Thesis Statements vs. Topic Sentences

Which of these are true about Topic Sentences?

• Summarizes the main argument of the whole essay.

• 1 sentence.

• Found at the beginning of a body paragraph.

• Introduces the central idea of the paragraph and ties back to the thesis.

• Should be clear, debatable, and provide 2-3 reasons.

Which of these are true about Thesis Statement?

• Summarizes the main argument of the whole essay.

• Found at the end of an introductory paragraph.

• Found at the beginning of a body paragraph.

• Introduces the central idea of the paragraph and ties back to the thesis.

• Should be clear, debatable, and provide 2-3 reasons.

Read the sentence below. Is it a Thesis Statement or Topic Sentence?

Selective editing also plays a major role in shaping how reality TV shows are perceived by viewers.

• Thesis Statemdnt

• Topic Sentence

Read the sentence below. Is it a Thesis Statement or Topic Sentence?

Reality TV shows often claim to depict real life, but they actually present a distorted version of reality by using scripted scenes, exaggerated drama, and selective editing to entertain viewers.

• Thesis Statemdnt

• Topic Sentence

Read the body paragraph below. Which sentence can be used as the topic sentence?

Producers often place people with clashing personalities in stressful situations, knowing it will likely cause arguments or tension. Even small disagreements are edited and presented as major conflicts, often with dramatic music and intense camera angles to heighten the moment. This over-the-top drama creates the false impression that everyday life is filled with constant conflict and chaos, which is far from the truth for most people. In reality, most people experience disagreements calmly and privately, not in front of cameras.

• Reality TV shows are filmed in a variety of locations to keep things interesting for the viewers.

• Some reality shows include competitions that test people's skills and endurance.

• Another way reality shows distort real life is by exaggerating drama between cast members to keep the audience entertained.

• Cast members often wear microphones so that producers can hear everything they say.

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Which of the following sentences is the best example of a thesis statement?

• Pineapple adds a sweet and tangy contrast that balances the salty flavors of traditional pizza toppings like ham or bacon.

• While some people find it controversial, pineapple on pizza can be a delicious and satisfying combination when paired with the right ingredients.

• Some people believe fruit doesn’t belong on savory foods, especially when it comes to pizza.

• The dough used in most pizza crusts is made from flour, yeast, and water.

Which of the following sentences is the best example of a topic sentence?

• Lowering the voting age would give teenagers a voice in decisions that directly impact their future, such as climate change and education policy.

• Many believe the voting age should stay at 18, but there are strong arguments for allowing younger people to participate in elections.

• The legal voting age has been debated for decades, with some arguing that 16-year-olds are mature enough to vote responsibly.

• The Constitution was written in 1787 and outlines the structure of the federal government.

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When writing a body paragraph, we typically use the RACE strategy.

R = Restate

A = Answer

C = Cite Evidence

E = Elaborate/Explain

Within a topic sentence you typically -

• A. Restate the question

• B. Answer the question

• C. Cite the Evidence

• D. Elaborate/ Explain the evidence

• A & B

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Read the following paragraph. Is it an introduction or body paragraph?

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is quickly becoming a major part of everyday life. From voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to personalized recommendations on streaming platforms, AI is changing how people interact with technology. It is used in education, healthcare, transportation, and even creative fields like art and music. As AI continues to grow, it’s important to understand the impact it has on society and how it can shape our future. AI is important because it increases efficiency, helps solve complex problems, and improves the quality of life in many areas of society.

• Introduction

• Body Paragraph

Read the following paragraph again. Which sentence would be the Thesis Statement?

(1) Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is quickly becoming a major part of everyday life. (2) From voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to personalized recommendations on streaming platforms, AI is changing how people interact with technology. (3) It is used in education, healthcare, transportation, and even creative fields like art and music. (4) As AI continues to grow, it’s important to understand the impact it has on society and how it can shape our future. (5) AI is important because it increases efficiency, helps solve complex problems, and improves the quality of life in many areas of society.

• Sentence 1

• Sentence 2

• Sentence 3

• Sentence 4

• Sentence 5

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