THESIS STATEMENTS AND TOPIC SENTENCES



THESIS STATEMENTS AND TOPIC SENTENCES

The primary goal of all writing is the clear communication of ideas. The purpose of thesis statements and topic sentences is to prepare the reader for the information to follow. All expository paragraphs require a topic sentence and all formal essays require a clear and concise thesis statement.

A thesis statement is usually found at the end of the introductory paragraph. It may be divided or undivided.

THE DIVIDED THESIS: A divided thesis statement not only makes a statement but presents the main idea of each paragraph.

The Canucks failed to advance in the playoffs for three reasons: poor goaltending, weak back checking and pathetic coaching. {note the use of the colon}

A good lawyer must be analytical, informed and argumentative.

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THE UNDIVIDED THESIS: An undivided thesis makes a clear statement but does not specify the paragraph topics.

Many people were responsible for the Canucks’ earlier than expected exit in the playoffs.

A good lawyer must excel in many areas.

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TOPIC SENTENCES: When writing expository and persuasive paragraphs, the topic sentence prepares the reader for the upcoming content. When a paragraph is part of a formal expository essay, the topic sentence must not only prepare the reader for the content of the paragraph but must also relate the paragraph to the thesis statement. (Note that the words in bold relate the idea back to the thesis (ie. Reasons the Canucks lost)

One reason the Canucks underachieved in the playoffs was the inferior goaltending of Dan Cloutier. {Now give and explain examples of when Cloutier let the team down}

Another reason the Canucks failed to advance was that Jacques Lemaire out-coached Marc Crawford. {Note the use of intro phrases to create transition.}

The final reason the Canucks lost was that many of the forwards failed to back check

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