The Research Topic Sentence

Definition

A single sentence clearly indicating a paragraph’s content

Job

Clearly identifies topic covered and limits the content of the paragraph

Form

Must be a complete thought
First sentence in paragraph

Requirements

Be Complete

(one complete thought)

Be Clear

(obvious statement, one idea that is easily recognized)

Be Specific

(limit the topic to a size suitable for the paragraph)

Find the Right Word

(words that best communicate the meaning)

• ask “What am I trying to say?” “How can I say that exactly?”
• words should be vivid, exciting & express the best of you!
• keep in mind writing is different then speaking, you have no inflection, face, or gesture to convey meaning …just words!

Avoid

Cheap Substitutes:

thing, kind of, deal, sort of…

Tired Substitutes:

clichés, ie: last but not least…

Weak Substitutes:

kinda, sorta, nice, great, very…

Wordiness:

too much distracts from getting point across!

This, That and It:

say it specifically!

Multiple Meanings/Connotations:

pick the right one!  ie: policeman, officer-of-the-law, cop

Passive Voice:

“Be Verbs”

Use of Personal Pronouns:

I think, I will…