It’s time for students and all writers to take control and ownership of their writing! You can do this by expanding your world of ideas. You can also do this by understanding the power of statements. Yes, I said statements, aka declarative sentences. I know. You already use statements. But today, we will focus on using statements to create writing that is so powerful and logical that you make a statement.
Today, you will learn about statements in a new way—a way in which you use them with confidence and authority. A way in which you state things clearly and precisely—no more of that wishy-washy thinking! Additionally, you will learn over 250 ways to think about and explore your topic before you state your priceless ideas.
The Four Types of Sentences: Statements, Commands, Questions, and Exclamations
We all know that we have four basic types of sentences. And yes, every sentence has its place and function. But we fail to realize that the statement is the workhorse of sentences. In fact, statements make up at least 90% of the sentences we read and write.
The truth is that commands and exclamations are not how skilled writers create truly powerful writing. Truly powerful writing comes from truly powerful ideas and stating those ideas. To be clear, I am a huge fan of questions! Unfortunately, if we overuse them, our writing comes off as manipulative. Don’t you think so?
The Failed Concept of Topic Sentences and Details
I never had much success teaching writing using the concept of “Topic Sentences and Details.” That’s not surprising since the research shows that at least 50% of the main ideas are implied in real-world professional writing. That means the reader must infer or construct at least 50% of the main ideas in real writing.
Let me make two points clear about topic sentences and main ideas:
» Point 1: Topic sentences are supposed to state the main idea. If it doesn’t state the main idea, it’s really nothing more than a door opener. Of course, questions as topic sentences only strongly address the main idea. They don’t state it.
» Point 2: Every decent paragraph has a main idea, even if it doesn’t have a topic sentence. In short, every paragraph makes a point of some kind, even if the reader must infer the point. If a paragraph doesn’t make a point, then what’s the point?
One hundred years ago, the topic sentence was called a topic statement. That’s not surprising. If a paragraph does have a topic sentence, it’s usually a statement. If it’s a truly powerful or profound statement, you don’t need an exclamation mark to prove it.
The Real Main Idea: What’s Your Point? What’s Their Point?
Although I don’t eschew the topic sentence concept, I don’t embrace it. I use a “Deep Text Analysis” strategy where students identify the main idea or main point of paragraphs in eight different ways. Strangely, the main point of a paragraph is not always the same when analyzed from different perspectives. In short, a paragraph’s point or main idea often differs depending on how you look at it.
One of the eight ways we analyze paragraphs is with “What’s the point?” Students answer: “The point is that…” Based on my experience analyzing paragraphs, to say that 50% of paragraphs have a topic sentence that states the main idea is being extremely generous.
If you wish to teach clear and organized paragraph and multi-paragraph writing FAST, check out Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay. If you wish to teach or learn clear, organized, and logical thinking, check out Academic Vocabulary for Critical Thinking, Logical Arguments, and Effective Communication. By reading it just once, you will change the way you think and communicate forever. I guarantee it!
Here is the point: You either state your point or strongly imply it. Either way, you need an entire arsenal of ways of thinking and ways of stating to do so. That’s what follows! Furthermore, you must grasp your point in statement form, whether you state or imply it. In short:
» As a Writer: What’s your point? Did you state it or just imply it? If you didn’t state it, do you think you should state it clearly and concisely for your reader to understand? Or is implying it enough?
» As a Reader: What’s their point? Did they state it or just imply it? Do you think they should have stated it clearly and concisely for everyone to understand? Or is implying it enough?
In conclusion: As a skilled reader, you must be able to state the writer’s point. That’s a key component of reading comprehension. As a skilled writer, you must be able to state your own point. Both require statements!
Confidence in Writing: Stating Things Clearly
It’s one thing to say something in an uncertain way. It’s another thing to state uncertainty. Stating that there is uncertainty shows confidence and authoritativeness. Sounding uncertain does not. Whatever you have to say, you want to state it clearly and concisely so others will understand. Make a statement! This page will help with that.
