Topic Sentence or Paragraph Leader

• It is usually the first sentence which presents the main idea of your
paragraph.
• It is often short, clear, simple and to the point.
• It is followed by explanations, reasons and examples which support the
topic.
The topic sentence must connect to the main body of
the paragraph
Many fast-food chains make their profits from adding
a special ingredient called “forget sauce” to their
foods. Made largely from edible
oil products, this condiment is never listed on the menu. In addition, this well-
kept industry secret is the reason why ingredients are never listed on
the packaging of victuals sold by these restaurants. ‘Forget sauce’ has a
chemical property which causes temporary amnesia in consumers. After

spending too much money on barely edible food bereft of

any nutritional value, most consumers swear they will never repeat such a
disagreeable
experience. Within a short period, however, the chemical in ‘forget sauce’ takes
effect, and they can be depended upon to return and spend, older
but no wiser.
Analysis of the paragraph:
Look at how the topic sentence links to ideas developed in the paragraph.
Many fast food chains make their profits from adding a special
ingredient called ‘forget sauce’ to their foods
Made from largely edible oil products, this condiment is never listed on the
menu
In addition, this well kept industry secret is the reason why ingredients are
never listed on the packaging of products sold by these restaurants.
Forget sauce has a chemical property which causes temporary amnesia in
consumers.
After spending too much money on barely edible food bereft of any nutritional
value, most consumers swear they will never repeat such a disagreeable
experience.
Within a short period, however, the chemical in forget sauce takes effect, and
they can be depended upon return and spend, older but no wiser
Source: http://www.writingcentre.uottawa.ca/hypergrammar/partopic.html

How to Write a Hook

How to Write a Hook

A hook is an opening statement (which is usually the first sentence) in an essay that attempts to grab
the reader’s attention so that they want to read on.

It can be done by using a few different types of hooks, which are a question, quote, statistic, or
anecdote. Be mindful that the hook has to be related to the overall topic of the paper. Here are a few
examples of each type of hook.

Question Hook

A question hook is when you ask the reader something that they can visualize and try to think of in their
own minds. Then, the writer answers the question.

Example: Have you ever watched the high-flying, jump shooting, slam dunking, ankle breaking players
that play in the NBA? Every time I catch a game on television and I witness the thrill of the game, I can’t
help but watch another one.

Quotation Hook

A quotation hook is when a quote is used and explained that has relevance to the topic at hand. Make
sure this quote comes from a credible source. Also, talk about the quote’s meaning afterwards to ensure
that the reader isn’t confused.

Example: “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen” said
Michael Jordan, arguably the best player to ever play in the NBA. Here, Jordan talks about how people
want, dream, wish, and pray that they will one day make it to the big stage. These are usually the people
that never make it. It is only when these dreamers and wishers take matters into their own hands and
strive to be the best that they actually get to play professional basketball in the NBA.

Statistic Hook

A statistic hook can be used for more informational pieces of writing. The writer uses a quote from a
source that relates to the main idea of the paper, but the quote must have some type of statistics, such
as numbers, decimals, or and/or percentages. The meaning and relationship of the quote to the paper
needs to be explained afterwards just in case the reader does not quite understand

Example: “Just 0.00545 percent of the 550,000 boys playing high school basketball each year in the
United States become a first-round draft pick — 1 in 18,333” stated Jeff Rabjohns, a writer for The
Indianapolis Star, in an article titled “Prep players face long odds of making it to NBA.” Basically, only a
few high school players will make it to the NBA. Even though there are many that strive, play, train,
practice, and fight to be great, a huge majority of them do not make it.

Anecdotal Hook

When a writer uses a short story to relate to the topic and gain the reader’s attention, they are using an
anecdote. This story can be a short, personal story or one that is a figment of your imagination. Make
sure that it relates to the main idea of the paper. Show the relevance that it has to the topic of the
paper.

Example: When I was in high school, I remember playing in an AAU basketball league. We had to travel
to downtown Philadelphia on the weekends for basketball practice. Each and every time we had
basketball practice (which was at 8 a.m.), there was a boy around my age in the gym by the time we
arrived. He was always covered in sweat, throwing up shots, practicing his layups, practicing his
dribbling, and running laps around the gym. He was in such great shape. One day, I mustered up the
courage to ask his about his ambitions, and he told me that he gets up at 5:30 a.m. to go to the gym and
practice hard until my team comes in for practice. A few years later, this guy was entering the NBA draft
from high school. When I saw him get drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, I knew exactly why. All that
hard work had paid off for him. This is the hard work ethics and mindset that everyone that wants to
make it to the NBA should have

https://www.esu.edu/writing-studio/guides/hook.cfm

Q: What is a topic sentence?

