WRITING / Topic Sentences

Topic Sentences

Topic Sentence or Paragraph Leader

• It is usually the first sentence which presents the main idea of your paragraph.

• It is often short, clear, simple and to the point.

• It is followed by explanations, reasons and examples which support the topic.

The topic sentence must connect to the main body of the paragraph

Many fast-food chains make their profits from adding a special ingredient called “forget sauce” to their foods. Made largely from edible

oil products, this condiment is never listed on the menu. In addition, this well-kept industry secret is the reason why ingredients are never listed on

the packaging of victuals sold by these restaurants. ‘Forget sauce’ has a chemical property which causes temporary amnesia in consumers. After

spending too much money on barely edible food bereft of any nutritional value, most consumers swear they will never repeat such a disagreeable

experience. Within a short period, however, the chemical in ‘forget sauce’ takes effect, and they can be depended upon to return and spend, older

but no wiser.

Analysis of the paragraph:

Look at how the topic sentence links to ideas developed in the paragraph.

Many fast food chains make their profits from adding a special ingredient called ‘forget sauce’ to their foods
Made from largely edible oil products, this condiment is never listed on the menu
In addition, this well kept industry secret is the reason why ingredients are never listed on the packaging of products sold by these restaurants.
Forget sauce has a chemical property which causes temporary amnesia in consumers.
After spending too much money on barely edible food bereft of any nutritional value, most consumers swear they will never repeat such a disagreeable experience.
Within a short period, however, the chemical in forget sauce takes effect, and they can be depended upon return and spend, older but no wiser

Source: http://www.writingcentre.uottawa.ca/hypergrammar/partopic.html

Topic Sentence Lesson: Forget sauce

Give out the paragraph and ask students to highlight key terms in the topic sentence and then highlight the links within the main body.TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Topic Sentence Downloads

Topic Sentences: The basics

This lesson takes students through ‘noticing’ how a topic sentence links to development. It includes writing topic sentences from the content of four paragraphs and writing a paragraph from a given topic sentence. (Example) Time: 60mins Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Topic Sentences: Academic

This lesson takes students through ‘noticing’ how a topic sentence links to development. This is followed by writing topic sentences from the content of four academic paragraphs and then writing the paragraph from a topic sentence. (Example) Time: 60mins Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Basic Paragraph Analysis: Corporate Social responsibility (CSR)

This worksheet provides a step-by-step guide to the key components of a paragraph. It analyses a basic paragraph on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through structure, topic, cohesion, referencing and stance. It also includes a writing practice on Globalisation. Example. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Academic Paragraph Analysis: block or point-by-point

This lesson helps students identify the key elements in paragraph writing. It focuses on two paragraph structures; block and point-by-point. Students analyse each paragraph for structure, controlling ideas & key terms, in-text referencing, cohesion and author’s stance. It also includes two writing practices. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Reading & Writing Argument: Essay [Mergers & Acquisitions]

Topic: Mergers & Acquisitions. Two short texts (included) – students read the texts, make notes of key arguments, and write a 400-600 word essay using in-text referencing and paraphrasing. The essay should follow (block / point-by-point structure) more info. Lesson includes teacher notes, outline & a model essay. Example Level ***** [B2/C1] / Webpage link. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP

Economic Inequality Lesson PDF Book

AMAZING VALUE – Five lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, reading test & summary writing, 1 x lecture listening, [extra reading text] & seminar / example [TEACHER MEMBERSHIP]

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Topic Sentences [1]

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Topic Sentence or Paragraph Leader

• It is usually the first sentence which presents the main idea of your paragraph.

• It is often short, clear, simple and to the point.

• It is followed by explanations, reasons and examples which support the topic.

The topic sentence must connect to the main body of the paragraph

Many fast-food chains make their profits from adding a special ingredient called “forget sauce” to their foods. Made largely from edible

oil products, this condiment is never listed on the menu. In addition, this well-kept industry secret is the reason why ingredients are never listed on

the packaging of victuals sold by these restaurants. ‘Forget sauce’ has a chemical property which causes temporary amnesia in consumers. After

spending too much money on barely edible food bereft of any nutritional value, most consumers swear they will never repeat such a disagreeable

experience. Within a short period, however, the chemical in ‘forget sauce’ takes effect, and they can be depended upon to return and spend, older

but no wiser.

Analysis of the paragraph:

Look at how the topic sentence links to ideas developed in the paragraph.

Many fast food chains make their profits from adding a special ingredient called ‘forget sauce’ to their foods

Made from largely edible oil products, this condiment is never listed on the menu

In addition, this well kept industry secret is the reason why ingredients are never listed on the packaging of products sold by these restaurants.

Forget sauce has a chemical property which causes temporary amnesia in consumers.

After spending too much money on barely edible food bereft of any nutritional value, most consumers swear they will never repeat such a disagreeable experience.

Within a short period, however, the chemical in forget sauce takes effect, and they can be depended upon return and spend, older but no wiser

Source: http://www.writingcentre.uottawa.ca/hypergrammar/partopic.html

Topic Sentence Lesson: Forget sauce

Topic Sentence Downloads

Topic Sentences: The basics

Topic Sentences: Academic

More writing paragraph resources

Basic Paragraph Analysis: Corporate Social responsibility (CSR)

Academic Paragraph Analysis: block or point-by-point

Reading & Writing Argument: Essay [Mergers & Acquisitions]

Economic Inequality Lesson PDF Book

AMAZING VALUE – Five lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, reading test & summary writing, 1 x lecture listening, [extra reading text] & seminar / example [TEACHER MEMBERSHIP]

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Vocabulary

Referencing

Synthesis

Writing Skills

Structure

Topic Sentences [1]

Topic Sentences [2]

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