Spicy Topic Sentences
Make the topic sentence spicier by turning it into a SIMILE:
Andrew's plan was clear.
(Answers will vary)
Example: Andrew's plan was as clear as his own glasses.
Find the missing comma:
Generally animals shrink over time as they become domesticated.
Generally, animals shrink over time as they become domesticated.
Make the sentence more concise:
He has an estimated amount of 15 pairs of shoes or so.
He has about 15 pairs of shoes.
Select the appropriate transition to fill in the blank:
Isaac Newton was raised to be a farmer. _______, he went on to study math and physics at Trinity College.
Instead / For example
Instead
Think of a word to replace the italicized word to make the sentence more HARSH:
His decision to open an ice rink in the desert was odd.
(Answers will vary)
Examples: awful, thoughtless, terrible
Make the topic sentence spicier by turning it into a METAPHOR:
The computers in the library are very old.
(Answers will vary)
Example: The computers in the library are dinosaurs.
Find the unnecessary comma:
"Please open your books, to the chapter on plants," she said to her students.
"Please open your books to the chapter on plants," she said to her students.
Make the sentence more concise:
Before the test, she studied her outline a bunch of times, over and over again.
Before the test, she studied her outline repeatedly.
Select the appropriate transition to fill in the blank:
A person's odds of winning the lottery are one in tens of millions. _______, one person wins twice in a lifetime.
Usually / Rarely
Rarely
Think of a word to replace the italicized word to make the sentence more EMPHATIC:
After our long morning hike, I was tired.
(Answers will vary)
Examples: exhausted, drained, lifeless
Make the topic sentence spicier by using ALLITERATION:
Michelle created songs with her microphone.
(Answers will vary)
Example: Michelle made music with her microphone.
Find the missing comma:
Maria answered her phone and listened to an automated voice tell her "You have an appointment scheduled with Dr. Brigham next Monday."
Maria answered her phone and listened to an automated voice tell her, "You have an appointment scheduled with Dr. Brigham next Monday."
Make the sentence more concise:
In anticipation of the start of the race, Mia ate a healthy breakfast.
Before the race, Mia ate a healthy breakfast.
Select the appropriate transition to fill in the blank:
The Dutch crown is made of fake pearls and colored foil. _______, British royal crowns are set with precious gems.
In contrast / Ordinarily
In contrast
Think of a word to replace the italicized word to make the sentence more EXTREME.
Swimming in those waters would be risky.
(Answers will vary)
Examples: deadly, lethal, life-threatening
Make the topic sentence spicier by using IMAGERY:
The painting was unique.
(Answers will vary)
Example: The way green paint was splattered onto the sketch of trees made the painting unique.
Find the unnecessary comma:
Cleopatra, the last member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, ruled Egypt, in the first century, BCE.
Cleopatra, the last member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, ruled Egypt in the first century, BCE.
Make the sentence more concise:
Malcolm stayed inside due to the fact that it was raining.
Malcolm stayed inside because it was raining.
Select the appropriate transition to fill in the blank:
Bats' eyes have adapted to the dark in many ways. _______, they can detect ultraviolet light to find flowers at night.
For example / In addition
For example
Think of 2 words to replace the italicized word to make the sentence more POSITIVE:
She's one of her country's most known leaders.
(Answers will vary)
Examples: respected, cherished, admired
Make the topic sentence spicier by turning it into DIALOGUE:
Lee was thrilled when he won the prize money.
(Answers will vary)
Example: "I'M GONNA TAKE A TRIP TO THE BAHAMAS WOOHOOOO!!!" Lee shouted when it was announced he won the prize money.
Find the missing commas:
The final book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series was released on Saturday, July 21 2007. However over a thousand copies were delivered early.
The final book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series was released on Saturday, July 21, 2007. However, over a thousand copies were delivered early.
Make the sentence more concise:
I am in favor of the new policy.
I support the new policy.
Select the appropriate transition to fill in the blank:
During the cardiac cycle, the heart pumps out blood during systole. _______, it refills with blood during diastole.
Then / Before
Then
Think of 3 words to replace the italicized word to make the sentence more NEGATIVE:
After barely missing a medal, the skater felt sad.
(Answers will vary)
Examples: horrible, ashamed, worthless