4. DO remember that topic sentences, like thesis statements, are claims to prove (opinions, not facts).

Here’s an example of a topic sentence that does NOT make a claim:

David Khalaf's essay is about visiting his dying grandmother.

The above sentence does not work as a topic sentence because it states a FACT about Khalaf instead of making a CLAIM about him that supports the thesis.

In Essay Two, your topic sentences should support whatever point you're making in your thesis about the power and peril of code-switching

Here’s an example of a way to correct the sentence above to make it a true topic sentence that makes a claim you can prove in that supporting section:

The code-switching David Khalaf does when he visits his grandmother gives him power but is also perilous.

That topic sentence is a true topic sentence because it makes a claim (states an opinion) which the writer can then prove with details and examples from the reading to support their overall thesis.