Occasion/Position

Statements as Topic Sentences

One way to begin a paragraph, essay, report or other type of expository writing is to use an Occasion/Position Statement.  An Occasion/Position Statement is a complex (two-part) sentence that begins with one of the words or phrases that are listed on the included templates.

The occasion:

§       Is the first part of the topic sentence

§       Introduces your reason for writing

§       Can be any event, problem, idea, solution or circumstance that gives you a reason to write

§       is the dependent clause in the complex sentence

§       Occasion starters

The position:

§       Is the second part of the topic sentence

§       States what you plan to prove or explain in your paragraph

§       Is the independent clause in the complex sentence

§       Position ending cutouts

Transition Word Cutouts

Examples:

1.    Although my family and I have taken many wonderful vacations, none was more fun and exciting than our camping trip to the Grand Canyon.

2.    Before you leave the classroom for recess, please turn out the light.

Directions:

1.   Cut out the Occasion/Position words.

2.   Cut out the dependent and independent clauses.

3.   Teach the Topic Sentence Occasion/Position technique beginning on page 2-21 of Step Up to Writing 2^nd Edition.

4.   Break students into pairs or groups.

5.   Have them work with the templates to make sentences.

6.   Have one person per group write the sentences down – optional.