Choose topic sentences for narrative paragraphs
key notes:
1. What is a Topic Sentence?
- A topic sentence is the sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is mainly about.
- It sets the stage for the rest of the paragraph.
- The topic sentence usually comes at the beginning of the paragraph. Example:
- “I had the best day at the park yesterday.” (This introduces the main idea of the paragraph.)
2. What is a Narrative Paragraph?
- A narrative paragraph tells a story or describes an event in the order it happens.
- It has a beginning, middle, and end, and is often written in chronological order.
- The topic sentence introduces the event or the main idea of the story. Example:
- “Last Saturday, my family went on a fun picnic by the lake.”
3. Choosing the Right Topic Sentence:
- The topic sentence should be clear and related to the story.
- It should give a hint about what the paragraph will describe or explain.
- Ask yourself: “What is the main event or focus of the story?” Example:
- If the paragraph is about how you won a race, a good topic sentence might be: “Winning my first race was an unforgettable experience.”
4. Avoiding Off-Topic Sentences:
- The topic sentence should not include details that do not fit the main story.
- It should not be too broad or unrelated to the events in the paragraph. Example:
- Wrong: “I love ice cream.” (This doesn’t relate to a story about winning a race.)
- Right: “The race was tough, but I kept running as fast as I could.”
5. How to Recognize a Strong Topic Sentence:
- A strong topic sentence makes you want to read more to find out what happens next.
- It should connect with the other sentences that follow in the paragraph. Example:
- “My trip to the beach turned into an exciting adventure when I found a mysterious seashell.”
6. Examples of Good Topic Sentences:
- For a paragraph about a trip: “Our visit to the zoo was filled with exciting animal encounters.”
- For a paragraph about a birthday party: “My 8th birthday party was the most fun I’ve ever had!”
- For a paragraph about a new pet: “Getting my new puppy was the happiest moment of my week.”
7. Why is the Topic Sentence Important?
- The topic sentence helps the reader know what to expect in the paragraph.
- It gives the story a focus and helps make the writing clearer.
let’s practice!