Writing Topic and
Concluding
Sentences
What is their Purpose?
 Topic Sentence: It sets the theme, or “tone,”
of your paragraph. A paragraph’s “title”
sentence, it can be simple, compound or
complex. It also prepares the reader for what
they’ll be reading about.
 Concluding Sentence: It may sum up the
ideas and details written in the paragraph,
leave a lasting thought for the reader to
think about, or try to prepare the reader for
the ideas in the next paragraph.
Topic Sentences:
First, what they are NOT
 They are NOT concrete details.
ex.) To escape persecution, Muhammad
and his followers fled to Medina.
They are NOT announcements.
ex.) NOW HEAR THIS! I’m now going to tell
you about Muhammad’s life.
They are also, NOT LAME.
ex.) Muhammad had a life. I think.
Topic Sentences:
Now, what they ARE
 They ARE sentences that introduce the topic.
ex.) Muhammad’s life was very dramatic.
 They ARE best written as compound or complex
sentences.
ex.) Even before his first revelation, Muhammad’s
life was dramatic.
 They ARE always a pleasure to read.
ex.) Not many other orphaned boys in history would
be prepared for the dangerous and dramatic
life ahead of them, as Muhammad was.
Conclusion Sentences:
First, what they are NOT
 They are NOT concrete details.
ex.) Muslims invented the astrolabe, which they used
to tell the time and to know when to pray.
 They are NOT “sign-offs.”
ex.) Well, those are Islam’s achievements. I
hope you liked them. GOODNIGHT EVERYBODY!
 They, too, are also NOT LAME.
ex.) There are a lot of achievements. In Islam. Right?
Conclusion Sentences:
Now, what they ARE
 They ARE sentences that may “wrap-up” the topic.
ex.) Middle-Age Europe was grateful to Islam for all
of their technological advancements.
 They ARE sentences that can prepare the reader for
the next paragraph.
ex.) But although Muslim culture prospered during
the Crusades, their progress began to
deteriorate afterward.
 They ARE best written as a “finishing” thought.
ex.) Without a doubt, Muhammad and the Islamic
religion have left an invaluable mark upon
world history.
Writing Thesis
Statements
What is it’s Purpose?
 Thesis Statement: It sets the theme, or
“tone,” of your ENTIRE ESSAY. If an essay
had a “title” sentence, then this would be
it. They are ONLY compound or complex
sentences, and should be written after the
hook.
Thesis Statements:
First, what they are NOT
They are NOT concrete details.
ex.) Muhammad was born in Mecca around
570 A.D.
They are NOT announcements.
ex.) What I’m going to do now is tell you
about Muhammad.
 Are they lame? NOPE!
ex.) Muhammad’s life was long. (yawn)
Thesis Statements:
Now, what they ARE
 They ARE sentences that introduce the ESSAY.
ex.) Muhammad’s life and teachings have
greatly influenced Islamic culture and
the world.
 They ARE best written as compound or complex
sentences.
ex.) Although a controversial historical
figure, Muhammad and his teachings have
greatly influenced Islamic culture and the
world.
Thesis Statements:
Now, what they ARE
Lastly, they ARE broad, clear and informative.
ex.) Whether you think he is a prophet of
peace or a bloodthirsty political killer, no
one can deny that Muhammad’s life and
teachings have influenced Islamic
culture and the world.