had finished, there weren't many left.
Example of irrelevant detailsExample of irrelevant details
• When I was growing up, one of the places I enjoyed most was the cherry tree in the back yard. Behind the yard was an alley and then more houses. Every summer when the cherries began to ripen, I used to spend hours high in the tree, picking and eating the sweet, sun-warmed cherries. My mother always worried about my falling out of the tree, but I never did. But I had some competition for the cherries — flocks of birds that enjoyed them as much as I did and would perch all over the tree, devouring the fruit whenever I wasn't there. I used to wonder why the grown-ups never ate any of the cherries; but actually when the birds and I had finished, there weren't many left.
Controlling Ideas or Topic SentencesControlling Ideas or Topic Sentences
• Adverb clause beginning• Starting with an adverb clause helps to set
the scene in few words:
• When I was growing up, one of the places I enjoyed most was the cherry tree in the back yard.
Which do you prefer ?Which do you prefer ?
• It is a fact that capital punishment is not a deterrent to crime
• The punishment of criminals has always been a problem for society.
Using active discourse:
There is and it are weak, Use strong words to make your point and provide unity and focus.
Interesting topic sentenceInteresting topic sentence
• Which sentence is extra?• Regardless of what some people may think,
the desert is a beautiful place. The blossoming wildflowers in the spring are a joy to see. Spectacular sunsets delight the eye. Sometimes I go swimming. The occasional quail or roadrunner dart across the sandy roads. It is a unique experience.
What is a topic sentence?What is a topic sentence?
• A topic sentence is a sentence whose main idea or claim controls the rest of the paragraph.
• The body of a paragraph explains, develops or supports with evidence the topic sentence's main idea or claim.
• The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of a paragraph, but not necessarily. It may come, for example, after a transition sentence; it may even come at the end of a paragraph. First sentences may begin with subordinate clause markers.
Subordinate clause markersSubordinate clause markers
additionbesides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, last, moreover,
comparison also, in the same way, likewise, similarlyconcession granted, naturally, of course
contrast
although, at the same time, but at the same time, despite that, even so, even though, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, regardless, still, though, yet
emphasis certainly, indeed, in fact, of course
example orillustration
as an illustration, for example, for instance, in conclusion, indeed, in fact, in other words, in short, it is true, of course, namely, specifically, that is, to illustrate, thus, truly
More sMore subordinate clause markersubordinate clause markers
summary
all in all, altogether, as has been said, finally, in brief, in conclusion, in other words, in particular, in short, in simpler terms, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to put it differently, to summarize
time sequence
after a while, afterward, again, also, and then, as long as, at last, at length, at that time, before, besides, earlier, eventually, finally, formerly, further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, in the past, last, lately, meanwhile, moreover, next, now, presently, second, shortly, simultaneously, since, so far, soon, still, subsequently, then, thereafter, too, until, until now, when
Variety is the spice of lifeVariety is the spice of life
• Using a varied type of sentences will add interest in your writing. By using complex sentences and subordínate clauses for your topic sentences you will create focus and add background at the same time.