A: Think of a topic sentence as the main idea of a
paragraph. By reading a topic sentence, your reader
knows exactly what your paragraph is about because the
topic sentence tells him exactly what to expect.
Q: In what part of the paragraph is a topic sentence located?
A: Since the topic sentence tells the reader what a
paragraph is about, the topic sentence is always the first
sentence of a paragraph.
Q: What should I include when I write a topic sentence?
A: Generally, you should include two things when writing
a topic sentence:
 • A topic (what you’re writing about)
• Ideas (your opinions about your topic)
Example: The key to being a successful student is taking ownership of your own
education.
In this example, the topic is what it takes in order for a
person to be a successful student. The idea is that in
order to be a successful student, one needs to take
ownership of his own education.
Example: Investing money in the stock market can be risky business.
In this example, the topic is investing money in the stock
market. The idea is that by investing money, one takes
on certain risks.
Example: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes exercising and keeping a balanced
diet.
In this example, the topic is maintaining a healthy
lifestyle. The idea is that a healthy lifestyle includes
exercise and diet.
Q: Does every sentence in a paragraph after the topic sentence have to relate to the
topic sentence?
A: Yes! Once you write a topic sentence, every single
sentence in that paragraph needs to relate clearly to the
topic sentence. Try doing it this way: after you write
each sentence, stop and ask yourself, “Is this sentence
about my topic?” If not, cut it out!

What is background information?

Background information provides support or evidence to bolster an article's topic.
Although it isn't the primary focus of an article, this type of information can give context
and help the writer refine the topic. Background information typically describes the
history of the topic or the cause of the problem the topic addresses. It can also establish
the topic's importance or show how to solve a problem.
Background information is usually three to five sentences and comes after the writer gets
the reader's attention. This means they present the principal topic and then share the
background information that supports their theories or persuades the reader. You can
design your opening statement and background information so the reader wants to know
more about your topic. You can present this information as:

• A detailed definition of the topic or problem

• A way to provide historical context
• A related topic to current events
• A quote or passage from experts

Six types of background information

Background information comes in several forms and its content and presentation are
relative to the topic or the article's goal. Here is a list of six types of background
information:

1. Defining information
Defining information points out the differences in similar-sounding words or terms. It may
define interchangeable words to provide clarity and proper context.

Example: “When we first looked at the importance of work-life balance, we knew there would
be surprises. It was only a few years ago that personal health was the major concern of too
much work and not enough pleasure. Then, the term well-being became mainstream and we
took another look at the relation of health to well-being and how they are different.”

2. Using descriptive information

Consider descriptive information as a story-telling method where you hope to invoke
emotion or recreate an experience. Descriptive background information uses the five
senses to communicate ideas through touch, smell, sight, sound and taste.

Example: “Now that working life has endured enormous changes, I can't help but think back to
my first day in an office. I remember the faint smell of cologne and perfumes as I walked
through the halls, keeping pace with the sounds of computer keyboards. I felt as if my future
was right in front of me and anything was possible. Today, our work environments are different
but our ambitions remain similar. Let's explore why.”

3. Classification of topic
The classifying method serves to present the information in smaller parts, such as defining
specific terms within a broader topic. For this example, classifying the general topic of
well-being divides the information into spiritual, physical, emotional or social well-being.
Example: “Studies show job burnout increases when expectations are high and resources are
low. We watch incredible employees leave because their identities have become lost in their job
roles. As we continue to research, we better understand the need to build trust and improve
communication with our employees to enable the success of our company.”

4. Defining the process

The process method explains how the process relates to the topic. It details the process
used to achieve a goal or complete a task. This method uses numbers and data to provide
evidence and context.

Example: "By taking actions to help our teams perform their jobs better, we polled past and
current employees to measure their responses. The first survey showed that 50% of retired
employees experienced job satisfaction. The second survey determined that 60% of current
employees are happy in their role, but 40% of them feel unsatisfied. These results led to this
paper, where we discuss plans to confront the issues that have improved but remain
unresolved.”

