The BEST Topic Sentences EVER (AP Lit & AP Lang)

Summary

In this informative video, Tim Freitas, the host of the Garden of English, focuses on guiding viewers on how to craft well-developed and complex topic sentences for AP (Advanced Placement) English essays. He emphasizes the importance of topic sentences as the guiding direction for the content of a paragraph and provides a template that includes an author's name, a strong verb, a brief reference to an example, and the inferred meaning from the text. Freitas demonstrates the application of these templates using the 2015 AP Lang exam's Cesar Chavez prompt and the 2010 AP Lit form B question 2 passage, 'Cherry Bomb' by Max Sinclair. Additionally, he offers advanced tips on incorporating transitional language and sentence variation to enhance the quality of the topic sentences from 'good' to 'better' and ultimately to 'best'. The video is a valuable resource for students aiming to improve their analytical writing skills for AP English exams.

Takeaways

• 📝 The importance of topic sentences in guiding the direction of a body paragraph in an essay.
• 📚 Topic sentences should include a reference to the concrete language used in the paragraph and the inferred meaning.
• 👨‍🏫 For AP Lit and AP Lang essays, topic sentences must place the author in a position of authority using their last name and a strong academic verb.
• 🚫 Avoid using 'use', 'employs', or 'utilizes' as they are weak verbs; instead, opt for stronger literary and rhetorical verbs.
• 🔄 Create a template for topic sentences that includes the author's name, a strong verb, a brief reference to the example, and the inferred meaning.
• 📈 Progress from a basic template to more advanced ones by incorporating transitional language and sentence variation to enhance the quality of topic sentences.
• ✍️ Discuss the text in chronological order to effectively show how the author builds their message, character, or purpose.
• 🔄 Use phrases like 'throughout the piece' when commenting on something the author does consistently in the text.
• 🔄 Alternate between placing the abstract and concrete parts of the sentence to avoid repetitiveness in topic sentences.
• 🎓 Watch the provided videos for examples of how to derive body paragraphs from the topic sentences based on AP prompts.
• 📈 To create the best topic sentences, periodically switch the order of the abstract and concrete parts of the sentence, ensuring variety in structure.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Tim Freitas' video?

The main focus of Tim Freitas' video is to provide templates, tricks, and tips for creating well-developed complex topic sentences for AP (Advanced Placement) essays.

Why is it suggested to watch Tim's AP Lit or AP Lang thesis statement videos before this one?

It is suggested because today's templates will work for all three of the AP Lit essays and only the rhetorical analysis essay on the AP Lang exam, and watching the previous videos will provide the necessary context and understanding for this particular video.

What is the purpose of a topic sentence in an essay?

A topic sentence is the first sentence of a body paragraph that provides the direction for what will be covered in that paragraph, acting as a contract that is fulfilled when all aspects of the topic sentence are discussed in the paragraph.

Why is it important to include a reference to concrete language in topic sentences for English classes?

It is important because in English classes, students are often asked to discuss how concrete language creates meaning. Therefore, topic sentences must include a reference to the specific language that will be analyzed and the meaning attributed to it.

What is the role of the author's name in AP Lit and AP Lang topic sentences?

The author's name is used to place the author in a position of authority and is typically followed by a strong academic verb, which helps to maintain an analytical tone rather than a summary-based one.

How does Tim Freitas suggest modifying the basic template for topic sentences to improve them?

Tim suggests adding transitional language and sentence variation to the basic template. This helps to establish a line of reasoning and prevents the essay from sounding repetitive.

What is the significance of discussing the text in chronological order when writing an essay?

Discussing the text in chronological order helps to demonstrate how the author builds his or her message, character, or purpose effectively, which is a key aspect of essays for AP Lit and AP Lang Q2.

What is the issue with using the word 'use' in academic writing according to Tim?

According to Tim, the word 'use' is not strong enough for academic writing. He suggests using more powerful literary and rhetorical verbs instead.

How can varying the sentence structure in topic sentences help improve the overall quality of an essay?

Varying the sentence structure can prevent the essay from becoming monotonous and can help to emphasize different aspects of the analysis, making the essay more engaging and easier to follow.

What are the key elements that should be included in a strong topic sentence according to the video?

A strong topic sentence should include the author's name, a strong verb, a brief reference to the example, the words 'in order to' followed by a chosen strong verb, and the basic understanding that can be inferred from the reading.

How does Tim Freitas suggest students derive body paragraphs from topic sentences?

Tim suggests that students should alternate the order of the concrete and abstract portions of the sentence, placing a comma after the first part, to create a more engaging and varied structure for their body paragraphs.

What is the final advice given by Tim Freitas for creating the best topic sentences?

The final advice is to consistently follow the order of author, transitional language, evidence, and then effect and understanding in the topic sentences. Additionally, students should periodically switch the order of the abstract and concrete parts of the sentence for variety.