Topic Sentences
This is the FIRST sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph will be about.
What is a topic sentence?
What comes after the topic sentence to support your answer with proof from the text?
What is evidence?
This part explains why your evidence matters.
What is commentary?
To strengthen and further support the claim.
Why do writers include a second piece of evidence?
What is the final sentence of the paragraph called?
What is the closing/concluding sentence?
Two of the four things that must be included in a strong topic sentence.
What are Title, author, words from the prompt, or the answer to the question.
Two of the four parts strong evidence must include. (Think of your TLQ strategy!)
Transition, lead-in, quote, or in-text citation.
How many sentences of commentary should you include after each piece of evidence?
2-3 sentences
Does one piece of evidence usually prove your argument completely?
No, the reader needs more details.
What should the closing sentence restate?
The topic sentence or main idea.
Why should the topic sentence include words from the prompt?
To show the writer understands and is directly answering the question
Why is it important to include a transition before evidence?
To smoothly connect ideas and introduce the quote.
Evidence shows what the author said. Commentary shows what?
The writer’s thinking and explanation.
After your second piece of evidence, what must you include again?
Commentary
Should you copy your topic sentence word-for-word in the closing?
No
If your topic sentence does not clearly answer the prompt, what happens to your paragraph?
It becomes weak, unclear, or off topic.
Why must writers include an in-text citation?
To give credit to the author and show where the information came from.
What happens if you skip commentary after your evidence?
The paragraph is incomplete and does not explain the proof.
Using multiple pieces of evidence makes your writing more what?
Convincing or strong
JWhy is a strong closing sentence important?
It reminds the reader of the main idea and wraps up the paragraph.
Does the topic sentence include evidence? Why or why not?
No. It states the claim or main idea, not the proof.
What is the problem with just “dropping a quote” into your paragraph?
It lacks a lead-in and explanation, making the writing unclear.
Which part of the constructed response usually earns the MOST points?
Commentary
What does repeating the evidence + commentary structure show about your writing?
It shows you are supporting your claim in a strong and organized way.
What happens if a paragraph ends without a closing sentence?
It feels incomplete or abrupt.