Crafting Effective Topic Sentences for Argumentative Essays

Jenny Walker from DigiGoods and Printables ELA presents a workshop on writing body paragraphs with a focus on topic sentences. The video covers how to create topic sentences from thesis statements, using synonyms to avoid repetition, and ensuring each sentence starts differently. Examples are provided, and a graphic organizer is introduced to help structure topic sentences. The session concludes with a preview of the next section on transitions.

What is the main focus of this workshop?

• Writing conclusions

• Creating thesis statements

• Using transitional phrases

• Developing topic sentences

What should you use to help reword your thesis statement or topic sentence?

• A grammar checker

• A thesaurus

• A dictionary

• A spell checker

Why is it important to reword your topic sentences?

• To use more complex words

• To make them shorter

• To avoid redundancy

• To make them longer

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

How should each of your topic sentences start?

• With a question

• With the same phrase

• With a quote

• Differently from each other

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

What is the main job of your essay according to the workshop?

• To be as long as possible

• To use complex vocabulary

• To prove your thesis statement

• To entertain the reader

What is a key benefit of owning a cat according to the example topic sentence?

• They are playful

• They are self-sufficient

• They are loyal

• They are quiet

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

What is the purpose of the graphic organizer provided in the workshop?

• To list references

• To help create topic sentences

• To create a thesis statement

• To organize body paragraphs

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

What should you do if your topic sentences no longer fit well?

• Ignore them

• Adjust them

• Delete them

• Rewrite the entire essay

What should you do if you decide to change directions in your writing?

• Start all over

• Smooth out the changes

• Ignore the changes

• Stick to the original plan

What does the gold star on the slide indicate?

• You should start a new paragraph

• You need to revise your topic sentences

• You have completed the workshop

• You can copy and paste your topic sentences

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3