Narrative Paragraph with Topic Sentence

For homework you read about narration, and you did some practice exercises. A narration is simply a story, and people tell stories to each other all the time. As your book states, there are four important aspects to a good narration:

1. It reveals something important about you--this is your main point.
2. It includes all the major events (primary support).
3. It has details that bring the story to life (secondary support).
4. It presents the events in an order that is clear and easy for the reader to follow.

When writing a narrative, it is important to lead the reader from one event to the next. There is a list of good transition words on page 128 of your book. Many of those words are used in the sample paragraph below.

For today's blog, you will create a narrative paragraph with a topic sentence and support. Here is an example:


The first time I tried ice skating, it was a disaster. Some friends dragged me out to Delaware Park lake on a cold January day. They already owned skates, but I needed to rent some. Although they told me to lace my skates up tight, I didn't understand that they meant really tight--like too tight. So when I tried to stand up, my ankles wobbled all over, and I fell before I was even on the ice! I tightened my skates up a lot, and then at least I could stay upright on land. After that, there was nothing to do but face the ice. One friend was already out on the lake at least 50 feet, and another glided out smoothly, making everything look easy. One stayed behind to guide me. I tentatively put one foot on to the ice, and it felt like nothing under the blade of my skate, like I had stepped out on to air, and it was scary. I put my other skate onto the ice, and there I was, feeling suspended on nothing. I tried to glide, but gliding is not nearly as easy as my friends made it look. My glides turned into slips, flops, and crashes again and again. Sometimes I'd be getting up from a fall, and I'd slip and fall back down before I could even stand up! That was the worst because it made everyone laugh, even me. Finally, after a long time, I managed to glide more than a few steps without falling. Everyone applauded, but of course they were doing turns and easy spins--showoffs!

Paragraphs using topic sentences

For homework, you read about creating paragraphs using topic sentences. Today, you will get some practice  working with a topic sentence. Remember:

• A topic sentence is like an umbrella for the whole paragraph. All the sentences in the paragraph should give information about and support the topic sentence.
• Make sure you write an actual topic sentence, not just an idea or a phrase.

Here is a sample paragraph. The topic sentence is in red.

Just because you are not automatically the best at a subject does not mean you cannot learn it. Everyone has different strengths, and no one is good at everything. However, if you keep working when you struggle with a subject, you will get better, and you will understand the concepts. For instance, I have always been good at things like reading and writing, and these skills are easy for me to improve. Math, on the other hand, is a different story. I remember sitting in calculus class in high school, surrounded by my friends, with the teacher writing away on the board while they nodded their understanding. I was in tears because I did not see the relationships between the numbers, but when the information was explained to me in words and ideas, I was able to grasp the concepts. I was never the class whiz, but I got better, and I passed, and I was proud when I learned.

Now it's your turn to write a paragraph with a topic sentence and supporting information. Your paragraph should be at least eight sentences long.When you look at the sentences in your paragraph, every one should in some way support the topic.

My favorite movie is Dejavu. I believe I watched this movie a couple of times enough to know what happens during it. I enjoy watching this movie. The movie is about an agent that has to investigate the explosion of a ferry that killed a lot of people and a crime that happened and he travels back in time to save a female from getting killed. This movie contains action, thrill and sci-fi. It’s pretty interesting the way he does it, and you have to pay good attention to it and the details, if not it will leave you wondering  during some parts. The movie marks a point of stopping evil.

When it comes to reading I really enjoy reading romance books. They keep me reading into them to find on how, when and why.  I Love reading stories about affection. Some are really passionate and call my attention for example Perfect Chemistry, Rules of Attraction, and Chain Reaction all three are written by Simone Elkeles. Those books I finished super quick, and as soon as I was over with one I went on to the next. I enjoyed the story as well as the details in every page.

Writing Challenges and Goals for 098

You want to succeed in English 098, and I want you to succeed! On many days when you come into class, there will be a blog post waiting for your comments. Sometimes the post will be related to readings we are doing. Other times, the goal of the post will be to help you clarify and focus your ideas for a paper we are composing. In all cases, you are expected to do the following:

First, contribute at least six sentences of your own ideas and content as a comment. That means you do not wait until almost everyone else has posted before you simply repeat what others have said. Second, make sure that we read your comment before you post it so that you are sure you have made an on-target response and that you also have the opportunity to make changes before posting.

Please comment on and give feedback to your classmates on their postings so they can improve. The goal is to create a non-judgmental and productive community of writers. The more we all write, the better we can become.

Here we go: This post has two parts. First, tell us about your favorite movie. Why is it your favorite? If you were to recommend it to someone else, what kind of specific information would you give so that the person would really want to watch it? Second, tell us about what kinds of things you like to read and why. You should not worry about sounding academic or intellectual. Maybe you read Life & Style magazine. Maybe you read apocalyptic literature. Maybe you read comic books. Maybe you read scientific journals because you love the concept of transhumanism.

Here's my sample comment which shows you the length and detail required.

My favorite movie is the original version of The In-Laws. I don't know how many times I've watched this film over the years. It's about a son and daughter from two very different families who are getting married. One father is an international spy (which everyone doubts until the end), and the other is a dentist. It's a hilarious comedy with great timing and amazing performances. There are so many genuine human emotions expressed through the film, but they're handled in funny ways. The movie definitely makes its point about judging people on first impressions and taking chances, but it does so in a forgiving and lighthearted way. It's as if the whole underlying point of the movie kind of sneaks up on the audience.

In terms of reading, although you would expect me to read contemporary or older classics, aside from student papers, I typically read two kinds of things. First, I read The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune because those two newspapers represent my two homes. Plus, the stories give me many ideas for readings and assignments in my classes. Second, I am a huge mystery fan, and mysteries come in many forms: cute and neat, bloody, scary, other-worldly, and totally absurd, to name a few. I don't even really care "who done it." What interests me is how the plot, characters and setting unfold.

Now it's your turn. . .