Writing Topic Sentences

When a learner writes topic sentences for her paragraphs or stories, she needs to be sure of the following:

• Each topic sentence clearly states what the paragraph is about.
• The topic sentence contains words that limit and control the content of the paragraph.
• The topic sentence is not too general.

STEP 1: Ask your learner to tell you what her paragraph is about.

STEP 2: Ask your learner to identify the details.

STEP 3: Ask your learner to state the point she wants to make with her details or the purpose of her writing.

STEP 4: Write a topic sentence that controls and limits the content of the paragraph to the details that are included.

STEP 5: Apply the concept of topic sentences to other writing and reading.

Campbell, P., & Brokop, F. (1996). STAPLE ’96. Edmonton, Alberta: Grass Roots Press. Copyright held by Literacy Alberta. ISBN for CD ROM 0-9680235-1-7, for handbook 0-9680235-0. Used with permission.

Handout 7.15