Thesis: Ray Lewis is arguably the best middle linebacker in NFL history because of his charisma, his physical attributed, and his statistics.
Introduction
I. Charisma
A. Off the field
B. On the field
II. Physical attributes
III. Statistics
A. Five-year career
B. Current season
Conclusion
I. A.: One of the most attractive qualities of Ray Lewis is his charisma. He handles the media so smoothly. . . . [Perhaps a still better topic sentence might read thus: One of the most attractive qualities of Ray Lewis is his charisma, especially off the field.]
I. B.: On the field Lewis has charisma as well. . . .
II.: Aside from his charisma, Ray Lewis has to be one of the most physically gifted athletes ever to grace an NFL field.
III. A.: Ray Lewis is also a statistical giant. He has obtained the best statistics for any linebacker in history over the first five years of his career.
III. B.: [In this case, the topic sentence has been inappropriately attached to the end of the preceding paragraph. Or a topic sentence for this paragraph might read thus: During the current season, Lewis continues to compile impressive statistics.]
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