EF5/6 Topic sentences

Paragraphs - academic style, school style

high school, college, university

Topic sentence - addresses the question directly
refers to the question
writing prompt = question

Topic sentence - topic, controlling idea

WTC p20

Practice 1
1. Alcohol is harmful to your health.
Topic sentence
Topic: 'alcohol'
Controlling idea: 'harmful to health'
Support ideas 
1. damage liver
2. can't control yourself
3. may become alcoholic
4. put on weight ?

Alcohol is very good to us.
Topic: alcohol
Controlling idea: good for us
Support ideas (example, evidence)
1. 1 glass red wine daily, health benefits 
2. forget your problems, helps you relax
3. gets a party going, social
4. business relations


Writing prompt: Legalized marijuana in Canada

Topic sentence - opinion like-dislike


Did you write a topic sentence?
What does Maylin teach everyone in "Roses Sing on New Snow"?

Your topic sentence should address the question/writing prompt.

Topic + controlling idea = Topic sentence

e.g. exampli gratia (Latin) example free

What does Maylin teach everyone in "Roses Sing on New Snow"?

Topic sentence:
In "Roses Sing on New Snow", Maylin teaches everyone that women are just as capable as men.

In "Roses Sing on New Snow", Maylin teaches everyone that all people have special skills that may be hidden.



Not this:

I just read a story. It was about a young woman blah blah blah.

DON'T RETELL THE PLOT Maylin worked in her father's restaurant every day. She liked to cook.