You are about to learn “250+ Ways of Stating Your Ideas!” You will learn over 250 ways to think about your topic in the process. Over 2000 years ago, Aristotle (384 BC–322 BC) created his “Topics of Invention.” Aristotle’s Topics of Invention is a list of ways to think about, discover, and organize arguments and topics of discussion. You will find Aristotle’s complete list of Topics of Inventions in my free eBook, The Definitive List of Writing and Grammar Skills, Strategies, Concepts, Categories, and Models.
“250+ Ways of Stating Your Ideas” is another way to think about Invention. It’s another tool for discovering and expressing your ideas. In the Six Traits of Writing, the trait of Ideas is always first on the list. It’s the most essential trait. Let’s expand our world of ideas! Let’s learn to make a statement!
Once again, check out Academic Vocabulary for Critical Thinking, Logical Arguments, and Effective Communication to create true “Idea Mastery.” By reading it just once, you will change the way you think and communicate forever. I guarantee it! Let’s begin!
Getting Great Ideas and Stating Them Clearly: 250+ Ways of Stating Your Ideas!
In contrast to just saying something, stating something is full of purpose. As you read these over, feel the power and purpose of putting your ideas in statement form!
- 1. state who
- 2. state what
- 3. state where
- 4. state why
- 5. state when
- 6. state how
- 7. state an advantage
- 8. state a disadvantage
- 9. state a cause
- 10. state an effect
- 11. state a claim
- 12. state a clarification
- 13. state a command
- 14. state a similarity
- 15. state a difference
- 16. state a premise
- 17. state a conclusion
- 18. state a definition
- 19. state a description
- 20. state an evaluation
- 21. state a personal experience
- 22. state something as evidence
- 23. state something as proof
- 24. state an example
- 25. state an explanation
- 26. state a fact
- 27. state a generalization
- 28. state an idea
- 29. state a concept
- 30. state a specific incident
- 31. state a specific instance
- 32. state a justification
- 33. state a negation
- 34. state an opinion
- 35. state a point
- 36. state a possibility
- 37. state an impossibility
- 38. state a probability
- 39. state a prediction
- 40. state a problem
- 41. state a solution
- 42. ask a question
- 43. ask a rhetorical question
- 44. state a quote
- 45. state a reaction
- 46. state a reason
- 47. state a rebuttal
- 48. state a recommendation
- 49. state a suggestion
- 50. state a refutation
- 51. state a confirmation
- 52. state a concession
- 53. state a response
- 54. state the significance
- 55. state a problem
- 56. state a solution
- 57. state a statistic
- 58. state the subject
- 59. state the topic
- 60. state a summary
- 61. state a theory
- 62. state a benefit
- 63. state a consequence
- 64. state agreement
- 65. state disagreement
- 66. state a positive
- 67. state a negative
- 68. state a result
- 69. state an outcome
- 70. state a strength
- 71. state a weakness
- 72. state a certainty
- 73. state an uncertainty
- 74. state the importance
- 75. state what is good
- 76. state what is bad
- 77. state what is right
- 78. state what is wrong
- 79. state praise
- 80. state criticism
- 81. state a decision
- 82. state a purpose
- 83. state an intent
- 84. state a plan
- 85. state an answer
- 86. state a reply
- 87. state an unknown
- 88. state an event (something that happened)
- 89. state what someone else thinks or says
- 90. state a comparison using metaphor
- 91. state a comparison using simile
- 92. state something using hyperbole
- 93. state an analogy
- 94. provide an anecdote
- 95. state a risk
- 96. state a reward
- 97. state a maxim
- 98. state a proverb
- 99. state a law
- 100. state a verdict
- 101. state a precedent
- 102. state a proposal
- 103. state a proposition
- 104. state an assertion
- 105. state an announcement
- 106. state a declaration
- 107. state an assurance
- 108. state a comment
- 109. state an inference
- 110. state an insight
