Writing Skills #2

Topic Sentence and Details

A Topic Sentence of a paragraph is the main idea or focus of the paragraph. It is a statement and not a question, and it consists of clear, specific wording. A big no-no is DO NOT STATE “IN THIS ESSAY, I AM GOING TO EXPLAIN, I WILL TALK ABOUT THE FOLLOWING, ETC.”

For example, War is caused by a simple disagreement that leads to massive destruction that may never be forgotten or forgiven.

Supporting Details consist of examples and explanation to thoroughly develop the topic sentence.

For example, based on the topic sentence listed above, one could tie the statement to “The Sniper” and provide explanation on the Irish Civil War and how it split the military group as well as family and friends. An example sentence could focus on the Republican sniper finding out he killed his brother. The end of the paragraph could be explanation sentences of how his other family members would react as well as what his emotional state and future would be like.

The Closing Statement of the paragraph would creatively wrap-up the main point. This statement should not be identical to the main point; however, it should definitely tie in or connect to the main point.

You could close with a rhetorical question (a question that has an implied answer or doesn’t require an answer because it is automatically known—If you do not turn in this assignment, do you think you will receive a passing grade?)

You could end with an impacting statement that gets the reader thinking.

Your assignment is to choose ONE of the following and use the techniques listed above to craft a well-developed paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing statement. 1-2 paragraphs of 5-7 sentences. This is to be typed following proper MLA style.

This is due Monday, September 16, 2013

Choice 1: Write a persuasive response on whether war truly is necessary. Choose one side, either yes or no, and provide historical examples and persuasive explanation. Do not be on the fence.

Choice 2: Write a response on what effects, permanent or temporary, being involved in a war has on a soldier and how war affects him/her in his/her home life and future. Still write this in 3rd person for a stronger impact.

Choice 3: If the soldier in “The Sniper” went home and confessed the truth to his mother, what do you think would be the outcome? Be very explanatory and in 3rd person.

Choice 4: Being a soldier and doing whatever it takes for your country or your side is a choice; you choose this life. Could you choose this life, even if it means killing people and possibly hurting those close to you? Explain. This is the only choice that may be in 1st person.

2nd Writing Student Name: ______

I. Spelling/Punctuation: ____

4 = 0-2 errors; 3-2 = 3-4 errors 1 = 5 errors 0 = More than 5 errors

II. MLA: ___

5 = 0-1 error; 4-3 = 2-3 errors 2-1 = 4-5 errors 0 = More than 5 errors

III. Topic Sentence

3 = states main idea precisely and clearly 2/1 = main idea decently stated 0 = no main idea or uses poor wording or 1st/2nd person

IV. Details

6 = well developed examples and explanation with varied vocabulary and strong sentence structure

5-4 = provides details with decent vocabulary and sentence fluency 3-2 = some details are included but weak or repetitive vocab and structure

1 = barely developed with weak vocabulary and sentence structure 0 = no details or too many fragmented or broken flow

V. Closing Statement/ Wrap-Up/ Clincher

2 = Effective wrap-up; creative; insightful 1 = Closes paragraph 0 = No closing

Total Out of 20 Points: ___ Percentage: ___ Letter Grade: ___