Supporting Your Argument: Turning Topic Sentences into Questions

This lesson teaches how to support arguments in persuasive writing by turning topic sentences into questions. It covers the structure of an essay, focusing on the thesis statement and supporting details. The process involves writing a question under the topic sentence, ensuring it leads to specific, on-topic answers. An example thesis about cell phones in schools is used to illustrate the method. The lesson emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to develop strong supporting details.

What is the primary aim of persuasive writing?

• To entertain the reader

• To inform the reader

• To describe a process

• To convince the reader of the author's opinion

What is the role of the thesis statement in an essay?

• To introduce the topic

• To outline the main argument and supporting points

• To provide a conclusion

• To list references

What should you do first when writing supporting details?

• List all possible evidence

• Turn the topic sentence into a question

• Summarize the thesis statement

• Write a conclusion

Why is it important to ask the right question when generating supporting details?

• To get specific and relevant supporting details

• To confuse the reader

• To ensure the question is interesting

• To make the essay longer

What is one reason cell phones disrupt classes according to the example?

• They improve communication

• They are difficult to use

• They often ring during lessons

• They are expensive

What happens if you ask the wrong question when generating supporting details?

• You will finish the essay faster

• You will have a stronger argument

• You might get answers that are not specific enough

• You get more detailed answers

What should you do if your answer does not prove the topic sentence true?

• Use the answer anyway

• Ignore the answer

• Try a different question

• Change the topic sentence