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It\u2019s 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<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n Today, you will learn about statements in a new way\u2014a way in which you use them with confidence and authority. A way in which you state things clearly and precisely\u2014no 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t you think so?<\/p>\n I never had much success teaching writing using the concept of \u201cTopic Sentences and Details.\u201d That\u2019s not surprising since the research shows that at least 50% of the main ideas are implied<\/a><\/strong> in real-world professional writing. That means the reader must infer or construct at least 50% of the main ideas in real writing<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Let me make two points clear about topic sentences and main ideas:<\/p>\n \u00bb Point 1: <\/span><\/strong>Topic sentences are supposed to state the main idea. If it doesn\u2019t state the main idea, it\u2019s really nothing more than a door opener. Of course, questions as topic sentences only strongly address the main idea. They don\u2019t state it.<\/p>\n \u00bb Point 2:<\/span><\/strong> Every decent paragraph has a main idea, even if it doesn\u2019t 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\u2019t make a point, then what\u2019s the point?<\/p>\n One hundred years ago, the topic sentence was called a topic statement<\/em>. That\u2019s not surprising. If a paragraph does have a topic sentence, it\u2019s usually a statement. If it\u2019s a truly powerful or profound statement, you don\u2019t need an exclamation mark to prove it.<\/p>\n Although I don\u2019t eschew the topic sentence concept, I don\u2019t embrace it. I use a \u201cDeep Text Analysis\u201d 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\u2019s point or main idea often differs depending on how you look at it.<\/p>\n One of the eight ways we analyze paragraphs is with \u201cWhat\u2019s the point?\u201d Students answer: “The point is that\u2026” 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.<\/p>\n If you wish to teach clear and organized paragraph and multi-paragraph writing FAST<\/em>, check out Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. If you wish to teach or learn clear, organized, and logical thinking, check out Academic Vocabulary for Critical Thinking, Logical Arguments, and Effective Communication<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. By reading it just once, you will change the way you think and communicate forever. I guarantee it!<\/p>\n Here is the point: You either state your point or strongly imply it. Either way, you need an entire arsenal of ways of thinking<\/em> and ways of stating<\/em> to do so. That\u2019s what follows! Furthermore, you must grasp your point in statement form, whether you state or imply it. In short:<\/p>\n \u00bb As a Writer:<\/span> <\/strong>What\u2019s your point? Did you state it or just imply it? If you didn\u2019t state it, do you think you should state it clearly and concisely for your reader to understand? Or is implying it enough?<\/p>\n \u00bb As a Reader:<\/span><\/strong> What\u2019s 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?<\/p>\n In conclusion:<\/strong> As a skilled reader, you must be able to state the writer\u2019s point. That\u2019s a key component of reading comprehension. As a skilled writer, you must be able to state your own point. Both require statements!<\/p>\n It\u2019s one thing to say something in an uncertain way. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n You are about to learn \u201c250+ Ways of Stating Your Ideas!\u201d You will learn over 250 ways to think about your topic in the process. Over 2000 years ago, Aristotle (384 BC\u2013322 BC) created his \u201cTopics of Invention.\u201d Aristotle\u2019s Topics of Invention is a list of ways to think about, discover, and organize arguments and topics of discussion. You will find Aristotle\u2019s complete list of Topics of Inventions in my free eBook, The Definitive List of Writing and Grammar Skills, Strategies, Concepts, Categories, and Models<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201c250+ Ways of Stating Your Ideas\u201d is another way to think about Invention. It\u2019s 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\u2019s the most essential trait. Let\u2019s expand our world of ideas! Let\u2019s learn to make a statement!<\/p>\nThe Four Types of Sentences: Statements, Commands, Questions, and Exclamations<\/h2>\n
The Failed Concept of Topic Sentences and Details<\/h2>\n
The Real Main Idea: What\u2019s Your Point? What\u2019s Their Point?<\/h2>\n
Confidence in Writing: Stating Things Clearly<\/h2>\n