Comprehensive Guide to Topic Sentence Structure and Subordinating Conjunctions

Notebook Placement: The reference sheet detailing topic sentence guidelines must be permanently glued onto the next full blank page of the notebook so the information is always accessible.
Core Role: Topic sentences function as the heart of a paragraph, setting up a clear framework that enables the reader to follow the writer's thoughts.
Paragraph Cohesion: All subsequent sentences in a paragraph must tie directly back to the opinion established in the topic sentence, serving to explain or prove that central claim.
Application Across Genres: The stoplight format and structured topic sentence approach apply effectively to multiple writing types:
- Expository / Informative Essays: Provides a structured way to present facts and concepts.
- Argument Essays: Effectively establishes claims that will be proven throughout the paragraph.
- Narrative Essays: The format can still be adapted, though narrative writing presents the greatest challenge for this rigid structure.

Every topic sentence consists of exactly three required parts, which must appear in order:

Starter Word:
- A subordinating conjunction chosen exclusively from an approved list.
- Function: Initiates a dependent clause at the beginning of the sentence.
Subject:
- Identifies the core topic, main idea, or reason for writing.
- Answers the question: What is the sentence primarily about?
Opinion:
- Declares what the writer plans to prove, explain, or convey about the subject.
- Distinguishes the writer's specific perspective from others who may be writing on the exact same subject.

The 12 Approved Starter Words:
- after
- although
- as
- before
- even though
- it
- since
- unless
- until
- when
- whenever
- while(Note: The subordinating conjunction if is also utilized in practice exercises).
Prohibited Words:
- The word because is explicitly excluded from the starter word list. A paragraph must never begin with because.
Sentence Structure Rules:
- A topic sentence is always a complex sentence.
- When starting with a subordinating conjunction (starter word), the sentence begins with a dependent clause.
- Punctuation Rule: A dependent clause at the start of a sentence must be followed immediately by a comma (,), followed by an independent clause.
- Structural Pattern: $\text{Starter Word (Subordinating Conjunction)} + \text{Dependent Clause} + \text{,} + \text{Independent Clause}$

Model Example 1: "Although I can play any sport, I choose to play soccer."
- Starter Word: Although
- Subject: Choosing a sport (alternatives include baseball, softball, basketball, or hockey).
- Opinion: Choosing to play soccer.
Model Example 2: "While learning about human bones and science, we saw a fascinating model of a human skeleton."
- Starter Word: While
- Subject: Human bones and science.
- Opinion: Viewing the skeleton model was fascinating.

Exercise 1: "If we wanna stay healthy, we need to eat the right foods."
- Starter Word: If
- Subject: Staying healthy.
- Opinion: We need to eat the right foods.
Exercise 2: "Even though some video games are violent, I enjoy playing them for hours with my friend."
- Starter Word: Even though
- Subject: Violent video games.
- Opinion: Enjoying playing them for hours with friends despite the violence.
Exercise 3: "As technology continues to advance, more and more people embrace and use technology in their everyday lives."
- Starter Word: As
- Subject: Advancing technology / Technology in everyday life.
- Opinion: More and more people embrace and use technology in daily life.

Question: Are starter words used to create compound sentences?
- Response: No. Starter words are subordinating conjunctions used specifically to build complex sentences, not compound sentences.
Question: What specific type of sentence must a topic sentence always be?
- Response: A topic sentence must always be a complex sentence.
Discussion on Subject vs. Opinion Context:
- Subject Example: Favorite holidays (e.g., Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Saint Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, or birthdays).
- Opinion Example: Stating that Halloween is the best holiday.
- Practical Application: Multiple writers given the same general subject (e.g., favorite holiday or sports) will share identical subjects, but their writing will diverge entirely based on their individual opinions.