Topic Sentence Strategies
1. Occasion / Position Statements
An occasion / position statement begins with one of these words or phrases:
In order that - Before - As - While - Whether
Even if - If - So that - Even though - When
Until - Because - After - Whenever - Although
Even - Where - Wherever - Since - As long as - Unless - As if Though - As soon as
Occasion introduces your reason for writing.
Position states what you plan to prove or explain.
Example sentence:
Although my family and I have taken many wonderful vacations, none was more fun and exciting than our camping trip to the Grand Canyon.
2. However Statements
There are many conjunctive adverbs. Try one of these as you think about your topic. The list of conjunctive adverbs includes:
in fact - next - instead - likewise - nevertheless - meanwhile
consequently - furthermore - as a result - still - therefore - otherwise
Example sentence:
Our class enjoyed everything at the zoo; however, the monkeys were the most entertaining.
3. Power (Number) Statements
These topic sentences contain a number in the topic sentence to help to focus the writer and reader on the information to follow.
Rules For Using Power Or Number Words In A Topic Sentence
1. A power or number statement can be long or short.
2. A power or number sentence contains a number word.
3. The number or power word tells the reader that the writer will present a certain amount of information.
Helpful number words include:
Two - A few - Numerous - Plenty of - Three - Some
A number of - Four - Many - A myriad - A couple - Several - Various
Example sentences:
In the winter, I enjoy doing a variety of winter activities.
The new orchestra students learned two ways to improve their playing.
3. And, But, and Or Statements
With the coordinating conjunctions - and, but, or, nor, so, yet and for - you can easily write a topic sentence.
Always place a comma before the conjunction. Use the words BOY FANS to help you remember these conjunctions.
Example sentences:
1. Some people find it difficult to program a VCR, but most will succeed if they just remember to follow these guidelines.
2. My grandmother likes to help others, so she volunteers at church, at the hospital, and at my school.
An occasion / position statement begins with one of these words or phrases:
In order that - Before - As - While - Whether
Even if - If - So that - Even though - When
Until - Because - After - Whenever - Although
Even - Where - Wherever - Since - As long as - Unless - As if Though - As soon as
Occasion introduces your reason for writing.
Position states what you plan to prove or explain.
Example sentence:
Although my family and I have taken many wonderful vacations, none was more fun and exciting than our camping trip to the Grand Canyon.
2. However Statements
There are many conjunctive adverbs. Try one of these as you think about your topic. The list of conjunctive adverbs includes:
in fact - next - instead - likewise - nevertheless - meanwhile
consequently - furthermore - as a result - still - therefore - otherwise
Example sentence:
Our class enjoyed everything at the zoo; however, the monkeys were the most entertaining.
3. Power (Number) Statements
These topic sentences contain a number in the topic sentence to help to focus the writer and reader on the information to follow.
Rules For Using Power Or Number Words In A Topic Sentence
1. A power or number statement can be long or short.
2. A power or number sentence contains a number word.
3. The number or power word tells the reader that the writer will present a certain amount of information.
Helpful number words include:
Two - A few - Numerous - Plenty of - Three - Some
A number of - Four - Many - A myriad - A couple - Several - Various
Example sentences:
In the winter, I enjoy doing a variety of winter activities.
The new orchestra students learned two ways to improve their playing.
3. And, But, and Or Statements
With the coordinating conjunctions - and, but, or, nor, so, yet and for - you can easily write a topic sentence.
Always place a comma before the conjunction. Use the words BOY FANS to help you remember these conjunctions.
Example sentences:
1. Some people find it difficult to program a VCR, but most will succeed if they just remember to follow these guidelines.
2. My grandmother likes to help others, so she volunteers at church, at the hospital, and at my school.