What is the difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement?

• A topic sentence is used in academic writing, while a thesis statement is used in creative writing.

• A topic sentence is found in the middle of a paragraph, while a thesis statement is found at the end of a paragraph.

• A topic sentence is the main idea for one paragraph, but a thesis statement guides the whole essay.

• A topic sentence is broad, and a thesis statement is specific.

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E1.7D.i

E1.7D.ii

Organize these options into the right categories

Groups:

(a) Strong Thesis

,

(b) Weak Thesis

• It touches on multiple topics in the essay

• Unclear

• You state a fact (ie. German Shepherds are dogs.)

• You can argue about it (ie. German Shepherds are the best dogs.)

• General

• Clear

• It focuses on one topic in the essay

• You can support it with text evidence

Rank the following thesis statements in order of their strength (1 is the weakest and 3 is the strongest)

• TikTok's rapid rise in popularity among teenagers is contributing to changes in their social interaction, attention spans, and self-expression.

• Many teenagers use TikTok, and it impacts them in various ways.

• TikTok has both positive and negative influences on teenagers, depending on how they use the app

Answer explanation

"TikTok's rapid rise in popularity among teenagers is contributing to changes in their social interaction, attention spans, and self-expression."

Thesis Statement #3 is the strongest because it is specific, focusing on changes in social interaction, attention spans, and self-expression, and it provides a clear direction for the essay.

"Teenagers spend a lot of time on TikTok, which can be good or bad for them."

Thesis Statement #2 is relatively weak as it acknowledges positive and negative influences but lacks specificity and a clear argument.

"Many teenagers use TikTok, and it impacts them in various ways."

Thesis Statement #1 is the weakest because it is vague and overly general, providing no specific details or direction for the essay.

What is the purpose of a topic sentence?

• The purpose of a topic sentence is to conclude the paragraph.

• The purpose of a topic sentence is to summarize the entire essay.

• The purpose of a topic sentence is to provide supporting details for the main idea.

• The purpose of a topic sentence is to introduce the main idea or focus of a paragraph.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'The purpose of a topic sentence is to introduce the main idea or focus of a paragraph.' This is because a topic sentence serves as an introduction to the main idea or theme of the paragraph, guiding the reader through the text. It doesn't conclude the paragraph, summarize the entire essay, or provide supporting details for the main idea.

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E1.7D.ii

E1.7D.i

Here is a topic sentence: "TikTok's rapid popularity among teenagers is reshaping their social interactions, introducing new relationships and redefining how they connect with peers." What is the main idea of this topic sentence's PARAGRAPH?​ ​ (a)  

• Social interactions
• Attention spans
• Mental health
• Self-expression

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

This is a sample ECR response for the prompt: What does the author’s language in paragraph 8 of the excerpt suggest about Grandma? Support your answer with evidence from the excerpt.

1) Box in the thesis statement.

2) Underline the TWO topic sentences

Answer explanation

This a 5-point ECR response!

The thesis statement is "Katie has been reminded that taking a break once in a while from work to look around one's amazing surroundings can be really rewarding as you soak in the relaxing beauty of it all."

• - This sets up the main idea of this paper, which is taking a break from work and enjoying what is around you can be relaxing and rewarding.

Topic sentence 1 is "From paragraphs 5 to 10, Katie's grandmother expresses the sadness of when she missed the fireflies' departure from her home."

• - This sets up the main idea of this paragraph, which is that the fireflies leaving made the grandma sad.

• - This also supports the THESIS because the grandma came to her realization about needing to take breaks and enjoying her surroundings BECAUSE she was sad about the fireflies leaving.

Topic sentence 2 is "As she realizes this, she recalls memories of the past when she would see all the plants and animals by her farm. Katie's grandmother longs to experience this dearly once again."

• - This sets up the main idea of this paragraph, which is that the grandma is nostalgic/misses her past.

• - This also supports the THESIS because the grandma came to her realization about needing to take breaks and enjoying her surroundings BECAUSE she was nostalgic/misses her past.

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E1.7D.i

E1.7D.ii

If you could rate yourself on a scale from 1-5 (1 being I don't know anything and 5 being I should be the teacher) about how well you understand thesis and topic statements, what would you rate yourself? Why do you rate yourself this? Provide some evidence!

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2