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

F_BROAD.txt Driver File Contents (ASManager2_6.zip)

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



Too Broad


You have learned that there are three basic types of sentences in a paragraph. Review their definitions below.

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

2. Supporting Details -- Supporting details are sentences that describe and expand on the topic of the paragraph. There may be one or more 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 activity you will practice writing topic sentences. You should try to make your topic sentences as specific as possible. If your topic sentences are broad and general, you will not be able to cover all the information in one paragraph.

Below are models that illustrate how a topic sentence that is too general can be changed into a more specific one. Following each model is an example of another topic sentence that is too broad. You will need to make it more specific.

Type your revised sentence following the <  > markers.

Example 1

Too general: I want to tell you all about being stubborn.

Better: My stubbornness gets me into trouble often.


Now it's your turn.

Too general: Some people have very bad tempers.

Better: <  >


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

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Example 2

Too general: It's fun to play in the snow.

Better: Jane and I built the largest snow person on the block.

Now it's your turn.

Too general: It's great to have a pet.

Better: <  >


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Example 3

Too general: I looked at the city from the skyscraper.

Better: From the top of the skyscraper everything looked like toys.

Now it's your turn.

Too general: I like to ride in speeding cars.

Better: <  >


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Example 4

Too general: I hate to get up in the morning.

Better: BRRRNG! The sound of my alarm clock is the worst sound in the world.

Now it's your turn.

Too general: I love to play baseball.

Better: <  >


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Writing a Paragraph

Pick one of the topic sentences you wrote and write a three- to five-sentence paragraph. 

<  >


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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.

Move, delete, and insert text as you rewrite your paragraph. When you are finished, you should have a strong topic sentence, supporting details, and a summary sentence.


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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