Starter quiz
- What is a topic sentence?
- a sentence which states what your paragraph is going to be about ✓
- a sentence which introduces a quote in your writing
- a sentence which concludes your paragraph
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- Why were Victorian audiences so interested in Gothic literature?
- they read Gothic literature as a form of escape from their everyday lives ✓
- they lived in a very liberal society so could read whatever they wanted
- they read Gothic literature for a thrill ✓
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- Which method below can you use to end an opinion article in an impactful way?
- anecdote
- mirroring ✓
- concluding sentence
- counter-argument
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- What is being described here: 'a confusing and difficult-to-answer problem or question.'?
- escapism
- hyperbole
- conundrum ✓
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- Which of these is not a rhetorical device?
- rhetorical question
- direct address
- hyperbole
- rhyme ✓
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- How can you create an engaging opening to an opinion piece?
- use humour ✓
- create a shared experience ✓
- use facts and figures
- give them a conundrum
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Exit quiz
- What is the purpose of a topic sentence?
- it helps you to maintain a cohesive and convincing argument ✓
- it outlines the main information in a paragraph ✓
- it allows you to effectively conclude your paragraph
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- What is being described here: 'exaggerating something for effect.'?
- metaphor
- alliteration
- hyperbole ✓
- simile
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- Which of the following is the correct explanation of what provocative means?
- something that motivates people
- something that makes people indifferent
- something that forces people to debate ✓
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- How many reasons or supporting examples are ideal when planning an opinion piece?
- 2
- 3 ✓
- 4 ✓
- 5
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- What does the word 'vicariously' mean?
- traditional or resistant to change
- experiencing something through someone else’s lived experience ✓
- seeking distraction or relief from unpleasant or tiresome realities
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- Complete this sentence: "______ help elevate basic topic sentences."
- 'rhetorical devices' ✓
Worksheet
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Presentation
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- When planning an opinion article, the message needs to be consistent - your opinion is your message.
- You should identify between 3 and 4 reasons or examples to support your opinion.
- Topic sentences help you to maintain a cohesive and convincing argument.
- Aim to make your topic sentences as engaging as possible, as they introduce each new section of your argument.
- Rhetorical devices (such as direct address) can be used to elevate your topic sentences.
Common misconception
Students often don't think to include rhetorical devices within their topic sentences.
Just because the topic sentences introduces the main idea for the paragraph, that does not mean the topic sentence can't be really creative and engaging. It's crucial that it is engaging to motivate the reader to learn more about the topic.
Keywords
Escapism - seeking distraction or relief from unpleasant or tiresome realities
Conservative - traditional or resistant to change
Vicariously - experiencing something through someone else’s lived experience
Hyperbole - exaggerating something for effect
Provocative - something that causes a strong reaction from people or incites debate
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