Paragraphs and Topic Sentences: Opinions The topic sentence in a paragraph clearly states the main idea of the paragraph. While it is usually at the beginning of the paragraph, it also can be in the middle or end of it.

Below are a list of topics. Write a topic sentence for each topic.

1. Should students wear uniforms in school?
2. What makes a movie good?
3. Why should we protect endangered animals?
4. What is the water cycle?
5. What is a tradition in your family?

Have you ever thought you understood a person based on a story that you have heard about them? have you ever guessed about a person's personal life because of the clothes they wore? or, have you judged a person because of their friends? although classifying people in this way is typically discouraged, authors deliberately use your preconceived ideas to you form an opinion about the character or to at least have a better understanding. can you think of a time that you made a character call about someone based on external aspects? were you correct, or incorrect? has anyone ever made an incorrect assessment of you based on external aspects? write two paragraphs about it in your journal.