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The Topic Sentence Outline

A topic sentence outline for the 500 word paper usually includes

the thesis sentence or conclusion of the theme
the topic sentences or conclusions of each paragraph of development

Here is an acceptable example:

Thesis: Our vacation to the Keys was disappointing.

TS#1: Prices were much higher than we expected.

TS#2: Binge drinking led to serious trouble.

TS#3: Luck was against us.

Obey these requirements of suitable topic sentences: no fragments, no facts, no vague opinions, not too narrow, not too broad. Here are some unacceptable examples:

Thesis: Problems during our vacation to the Keys
TS#1: high prices

TS#2: binge drinking

TS#3: bad luck

(This represents logical arrangement but all are fragments)

Thesis: Our vacation to the Keys was disappointing.
TS#1: The price of our motel room was outrageous.

(Too narrow: can discuss only the room and no other prices)

TS#2: Then we went out to party.

(A fact offering no conclusion)

TS#3: Frustration seemed to follow us everywhere.

(Overlaps TS#1 and TS#2: A topic sentence cannot repeat the thesis; it must set up a sub-division.)

Thesis: Our trip to the Keys was the world’s worst vacation.
(Unnecessary exaggeration)

TS#1: It all started as soon as we arrived on Friday.

(“It all started” is too vague for emphasis)

TS#2: When we got up Saturday morning we thought our troubles were behind us.

(Conclusion is only implied)

TS#3: We encountered more problems before we left on Sunday.

(Time arrangement of one paragraph each for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday imposes no organization at all on the information)

Thesis: Our vacation in the Keys was indescribable.
(Conclusion is vague: The trip could have been wonderful or awful)

TS#1: Packing the right stuff and loading the car was a hassle.

(This could be part of the opening, but it is irrelevant to the Keys experience.)

TS#2: You wouldn’t believe the prices.

(No conclusion and the fact is exaggerated)

TS#3: You wouldn’t believe the kind of luck we had.

(Conclusion is vague: luck could be good or bad)

Thesis: Our vacation to the Keys was disappointing.
TS#1: We spent much more than we expected.

(So far it’s OK.)

TS#2: Binge drinking was expensive and led to trouble.

(Overlaps TS#1 and offers two conclusions)

TS#3: Nothing turned out the way we wanted it to.

(A topic sentence cannot repeat the thesis)

Last updated 9/18/06

This document is protected by copyright. It may be used and reproduced only for non-profit educational use.