Topic sentences, Transitions, Conclusions

Writing Concepts

Lesson Aims

By the end of the lesson, you will be better able to:

• Understand the purpose and characteristics of strong thesis and topic sentences

• Understand the role of transition sentences in improving overall cohesion

• Use set phrases to begin a concluding paragraph

Multiple Choice

What is a thesis statement?

• A thesis statement is a list of sources used in an essay.
• A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing.
• A thesis statement is a question that the essay seeks to answer.
• A thesis statement is a personal opinion about the topic of the essay.

Thesis Sentence

The thesis is the essay's main idea/argument. It should:

• Clearly and specifically state the idea/argument

• Make a debatable claim that can be supported with evidence

  • It shouldn't be an undeniable fact

• Preview the main points that will be explored in your essay

The thesis sentence usually comes at the end of your intro.

Multiple Select

Thesis statement:

The phenomenon known as climate change is problematic.

Choose "yes" for each option/criterion that the thesis sentence above meets.

• The thesis sentence is clear and specific

• The thesis sentence makes a debateable claim that can be supported with evidence

• The thesis sentence gives the reader a high quality preview of what the essay will cover

Multiple Select

Thesis statement:

Social media has done more good than bad in our society.

Choose "yes" for each option/criterion that the thesis sentence above meets.

• The thesis sentence is clear and specific

• The thesis sentence makes a debateable claim that can be supported with evidence

• The thesis sentence gives the reader a high quality preview of what the essay will cover

Multiple Select

Thesis statement:

In this essay, I will discuss the use of plastics, why it's harmful to the environment, and explore possible solutions.

Choose "yes" for each option/criterion that the thesis sentence above meets.

• The thesis sentence is clear and specific

• The thesis sentence makes a debateable claim that can be supported with evidence

• The thesis sentence gives the reader a high quality preview of what the essay will cover

Multiple Select

Thesis statement:

Though it's a common belief that violent media negatively influences behavior, evidence suggests that violent media does not make people violent.

Choose "yes" for each option/criterion that the thesis sentence above meets.

• The thesis sentence is clear and specific

• The thesis sentence makes a debateable claim that can be supported with evidence

• The thesis sentence gives the reader a high quality preview of what the essay will cover

Open Ended

Read the paragraph below, then create an appropriate thesis sentence.

In today's digital age, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat dominate the lives of many young individuals. The Pew Research Center found that 95% of U.S. teens have access to a smartphone, leading to increased social media use. While social media use has grown substantially, the effects of its use, especially among teens, remains a mystery to the general public. ___________________

(Write a thesis sentence on the impact of excessive social media usage on youth's self-esteem.)

Open Ended

Read the paragraph below, then create an appropriate thesis sentence.

Technology has significantly transformed the education sector. Online learning platforms now provide courses for all age groups, from young learners to adults. A report from Inside Higher Ed highlighted that over 30% of college students in the U.S. took at least one online course in 2019. While the online education continues to grow, many critics argue that these platforms lack the depth and interpersonal interaction of traditional classroom settings. _____________

(Write a thesis sentence discussing the advantages of online learning.)

Multiple Choice

What is a topic sentence?

• The sentence that concludes an essay by restating the thesis.

• A sentence that connects the main idea of a body paragraph to the essay's thesis.

• A sentence that introduces the whole essay's main argument and presents evidence.

• The sentence that comes after the concluding paragraph and provides additional information.

Topic Sentences

A topic sentence is like a mini-thesis. It should:

• Clearly state the main idea of the paragraph

• Focus on one idea only

• Support your thesis sentence

• Make a debatable claim that can be supported with evidence

Multiple Select

Thesis: Watching violent movies and playing violent games doesn't make you a violent person.

Topic sentence: Research has shown that there is no correlation between consumption of violent media and increased violent acts.

Choose "yes" for each option/criterion that the topic sentence above meets.

• The topic sentence clearly states the main idea of the paragraph

• The topic sentence focuses on one idea only

• The topic sentence directly and effectively supports the original thesis statement

• The topic sentence is debateable and can be supported with evidece

Multiple Select

Thesis: Climate change is a global issue that affects us all.

Topic sentence: The weather has been horrible lately.

Choose "yes" for each option/criterion that the topic sentence above meets.

• The topic sentence clearly states the main idea of the paragraph

• The topic sentence focuses on one idea only

• The topic sentence directly and effectively supports the original thesis statement

• The topic sentence is debateable and can be supported with evidece

Multiple Select

Thesis: Online learning is a good alternative to traditional physical classes.