- 111. state an interpretation
- 112. make a statement of speculation
- 113. state a hypothesis
- 114. state a rumor
- 115. state an option
- 116. state a choice
- 117. state an offer
- 118. state the urgency
- 119. state what happened
- 120. state what someone saw
- 121. state what someone did
- 122. state how something felt
- 123. state how something looks
- 124. state how something smells
- 125. state a feeling
- 126. state a sensory detail
- 127. state a time
- 128. state a location
- 129. state a direction
- 130. state the order
- 131. state the sequence
- 132. state how often
- 133. state how long
- 134. state when something began
- 135. state when something ended
- 136. state a beginning
- 137. state an ending
- 138. state how quickly
- 139. state how slowly
- 140. state the relationship
- 141. state the connection
- 142. state how you know something
- 143. state a rule
- 144. state a viewpoint
- 145. state a technique
- 146. state an equivalent
- 147. state an inconsistency
- 148. state an estimate
- 149. state an approximation
- 150. state a demand
- 151. state an assumption
- 152. state a category
- 153. state a division
- 154. state what something is
- 155. state what something isn’t
- 156. state what something could be
- 157. state what could never be
- 158. state a turning point
- 159. state a recollection
- 160. state a remembrance
- 161. state an impression
- 162. state an understanding
- 163. state something you wonder about
- 164. state something you are curious about
- 165. state something you are confused about
- 166. state a concern
- 167. state a reflection
- 168. state a frustration
- 169. state an accusation
- 170. state a confession
- 171. state remorse
- 172. state blame
- 173. state surprise
- 174. state shock
- 175. state disgust
- 176. state approval
- 177. state disapproval
- 178. state joy
- 179. state disappointment
- 180. state discontent
- 181. state encouragement
- 182. state a need
- 183. state a want
- 184. state a desire
- 185. state a goal
- 186. state a denial
- 187. state a guarantee
- 188. state a refusal
- 189. state interest
- 190. state a preference
- 191. state a like
- 192. state a dislike
- 193. state a belief
- 194. state disbelief
- 195. state a warning
- 196. state a hope
- 197. state delight
- 198. state a connection
- 199. state an exception
- 200. state an error
- 201. state a mistake
- 202. state an opportunity
- 203. state an ability
- 204. state inability
- 205. state incompetence
- 206. state a memory
- 207. state a misgiving
- 208. state a mistake
- 209. state a success
- 210. state a failure
- 211. state an offer
- 212. state an acceptance
- 213. state an agreement
- 214. state a mystery
- 215. state a notion
- 216. state a passion
- 217. state a peculiarity
- 218. state a premonition
- 219. state a prerequisite
- 220. state a promise
- 221. state a quirk
- 222. state a pet peeve
- 223. state a ramification
- 224. state a regret
- 225. state an action
- 226. state a reaction
- 227. state a discovery
- 228. state a realization
- 229. state something learned
- 230. state a reversal
- 231. state a retraction
- 232. state a condition
- 233. state a resentment
- 234. state a response
- 235. state appreciation
- 236. state admiration
- 237. state something unjust
- 238. state something unfair
- 239. state a remedy
- 240. state a compromise
- 241. state a coincidence
- 242. state an implication
- 243. state a misconception
- 244. state a priority
- 245. state a revelation
- 246. state an aspect
- 247. state a transition
- 248. state an assumption
- 249. state a hypothetical
- 250. state acknowledgement
- 251. state support
- 252. state condemnation
- 253. state a compliment
- 254. state admiration
- 255. state respect
- 256. state a complaint
- 257. state an excuse
- 258. state a truth
- 259. state a contradiction
- 260. state an obligation
- 261. state a commitment
- 262. state a quality
- 263. state a quantity
- 264. state a direction
- 265. state a dilemma
- 266. state a conundrum
