Step Up to Writing

 

    

 

GREEN:Writing a Topic Sentence
The place to state why you are writing this paragraph.

The topic sentence is an occasion / position statement.
Lets break it down to see what that means.

  • Occasion = Reason for writing
  • Position = What you plan to prove or explain
Examples of great words to start your topic sentence with:
After
Although
As
As if
As long as
As soon as
Because
Before
Even 		Even if
Even though
If
In order to
In order that
Since
So that
Though
Unless 		Until
When
Whenever
Where
Wherever
Whether
While

Example of a Topic Sentence:
( Bold is the occasion part of sentence, Italic is the position part of sentence.

Unless you are willing to take risks, you may not reach your goals.

After I tried out for band, I learned that there were several things that I had to do for a good performance.

Topic Sentence:
The main topic of the paragraph is stated.

Reason/Detail/Fact:
Give the reader a main reason, detail or fact that relates to and supports the topic sentence.

  • Use transitions (First of all..., Secondly.., Another.., The reason I think this..) to start these sentences.
Explain:
Give an example for the statement made in the reason/detail/fact sentence.
Concluding Sentence:
The topic is restated to remind the reader what the paragraph was about.

Topic Sentence:
The main topic of the paragraph is stated.

Reason/Detail/Fact:
Give the reader a main reason, detail or fact that relates to and supports the topic sentence.

  • Use transitions (First of all..., Secondly.., Another.., The reason I think this..) to start these sentences.
Explain:
Give an example for the statement made in the reason/detail/fact sentence.
Concluding Sentence:
The topic is restated to remind the reader what the paragraph was about.

Topic Sentence:
The main topic of the paragraph is stated.

Reason/Detail/Fact:
Give the reader a main reason, detail or fact that relates to and supports the topic sentence.

  • Use transitions (First of all..., Secondly.., Another.., The reason I think this..) to start these sentences.
Explain:
Give an example for the statement made in the reason/detail/fact sentence.
Concluding Sentence:
The topic is restated to remind the reader what the paragraph was about.
YELLOW: Writing a Reason / Detail Sentence
The place to give the reader a main reason, detail or fact that relates to and supports the topic sentence.

 
Examples of great TRANSITION words to start your reason / detail sentence. Help the reader flow into and understand the main idea.

One way
Another way
First
Another
Next
First - Second - Third
The first - The second
One example
Another example
That night

A good way
A better way
The best way
Another
Finally
One other
Along with
In addition
Equally important
When spring came 		One
Another
First of all
Second
Last to be considered
First of all
Next
The final
Another way that
In addition to

Example of a Reason / Detail Sentence in YELLOW:

After I tried out for band, I learned that there were several things that I had to do for a good performance. The first reason I like the band is that it has given me the chance to play on my drums.

RED: Writing the Explain / Example Sentence
The place to give an example or explain about the statement made in the reason/detail/fact sentence.

The E's are what you use to support your reason sentence.The E's back up your reasons, details, or facts and make it fun to read your writing.

Examples
Explanations
Evidence
Events
Experiences		 Expert opinions
Everyday life
Effective illustrations
Elaboration
 

Example of an Explain / Example Sentences in Red:

After I tried out for band, I learned that there were several things that I had to do for a good performance. The first reason I like the band is that it has given me the chance to play on my drums. Practicing on my drums allows me to be a better performer. Becoming a better player makes it easier for me to be in front of people on stage.

GREEN (again): Writing the Conclusion / Concluding Sentence
The place to restate and remind the reader about what the paragraph or composition was about.
Go back and read your topic sentence. Identify the key words and ideas that you have written in the sentence. Use synonyms (words that mean the same thing) to restate you topic sentence.

Words to help start your conclusion sentence:

All in all
Certainly
Clearly
Truly		 Definitely
In conclusion
In fact		 Obviously
Surely
To sum up

This is your last chance to convince your readers about your point of view.

Example of a Conclusion / Concluding Sentences in Neon Green:

After I tried out for band, I learned that there were several things that I had to do for a good performance. The first reason, I like the band is that it has given me the chance to play on my drums. Practicing on my drums allows me to be a better performer. Becoming a better player makes it easier for me to be in front of people on stage. Clearly, what I have experienced by being in band has helped me to grow and be a better musician.
 

Things to think about:
The topic is restated to remind the reader what the composition was about.
Think about what idea or feeling you want to leave your reader with.

You want to avoid:
Introducing a new topic
Phrases such as: as I have said, as I proved, as you can see