1. ASManager2_6.zip Driver
2. B_START.txt File Contents

B_START.txt Driver File Contents (ASManager2_6.zip)

Name: <  >
Class: <  >
Date: <  >

Good Start



Your goal in working through the files on this disk is to be able to write a good paragraph. A strong, well-ordered paragraph usually has three characteristics:

1. Topic Sentence -- The topic sentence contains the one main idea of the paragraph. The topic sentence is usually the very first sentence in the paragraph.

2. Supporting Details -- Supporting details are sentences that expand on the topic of the paragraph. A paragraph may have one or several supporting details.

3. Summary Sentence -- The summary sentence is usually the last sentence in a paragraph. It ties together the ideas expressed in the paragraph.

In this file you will practice writing topic sentences. Later on you will practice adding supporting details and writing good summary sentences.


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Topic Sentences

A topic sentence contains two basic parts: a subject and an important comment about that subject. Below are models of topic sentences followed by sentences for you to complete. Type in your sentences following the marker.

Sample 1

Subject: Clouds
Comment: They're floating, drifting, aimless.

Topic Sentence: The clouds drifted aimlessly across the sky, floating like homeless children in search of shelter.

Now it's your turn! In this exercise, your subject is rain.

Subject: Rain
Comment: It's pouring, soaking, drenching.

Write your topic sentence here:

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Name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)

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Sample 2


Subject: Meadow
Comment: Soft breeze

Topic Sentence: A soft summer breeze teased the flowers in the meadow.

Now it's your turn.

Subject: Hallway after school
Comment: A silent, empty feeling

Write your topic sentence here:

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Sample 3

Subject: The diary
Comment: Someone read Julie's diary while she was gone.

Topic Sentence: "My diary! I never leave it out on my bed! Someone has been reading it!" screamed Julie as she opened the door to her bedroom.

Now it's your turn.

Subject: Dad's tools
Comment: Mark isn't supposed to use them, but . . .

Write your topic sentence here: (Try using a quote!)

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Sample 4

Subject: A ride on a motorcycle
Comment: It's wild and windy.

Topic Sentence: I'll never forget the day Uncle John took me for a wild, windy ride on his motorcycle.

Now it's your turn.

Subject: The lady who takes your money in the lunchroom
Comment: She's forgetful and gives you the wrong change.

Write your topic sentence here:

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Sample 5

Subject: Studying for a big test
Comment: Rosa is tired and nervous.

Topic Sentence: Rosa, tired and nervous, is studying for a big test.

Now it's your turn.

Subject: Riding a horse down a cobblestone lane
Comment: There are clicking, echoing sounds.

Write your topic sentence here:

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Writing a Paragraph

Pick one of the topic sentences you wrote above, then write three to five sentences on that topic. You can scroll back to the sentence and make a copy below, or you can simply retype the sentence.

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Rewrite/Edit

Look back at the paragraph you just wrote. Do all the ideas develop, explain, or support the topic sentence?

Now check for a summary sentence. Does your final sentence hold the paragraph together by restating the main idea or drawing a conclusion? Have your partner or a friend read the paragraph to make sure everything fits together.

Use the space below to rewrite your paragraph. When you are finished, you should have a strong topic sentence, supporting details, and a good summary sentence. You may scroll back to your paragraph and make a copy below, or retype it.

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If you haven't done so already, name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)

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end of activity
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