Workshop: An Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults
“The point that opens a paper is a general
statement. The evidence that supports the point is made up of specific details,
reasons, examples, and facts.” (Author unknown)
Topic Sentences
The topic sentence for each main point needs to both link to the
overall thesis and clearly state its particular purpose. Then build its
support. The support may require several paragraphs
as well, so those opening sentences need to become their own topic sentence
that links back to the main point you are expanding. The same guidelines expand
to chapters as well.
The basic question is still why. Why as a
writer are you giving this point to your overall thesis? Each topic point
becomes your key points to build support for your main purpose. The topic
sentences introduce the support information that follows and the examples that
build up the body of content. If you are writing for a particular magazine they
will often have a word count limit which will affect the length of your
paragraph points. So it is important for both you and the reader to be able to
clarify each point and purpose.
There are three common errors that often go with topic sentences.
1) Making an announcement: “My Ford Escort is
the concern of this paragraph.”
2) Giving too broad a topic: “Many people
have problems with their car.”
3) Or too narrow: “My car is a compact.”
An effective topic sentence is a clear
statement: “I hate (or love) my Ford Escort.” This is an opinion that now must be supported by specific
reasons, examples, and details.
Note that in the examples above I’ve put each
of my topic sentences in italics. Have I made the links to my premise and my
examples of ways to build your article or essay clearly?
Body/Key Points
Each main
point followed by paragraph support builds up the article’s body. The key
points keep the subject on target. Use the guideline below to either draft your
own paragraphs or assess them to see how strong your body is.
Conclusion
The
concluding paragraph restates the primary thesis and leaves the reader with a
final thought on the subject. Hopefully your essay has interested readers who
now want to explore the topic more for themselves, and/or continue to read your
material.
When each of
the topic points supports each other, the subject tension is woven throughout
its delivery.
Action Steps: Examine your rough draft.
1. Is there a topic sentence for each body paragraph, which
clearly establishes the idea to be discussed? If not, say what’s missing.
2. Does the information in each paragraph apply to the topic? Is
there any information that strays?
3. Are the body paragraphs developed with examples, illustrations,
quotes, and specifics? Do you have any constructive suggestions?
4. Does the essay include characteristics of its specific style?
If not, what’s missing?
5. Are there enough transitions used between and within paragraphs
to make each part of the essay flow together as one whole? Are there any gaps?
Share: Did any new ideas come to you as
you shaped up the paragraphs? Why?
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