How to Write a Paragraph
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Lesson 3 of 8

How to Write a Topic Sentence

A topic sentence tells the reader what your paragraph is about. Every sentence after it has to relate to that idea.

    Key idea: topic + point. Name what you're writing about, then say something about it.

    Making pizza is my favorite pastime because my great-grandfather taught me how to make it when I was a kid.

    Topic Point

    • The point is what the rest of the paragraph proves. "Pizza" is a topic. "Making pizza is my favorite pastime" is a topic sentence.
    • Every sentence after it has to relate to it. If the next sentence doesn't, start over.
    • Clear comes before detailed. If you can't add a reason yet, just make it clear.

    Watch me explain itThe 3:16 to 3:32 section of my full T.E.D.L. video.

    Sentence frames

    • My favorite ______ is ______ because ______.
    • ______ taught me ______.
    • The best part of ______ is ______.
    • In the story, ______ changes from ______ to ______.

    Prompt to topic sentence in 3 steps

    1. Find the key words. "Write about your favorite pastime."
    2. Answer with those words. "My favorite pastime is playing guitar."
    3. Add your point. "...because it's the only time my brain gets quiet."

    Same job, three places

    School

    Prompt: Write about a place where you like to spend time.

    My grandmother's kitchen is my favorite place because there's always something cooking.

    Reading test

    Question: How does Maria change by the end of the story?

    In the story, Maria changes from a shy new student into someone who speaks up for her friends.

    Work email

    Situation: You need Friday afternoon off.

    I'm writing to ask for Friday afternoon off so I can attend my daughter's graduation.

    On a reading test, reuse words from the question. The grader sees right away that you answered it.

    Too broad, too narrow, just right

    Too broadSports are good for kids.

    Too narrowI scored two goals last Saturday.

    Just rightPlaying soccer taught me how to keep going after I make a mistake.

    Round 1: Broad, narrow or just right?

    Technology has changed the world.

    Working at my aunt's pharmacy taught me to be patient with people who are scared.

    I failed my driving test because I rolled through a stop sign.

    Music is something everyone enjoys.

    My forty-minute bus ride is where I get most of my homework done.

    Round 2: Fix the announcement

    A student wrote: "In this paragraph, I am going to tell you about my dog." Pick the best rewrite.

    Round 3: Answer the question

    Reading test: Why does the narrator decide to stay in her hometown?

    Round 4: Does the next sentence relate?

    Topic sentence: Saturday mornings at the farmers market are the best part of my week.

    Write your topic sentence

    Prompt: Write about your favorite pastime. You'll build one paragraph over the next four lessons. It saves as you type.

    Your topic sentence

    Start typing above.

    Check it:

    Lesson 3 done.

    Your progress is saved on this device.

    Next: Lesson 4, How to write an example sentence →