18 / Basics of Good Writing
• transitions that bridge the details to each other and to the topic sentence [see
transitions in the Glossary],
• a concluding statement that shows the writer’s completed thoughts.STEP 1: Writing a Topic Sentence
As a result of the prewriting process, you have a topic, either chosen or assigned. Be
certain your topic is narrow enough to be developed in a single paragraph. [Review
Chapter 1, Prewriting, for tips on narrowing a subject.] Next, write a topic sentence.
As the name implies, a topic sentence states the topic of a paragraph. Compare your
topic sentence with the following examples:
Too Broad:
Guitar music offers a variety of sounds.
Improved:
The bass-guitar accompaniment in this composition offers real challenges,
even for an accomplished guitarist.
Too Broad:
Some students enjoy participating in peer social groups.
Improved:
I enjoy participating in the annual sorority Spring Sports Fling.
Too Broad:
Senator Joe Glick deserves to be reelected.
Still Too Broad:
Because of his stand on environmental issues, Senator Joe Glick deserves the
support of environmentally concerned voters.
Improved:
Senator Glick’s stand on the issue of acid rain helps voters understand his gen-
eral attitude toward environmental issues.STEP 2: Selecting Subtopics
Adequate supporting details yield a good paragraph. Usually the support comes in
the form of subtopics: reasons, causes, examples, illustrations, steps, comparisons,
differences, or other explanations. No magic number of supporting details makes a
perfect paragraph; the details, added together, must clarify the topic and leave the
reader satisfied.
In order to think through the logical subdivisions of your topic, divide either the sub-
ject or the predicate of your topic sentence. [See subject and predicate in the Glossary.]