Do Now- Thinking in Threes

Write…

-3 things that make you unique

-3 things a person should NOT do during

a speech

-3 ways you can be kind

-3 qualities of an effective leader

-3 reasons you like your favorite book

-3 things you like about GVMS

The ORGANIZATION of a Persuasive Essay

Topic v. Subject

SUBJECT is usually considered a larger concept than a TOPIC. For example, the SUBJECT of a persuasive essay may be year round school. The TOPICS are the three reasons- vacation, mental relaxation, and summer jobs- that will be discussed about this SUBJECT.

Topic Sentences

topic sentence

The main sentence in a paragraph, often the first sentence. It briefly conveys the essential idea of the paragraph.

American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition

Thesis vs. Topic Sentences

“So what’s the difference between THESIS and a TOPIC SENTENCE?”

A THESIS previews the SUBJECT and introduces the TOPICS that will be discussed in the essay.

A TOPIC SENTENCE is the sentence that introduces each TOPIC as it is discussed within its own paragraph.

Thesis vs. Topic Sentence

In other words…

• A thesis is a statement that sets up the ENTIRE essay. It tells the readers your position and lists your reasons.

• A topic sentence begins each paragraph in the body of the essay. It tells the reader what that paragraph will focus on.

Writing a Topic Sentence

Let’s use the following thesis to write 3 topic sentences.

Thesis: School should not go year round because students need time for vacation, mental relaxation, and summer jobs.

Thesis: School should not go year round because students need time for vacation, mental relaxation, and summer jobs.

1. Students need time for vacations that would not be possible during the school year.

2. Summer breaks allow students to clear their minds and come back to school mentally refreshed.

3. Summer breaks are necessary so that students can hold jobs when they are not busy with school.

Writing a Topic Sentence

Now you try it. With a partner, use the following thesis to write 3 topic sentences.

Thesis: People should not smoke because the habit is unhealthy, makes your clothes smell, and costs a lot of unnecessary money.

What comes after the topic sentence?

You must expand on your topic sentence- explain what you mean and support your idea with evidence.

How to support your topic sentence:• Examples• New solutions• Statistics• Facts• Quotations/Direct References• Anecdotes

Topic Sentence: Smoking has many

detrimental effects on one’s health.

Types of Evidence: Examples Statistics Facts

New solutions Anecdotes Quotes/Direct References

Possible Evidence:

Topic Sentence: Smoking also makes your clothes smell.

Types of Evidence: Examples Statistics Facts

New solutions Anecdotes Quotes/Direct References

Possible Evidence:

Topic Sentence: Buying cigarettes is expensive.

Types of Evidence: Examples Statistics Facts

New solutions Anecdotes Quotes/Direct References

Possible Evidence:

Your Turn

Write your 3 topic sentences.

For each one, do some brainstorming- What evidence might you use?

Topic Sentence: ________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Possible evidence: