What is it all about?

In the Beginning…When you read a book, a story or something your friend wrote what makes you interested?

The topic sentenceFun and interesting details

Good descriptionsA good ending!

The most important part is the beginning!When we write, our first sentence “hooks” the reader and makes them want to read more!

The BIG Idea! • Our first sentence is very important!• It doesn’t tell all the details.• It doesn’t spoil the ending.• It DOES tell your reader what is the

main idea! It’s your TOPIC! EXAMPLE:Camels are amazing animals.

Which sentence below is a topic sentence?

That’s why camels can survive in the desert.

It is made of fat.

God made camels in a very special way.

Plants eat.Plants get their nutrients in two ways:They get water and minerals from

the soil through their roots.

Plants take in carbon dioxide from air. Using energy from the sun, plants break the carbon dioxide apart, keep the carbon as food, and release the oxygen.

What was the topic sentence?

Plants need oxygen.

Plants get their nutrients in two ways.

Water is important for plants.

?Penguins are black and white birds. Most penguins live in places with ice and snow. Penguins have wings, but they do not fly.

CAN YOU THINK OF A GOOD TOPIC SENTENCE FOR THIS PARAGRAPH?

Choose the best topic sentence that tells the main idea.

There are many kinds of birds.

Birds have wings.

Penguins are unique birds.

SO, what is the BIG idea? • Your first sentence

can tell your reader what you are writing about in an interesting way! This helps the reader want to know more and keep reading!

• Your first sentence is your TOPIC SENTENCE and needs to tell your reader what you are writing about!