Theme Writing - Northern Illinois University



Theme Writing

Instructional Steps-(as with all learning strategies).

Theme-is a long paper consisting of several paragraphs that are tied together in some way. Their length can be anywhere from 3-4-5 paragraphs or up to 50 pages.

Prerequisite Skills- COPS strategy, sentence writing strategy (most types of sentences), and paragraph writing strategy.

Parts of a theme:

Title- (just like in a paragraph)

Introduction- (introductory paragraphs)

Body- several paragraphs (detail paragraphs)

Conclusion- one paragraph (concluding paragraph)

Title-discuss catchy titles, should name the subject of the theme and grab the reader’s attention.

Introductory Paragraph- tells main idea or topic of theme, includes the thesis statement-(like specific topic sentence).

Detail Paragraphs- form the body of the theme. Each paragraph covers a group of details related to each other. Each contains a topic / transition sentence that tells what the paragraph is about (topic sentence).

Concluding Paragraph- reminds the reader what the theme covered and makes the reader think more of the topic.

Theme Writing

Tower Strategy (see handout of form)

T = Think-think about the topic and what you can say about it- discuss brainstorming, etc. Ask yourself who, what, where, when, why, which and how questions on the chosen topic.

O = Organize-introduce TOWER diagram. Write the topic that is assigned in the topic box at the top of the diagram and write in the subtopics or main ideas of the theme. Remember, subtopics should be related to the topic and relate to each other and the topic in a similar way.

W = Write the draft (rough draft).

E = Evaluate it- check for all the parts.

R = Refine it- Edit, use COPS or other editing strategies.

Introductory Paragraph

• First paragraph of the theme-grabs reader’s attention, gives reader a preview of what is in the rest of the theme, and makes the reader want to read more.

Parts of an Introductory Paragraph

• A topic sentence- names the topic and grabs reader’s attention-usually a general statement.

• Some detail sentences- provide information about the topic.

• Thesis statement- tells reader something about the rest of the theme, introduces the theme topic, names the subtopics, and leads into the rest of the theme in a smooth way.

• Ways to start an introductory paragraph (use definitions, use descriptive information, use short story or anecdote, use a setting / scene descriptions, use historical facts / events, use exciting details, use quotes, use a warning, use a problem or question, use provocative statement)

Detail Paragraph

• Covers information related to a subtopic

• Helps to form the body of the theme

• Parts include:

o Topic / Transition sentence

o Lead off sentences

o Follow-up sentences

• Should also

o Include a variety of sentence types

o Follow the order on your outline or TOWER diagram

Concluding Paragraph

• Closes the theme

• Reviews the information in the theme

• Makes the reader think more about the theme

• Parts

o Concluding transition sentence (In conclusion, In summary, etc.)

o Detail sentences

o Clincher sentence (last sentence in the theme, closes the theme, summarizes the details OR restates the main message)

• Options for the Concluding Paragraph

o Summary

o Suggestions

o Moral

o Opinions

o Cautions

o Combinations

One pattern for the concluding paragraph

a. Concluding transition sentence

b. Sentence about subtopic 1

c. Sentence about subtopic 2

d. Sentence about subtopic 3

e. Clincher sentence

• Another pattern for the concluding paragraph

a. Concluding transition sentence

b. Lead-off sentence

c. Follow-up sentence

d. Lead-off sentence

e. Follow-up sentence

f. Clincher sentence

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