3/24

Today we spent a lot of time working on topic sentences.  Topic sentences are a lot like thesis statements in that they both set up the direction and point of what you are writing.  The thesis does this for an entire essay, and the topic sentence does this for individual paragraphs.  

When building a topic sentence, it is useful to consider the general formula:

Topic + Main Idea/Point = Topic Sentence

So, for example, if I am writing an essay about how to use the class blog that has a working thesis of, "Knowing how to use the class blog can really help you succeed in class," I will want to actually refer back to this thesis in creating my topic sentences.  As we said in class, it is really beneficial to look back at the thesis to figure out what direction each paragraph must take in order to give full support of that thesis.  

Thesis: Knowing how to use the class blog can really help you succeed in class

Topic Sentence 1: First you will need to log on to the blog 

In this paragraph, the only stuff I will be writing about is actually logging on to the blog.  I could talk about accessing through BB or by typing the address into my address bar.  What else do you think will fit into this paragraph?

Topic Sentence 2: After you log on, you will want to read and process the information

In this paragraph, I would discuss the information and how it is packaged on the blog.   I would also explain how to go about finding the information for a particular day and how to read the notes in comparison with class notes.  

Topic Sentence 3: Finally, you will want to access any links to extra homework and practice.

Again, in this section, I would focus on explaining to readers how to use the links, how to click on them and how to print up or write out the work.  I might also include a brief how-to about where you can go for extra help on the work (Sarah, me).  

Conclusion: 1)Rephrase the thesis, "Understanding how to use a class blog can make a big difference in your education."  2)Restate/phrase topic sentences/main points.  3)End on a good closing thought.

So, you see how you can use topic sentences to help you control the flow of thoughts as well as to help you organize your ideas.  For more on topic sentences, click here.  

We also went over "minor" punctuation marks.  We did part D of EG chapter 36.  

1).  The colon :  is used for three reasons, to set up a long list, to separate the hour from the minute, and to separate the book from the verse in holy works.  

2).  Parentheses ( ) is used to de-emphasize added bits of information in a sentence

3).  The dash -- is used to emphasize added bits of information in a sentence.  

For extra practice, I suggest checking out the OWL site from Purdue University.