5. Presenting arguments
In the argumentative method, background information includes both support and
opposition to a topic. It offers a different perspective or point of view to inspire debate or
conversation:

Example: “Offering group health coverage starts a discussion about costs and the expense of
implementing a plan. But when we consider our employees, the discussion of cost is quite
different. Our collaboration with Dr. Michaels and Dr. Burns spanned an 18-month period,
during which we interviewed focus groups. Our research allows us to show the true costs of the
healthcare decision.”

6. Persuading the opposition

The persuasion method of presenting background information helps guide the reader into
understanding the writer's point of view. It may confirm the reader's current belief or
relay a personal experience that changes their belief.

Example: “When did our work-life balance dissolve? It feels like it's been a long time since our
working lives had more structure. We worked a certain number of hours, had regular days off
and vacationed once a year. Over time, those hours shifted and changed, so routines and
schedules became more difficult to maintain. If we hope to continue employing the talent, we
have become accustomed to, we need to reevaluate our priorities.”

What is a thesis statement?

• A thesis is the main idea of your essay and includes your stance (opinion).
 • A good thesis statement will direct the structure of your essay and will allow the reader
to understand the ideas to be discussed within your paper.
• A thesis is usually stated in the opening paragraphs of a paper, most often in the last
sentences of the introduction.
• Overall, a thesis should include the words from the essay question (if given one), the key
topics in the main body of the essay and your stance (opinion).

https://academic-englishuk.com/thesis-statements/
Thesis Statement Writing Structures
Notice the different structures and grammar

Question: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important consideration for business. Do

you agree?

Thesis statement (Although): Although it may not always be possible for every business to
focus on CSR due to financial limitations, it should be a top priority for SMEs andlarge
corporations if they want to improve their reputation, attract investment and maximise
profitability.

Thesis statement (However): It may not always be possible for every business to focus on CSR
due to financial limitations.However, it should be a top priority for SMEs and large
corporations if they want to improve their reputation, attract investment and maximise
profitability.

Thesis statement (Despite): Despite not always being possible for every business to focus on
CSR due to financial limitations, it should be a top priority for SMEs and large corporations if
they want to improve their reputation, attract investment and maximise profitability.

Thesis + outline combined

This essay will focus on the three key elements of CSR in that it improves reputation,
attractsinvestment and maximises profitability. It will argue that these factors are a top priority
for SMEs and large corporations if they want to remain competitive and implement a
sustainable business plan. The essay will also highlight that it may not always be possible for
every business to focus on CSR due to financial limitations.

https://ivypanda.com/online-thesis-generator

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loeO5uD0cm4&embeds_euri=https%3A%2F%2Facademic-
englishuk.com%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title&ab_channel=AcademicEnglishUK

The basic structure of a conclusion

A conclusion is often separated into three key parts: A thesis, a summary of main ideas and a
future focus (recommendation, prediction, solution).
Example phrases
These phrases will help you to construct your paragraph clearly.
Conclusions:
In conclusion,
To conclude,
To sum up,
Recommendation / Suggestion:
The evidence suggests that …
Therefore, it is recommended that … /
Governments should….
The findings of this study suggest that …
Prediction:
One prediction is that…
If this continues, it could lead to…
An implication of this is the possibility that …
Solutions:
There is, therefore, a definite need for ……
There are a number of important changes which need to be made…
Another important practical implication is that …
Introduction

We can think of the introduction as a funnel, starting out general and getting more specific until
we reach the thesis statement. The introduction contains

• a hook, which is meant to pique the interest of the reader and make them want to read
the rest of your essay. A hook can be a quote, a question, a statement, a statistic, or a
(very short) anecdote.
• background information to provide a bit of context for the rest of your essay and set the
stage for your thesis statement. Remember not to get too detailed here.
• a thesis statement, the heart of your essay and your stance on a topic distilled down to
its most concrete form. There is more than one way to formulate a thesis statement;
however, I teach what I consider the most thorough and straightforward: the main topic
+ three controlling ideas.

Body Paragraphs

The three body paragraphs each consist of

• a topic sentence, which we form from the controlling ideas

• at least two supporting sentences to further explain the topic sentence
• details to buttress each supporting sentence

Conclusion

The conclusion is somewhat of a mirror of the introduction (hence being the second bun) and is
comprised of

• a reworded thesis statement to remind the reader of our argument

• summarized key points to further drive home our ideas
• a final thought to make the reader think. This can be a prediction, a recommendation, or
even a question. The key here, though, is not to introduce any new information that
would require further explanation.