A sentence that introduces your quote to the reader.

A hook to pull your reader in.

A sentence that captures the main idea/point of the paragraph.

A rare species of bird found in the Sahara desert.

Broad. You really don't want your reader to know which direction you will go.

Specific and clear. You want to lead with your clear assertion.

An introductory sentence that doesn't fully reveal your idea.

A question 

There are many points in the text where friendship is important.

The author shows friendship's importance using Gene and Finny.

Friendship is all about what you think and feel. It definitely helps you find yourself.

The author uses Gene and Finny to show that jealousy can destroy a friendship.

This is true, but what is the point? Answer the "so what?" and add detail.

This is a really strong topic sentence!

This is too specific. It needs to be more broad.

Gene is only able to truly discover his own identity after dealing with the loss of his best friend.

Gene deals with a lot of traumatic experiences in the novel.

Loss of innocence happens all over the world; you don't really know who you are until you struggle.

Gene tries to be Finny throughout the novel by wearing his clothes and imitating him.

Finny discovers who he really is after he dies.

Leper, a character who was timid and shy for most of the novel, finds his voice after his traumatic experience in basic training.

Gene discovers that his guilt and jealousy for Finny has ruined their friendship

Loss of innocence happens to Gene multiple times throughout the course of the novel.