Topic Sentence

 A Topic Sentence

Now watch these video clips to learn more about topic sentence and how to use it to write a paragraph.

Video 1 Topic Sentence

Video 2 How to write the paragraph

Now look at the topic sentences below. Please add at least four (4) sentences to each to develop you paragraphs.

(1) Dogs can be fun in the home.

(2) Saturday is a busy day in the week.

(3) Many students love when it is holiday.

(4) Christmas is my favourite time of the year.

(4) It is important to eat healthy.

(5) Doctors , nurses, police and soldiers are essential workers.

Open the link below and read the information. Always remember same when writing your paragraphs.

Useful information 👈

FOLLOW UP PRACTICE ACTIVITIES

Activity 1 drag and drop in correct places

Activity 2 Choose the best topic sentence to complete paragraph

Activity 3 Drag and drop

Activity 4 Distinguish between topic sentence and supporting details

Activity 5 Identify topic sentence, supporting details

Activity 6 Write a topic sentence for each  

Activity 7 Choose the correct topic sentence to complete paragraphs

Activity 8 Drag and drop

Activity 9 Unscramble to form a paragraph

Subject: Writing                           Date: ___________________________

Objective: Students will be able to write fully developed paragraphs using proper form, including a clear topic sentence.

Materials:

·         Whiteboard and markers

·         Chart paper and markers

·         Examples of paragraphs with and without topic sentences

·         Worksheets with exercises on identifying topic sentences

·         Writing paper and pencils

·         Projector

·         Chromebooks

·         Teacher’s blogsite

Duration: 60 minutes

Engage:

1.     Begin the lesson by asking students if they know what a topic sentence is. Encourage them to share their ideas and prior knowledge.

2.     Write a paragraph on the board that lacks a clear topic sentence. Read the paragraph aloud to the class and ask students to identify the main idea.

3.     Discuss with the class why having a clear topic sentence is important for organizing and communicating ideas effectively.

Explore:

1.     Present a mini-lesson on topic sentences, explaining what they are and why they are important in writing. Provide examples of paragraphs with and without topic sentences to illustrate the difference. (Teacher’s blogsite will be used)

2.     Engage students in an interactive activity where they identify topic sentences in paragraphs you provide. Allow them to work individually or in small groups. (Paragraphs will be projected on whiteboard)

3.     Provide worksheets with exercises on identifying topic sentences for students to complete independently. (This will be done on students’ Chromebooks)

Explain:

1.     Review the answers to the worksheet as a class, discussing any questions or misconceptions students may have.

2.     Use the chart paper to create a chart displaying the characteristics of a topic sentence and examples of effective topic sentences for reference.

Elaborate:

1.     Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a writing prompt or topic.

2.     Instruct the groups to brainstorm ideas and write a fully developed paragraph with a clear topic sentence based on the prompt or topic.

3.     After writing, have each group share their paragraph with the class, focusing on the clarity and effectiveness of their topic sentences.

4.     Students will do independent activities on their Chromebooks.

Evaluate:

1.     Assess students' understanding of topic sentences through their participation in class discussions, completion of worksheets, and performance in the group activity.

2.     Provide feedback to students on their ability to write fully developed paragraphs with clear topic sentences.

3.     Encourage students to continue practising writing paragraphs with topic sentences in their independent writing assignments.

4.     Complete activities on teacher’s blogsite.

Extension: For students who demonstrate a strong understanding, challenge them to revise paragraphs that lack clear topic sentences by adding one. Additionally, they can explore how topic sentences can vary in structure and placement within paragraphs, depending on the writing style and purpose.

 

Sample paragraph without a topic sentence.

I love going to the beach. The sun shines brightly, and the sand feels warm beneath my feet. I can hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and seagulls flying overhead. Building sandcastles is my favorite activity. I use a plastic shovel to scoop up wet sand and mold it into towers and turrets. Sometimes, I pretend to be a knight defending my castle from imaginary enemies. When I get thirsty, I drink cold lemonade from a plastic cup. It tastes sweet and refreshing. At the end of the day, I watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of pink and orange before heading home.

In this paragraph, although the writer describes their experience at the beach, there isn't a clear sentence that introduces the main idea or theme of the paragraph. Adding a topic sentence would provide a concise summary or focus for the paragraph, helping to guide the reader and establish the central idea.

 

Sample of revised paragraph using a topic sentence.

 

Topic Sentence: "Visiting the beach is my favorite summer activity because of the endless fun and relaxation it provides."

Visiting the beach is my favorite summer activity because of the endless fun and relaxation it provides. The sun shines brightly, and the sand feels warm beneath my feet. I can hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and seagulls flying overhead. Building sandcastles is my favorite activity. I use a plastic shovel to scoop up wet sand and mold it into towers and turrets. Sometimes, I pretend to be a knight defending my castle from imaginary enemies. When I get thirsty, I drink cold lemonade from a plastic cup. It tastes sweet and refreshing. At the end of the day, I watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of pink and orange before heading home.

In this revised version, the addition of the topic sentence at the beginning clearly states the main idea of the paragraph, which is the writer's enjoyment of visiting the beach. This topic sentence provides a focus for the paragraph and helps the reader understand the purpose of the following sentences

 

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