Topic sentence: In this essay, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online learning.

Choose "yes" for each option/criterion that the topic sentence above meets.

• The topic sentence clearly states the main idea of the paragraph

• The topic sentence focuses on one idea only

• The topic sentence directly and effectively supports the original thesis statement

• The topic sentence is debateable and can be supported with evidece

Multiple Select

Thesis: Countries should not use the death penalty to punish criminals.

Topic sentence: In past cases, innocent people have been wrongfully executed for crimes that they didn't commit.

Choose "yes" for each option/criterion that the topic sentence above meets.

• The topic sentence clearly states the main idea of the paragraph

• The topic sentence focuses on one idea only

• The topic sentence directly and effectively supports the original thesis statement

• The topic sentence is debateable and can be supported with evidece

Multiple Select

Thesis: Social media has done more good than bad in our society.

Topic sentence: Many people think TikTok videos are really funny.

Choose "yes" for each option/criterion that the topic sentence above meets.

• The topic sentence clearly states the main idea of the paragraph

• The topic sentence focuses on one idea only

• The topic sentence directly and effectively supports the original thesis statement

• The topic sentence is debateable and can be supported with evidece

Topic Sentences

The next 2 topic sentences we're going to look at were written by some of you. Let's rewrite them to improve them.

Open Ended

Rewrite the topic sentence below.

Original Thesis: In my opinion, watching violent media doesn't cause people to do violent things.

Original Topic sentence: Nowadays, there is an abundance of violence in media.

Open Ended

Rewrite the topic sentence below.

Original Thesis: In my opinion, the main purpose of school is to teach students how to become good citizens.

Original Topic sentence: Schools can help us learn about the law.

Next:
Transition Sentences

Multiple Choice

What is a transition sentence?

• The sentence that concludes an essay by restating the thesis.

• A sentence that connects the main idea of a body paragraph to the essay's thesis.

• A sentence that connects one paragraph to the next, making the essay clear and cohesive.

• A sentence that introduces the whole essay's main argument and presents evidence.

Transition Sentences

A transition sentence connects one paragraph to the next. It should:

• Clearly signal the end of one paragraph and the beginning of the next

• Show how the two paragraphs are connected

• Use transitional phrases such as "in addition," "however," "though," "nevertheless," and other similar phrases

Multiple Select

Body paragraph 1: Exercise improves your brain and body health.

Body paragraph 2: Exercise makes you feel happier.

In addition to improving your health, exercise also improves your mood, making you feel happier.

• The transition sentence clearly signals the ending of one paragraph and the beginning of the next

• The transition sentence shows how the two paragraphs are connected

• The transition sentence uses transitional phrases such as "in addition," "however," "though," "nevertheless," and other similar phrases

• None of the other choices are correct

Multiple Select

Body paragraph 1: The cost of living in big cities is very high.

Body paragraph 2: There are many job opportunities in big cities.

Transition sentence: There are many reasons why people choose to live in big cities.

• The transition sentence clearly signals the ending of one paragraph and the beginning of the next

• The transition sentence shows how the two paragraphs are connected

• The transition sentence uses transitional phrases such as "in addition," "however," "though," "nevertheless," and other similar phrases

• None of the other choices are correct

Multiple Select

Body paragraph 1: Dogs require daily exercise and socialization.

Body paragraph 2: Dogs need proper nutrition.

Transition sentence: Another important aspect of caring for a dog is providing them with nutritious food.

• The transition sentence clearly signals the ending of one paragraph and the beginning of the next

• The transition sentence shows how the two paragraphs are connected

• The transition sentence uses transitional phrases such as "in addition," "however," "though," "nevertheless," and other similar phrases

• None of the other choices are correct

Multiple Select

Body paragraph 1: The benefits of meditation include stress reduction and improved mental clarity.

Body paragraph 2: Meditation has been shown to improve physical health.

Transition sentence: Next, we will discuss the physical benefits of meditation.

• The transition sentence clearly signals the ending of one paragraph and the beginning of the next

• The transition sentence shows how the two paragraphs are connected

• The transition sentence uses transitional phrases such as "in addition," "however," "though," "nevertheless," and other similar phrases

• None of the other choices are correct

Open Ended

Write a transition sentence based on the topics below.

Paragraph 1: One school greatly improved its overall test scores by improving its P.E. classes.

Paragraph 2: Research overwhelmingly supports the positive correlation between exercise and academic achievement.

Conclusions

Ways you can begin your conclusion:

• In conclusion,

• To sum it up,

• To conclude,

• To reiterate,

• Overall,