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A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Topic Sentences

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Topic sentences can be especially helpful to readers trying to follow the logic of a proposal. O’Malley, for example, uses topic sentences to introduce the reasons in favor of frequent exams, to identify the reasons opponents offer against frequent exams, and to respond to alternative solutions. He uses transitions such as “The main reason” (par. 4), “Another, closely related argument” (par. 6), and “Moreover” (par. 10), and repeats the key words “frequent exams” and “solution” to guide readers.

ANALYZE & WRITE

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Write a couple of paragraphs analyzing and evaluating Bornstein’s use of topic sentences to help readers follow his argument:

  1. Reread paragraphs 7–9 to see how Bornstein answers the rhetorical question “Why does the solution work?” Look particularly at each of the topic sentences in these paragraphs to see how Bornstein announces the answers.
  2. Now review paragraph 3 to see how Bornstein previews two of these answers.
  3. Given Bornstein’s purpose and audience, how clear and comprehensible is the logic of this proposal argument? If you were to give Bornstein advice on revising this proposal for an audience of college students, what, if anything, would you recommend?

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