1. Module 5 Topic 2: Supporting your Topic Sentence

2. Completeness In Module 3, we learned that a Characteristic of Good Writing is completeness. A paragraph has completeness when there are sufficient details and examples to support the topic sentence. As we previously discussed, the body of the paragraph must convince the reader of your key points through details and examples.

3. Supporting the Topic Sentence Detail Sentences Introduce each major supporting idea with a transition word or a prepositional phrase. This helps the reader recognize the start of a new point. Use 2-3 detail sentences to further describe each major supporting idea. Example Sentences In addition to a detail sentence, provide an example to further support the major idea. Examples can include: possible risks if certain actions are not taken past experiences industry best practices

4. Concluding Sentences There are several options for a concluding sentence. 1) Restatement of the topic sentence, but expressed differently. DO NOT simply rewrite the same topic sentence. 2) Summary of the paragraph Make sure to include all of the major supporting ideas 3) Closing thought: Leave the reader with something to think about. Transitions can be used to introduce the concluding sentence, but are not necessary.

5. Now let’s apply what we know… Step 1. Download and read the next mini-case study. Take some notes on a separate piece of paper. Step 2: Prepare your outline and first draft.Be sure that it includes a clear topic sentence, major and minor supporting ideas, and a concluding sentence. Underline the topic sentence Number your major supporting ideas Underline the concluding sentence Step 3: Read each sentence and check that you are using mostly complex sentences. Step 4: Add transition words to connectindependent sentences. Step 5: When you are done with the assignment, look for the link to upload the document or email it to me directly.

6. Things to remember… Make sure that your assignment is in paragraph format. Do NOT bullet any information. Your response should be written as a memorandum to the CEO of the company. A paragraph should include enough details to support the topic sentence. You need to persuade the reader to hire you. Provide examples of what might go wrong if they do not hire you. Make sure you have a clear topic sentence that includes the topic and controlling idea. Be clear about your controlling idea. Why should you be hired? Each major supporting idea must be different. Each major supporting idea should be supported by 2-3minor supporting details or examples. The concluding sentence SHOULD NOT introduce any new ideas.

7. Practice… Practice… Practice... I understand that you are very busy, and realize that you would show the most improvement if we focused your time on the writing assignments for this course. That is where you will get the most practice and receive the best feedback. Work on applying what we have learned in each module to that week’s writing assignments. For example, work on using conditionals in this module’s case study. Thank you for the hard work! ~ Dina

8. Click below to access this week’s writing assignments….