Topic Sentences

Topic Sentence: First sentence of ¶:

· Identifies main point clearly

· Ties point to thesis

· Transitions from the previous point

· Is general enough to invite development (no examples)

All elements of the essay should tie back to the thesis!

Thesis:

The clothing at Walmart only looks good until the first wash.

Body

A. Topic sent: Main point; thesis; previous point:

An item may look good when you try it on, but after washing it, the fit changes dramatically.

1. Support: Sweater only fits Barbie now

2. Support: Shirt became wide and short

B. Topic sent: Main point; thesis; previous point:

Washing Walmart clothing not only reduces it to items that can only be worn by your children’s G. I. Joes and Barbies, but it also destroys the colors and designs of those same clothes, leaving Barbie and Ken looking homeless.

1. Support: Blue shirt becomes a mottled gray

2. Support: Design on t-shirt cracks and falls off

C. Topic sent: Main point; thesis; previous point:

Finally, while designs ruined by washing are bad enough, the worst thing of all is that the clothing falls apart, even in the delicate cycle.

1. Support: Bra loses underwire in first wash; Barbie has no support!

2. Support: Skirt comes out with holes in the seams; Barbie looks like a street-walker!

Ways this serves your essay

--The reader is never lost in the world of your essay:

*essay will be read ("boxes")

*could make a convert to your point of view

*you force the reader to see things your way by leaving nothing up to his/her interpretation. S/he is encouraged to read all material in terms of your viewpoint. Your words won't be twisted around because you will tell the reader what to do with each and every bit of information you offer

--Easy to read and follow means easy to determine whether or not you are informed about the material