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How to Write Topic Sentences | 4 Steps, Examples & Purpose

How to Write Topic Sentences | 4 Steps, Examples & Purpose

Published on July 21, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on June 5, 2023.

Every paragraph in your paper needs a topic sentence . The topic sentence expresses what the paragraph is about. It should include two key things:

The topic of the paragraph
The central point of the paragraph.

After the topic sentence, you expand on the point zwith evidence and examples.

To build a well-structured argument, you can also use your topic sentences to transition smoothly between paragraphs and show the connections between your points.

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Writing strong topic sentences, topic sentences as transitions between paragraphs, topic sentences that introduce more than one paragraph, where does the topic sentence go, frequently asked questions about topic sentences.

Topic sentences aren’t the first or the last thing you write—you’ll develop them throughout the writing process. To make sure every topic sentence and paragraph serves your argument, follow these steps.

Step 1: Write a thesis statement

The first step to developing your topic sentences is to make sure you have a strong thesis statement . The thesis statement sums up the purpose and argument of the whole paper.

Thesis statement example

Food is an increasingly urgent environmental issue, and to reduce humans’ impact on the planet, it is necessary to change global patterns of food production and consumption.

Step 2: Make an essay outline and draft topic sentences

Next, you should make an outline of your essay’s structure , planning what you want to say in each paragraph and what evidence you’ll use.

At this stage, you can draft a topic sentence that sums up the main point you want to make in each paragraph. The topic sentences should be more specific than the thesis statement, but always clearly related to it.

Topic sentence example

Research has consistently shown that the meat industry has a significant environmental impact .

Step 3: Expand with evidence

The rest of the paragraph should flow logically from the topic sentence, expanding on the point with evidence, examples, or argumentation. This helps keep your paragraphs focused: everything you write should relate to the central idea expressed in the topic sentence.

In our example, you might mention specific research studies and statistics that support your point about the overall impact of the meat industry.

Step 4: Refine your topic sentences

Topic sentences usually start out as simple statements. But it’s important to revise them as you write, making sure they match the content of each paragraph.

A good topic sentence is specific enough to give a clear sense of what to expect from the paragraph, but general enough that it doesn’t give everything away. You can think of it like a signpost: it should tell the reader which direction your argument is going in.

To make your writing stronger and ensure the connections between your paragraphs are clear and logical, you can also use topic sentences to create smooth transitions. To improve sentence flow even more, you can also utilize the paraphrase tool .

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As you write each topic sentence, ask yourself: how does this point relate to what you wrote in the preceding paragraph? It’s often helpful to use transition words in your topic sentences to show the connections between your ideas.

Emphasize and expand

If the paragraph goes into more detail or gives another example to make the same point, the topic sentence can use words that imply emphasis or similarity (for example, furthermore , indeed , in fact , also ).

Indeed , cattle farming alone is responsible for a large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions.

Summarize and anticipate

If the paragraph turns to a different aspect of the same subject, the topic sentence can briefly sum up the previous paragraph and anticipate the new information that will appear in this one.

While beef clearly has the most dramatic footprint, other animal products also have serious impacts in terms of emissions, water and land use.

Compare and contrast

If the paragraph makes a comparison or introduces contrasting information, the topic sentence can use words that highlight difference or conflict (for example, in contrast , however , yet , on the other hand ).

However , the environmental costs of dietary choices are not always clear-cut; in some cases, small-scale livestock farming is more sustainable than plant-based food production.

You can also imply contrast or complicate your argument by formulating the topic sentence as a question.

Is veganism the only solution, or are there more sustainable ways of producing meat and dairy?

Sometimes you can use a topic sentence to introduce several paragraphs at once.

All of the examples above address the environmental impact of meat-eating versus veganism. Together, they make up one coherent part of a larger argument, so the first paragraph could use a topic sentence to introduce the whole section.

In countries with high levels of meat consumption, a move towards plant-based diets is the most obvious route to making food more sustainable. Research has consistently shown that the meat industry has significant environmental impacts.

The topic sentence usually goes at the very start of a paragraph, but sometimes it can come later to indicate a change of direction in the paragraph’s argument.

Given this evidence of the meat industry’s impact on the planet, veganism seems like the only environmentally responsible option for consumers. However, the environmental costs of dietary choices are not always clear-cut; in some cases, small-scale livestock farming is more sustainable than plant-based food production.

In this example, the first sentence summarizes the main point that has been made so far. Then the topic sentence indicates that this paragraph will address evidence that complicates or contradicts that point.

In more advanced or creative forms of academic writing , you can play with the placement of topic sentences to build suspense and give your arguments more force. But if in doubt, to keep your research paper clear and focused, the easiest method is to place the topic sentence at the start of the paragraph.

View topic sentences in an example essay

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

Topic sentences help keep your writing focused and guide the reader through your argument.

In an essay or paper , each paragraph should focus on a single idea. By stating the main idea in the topic sentence, you clarify what the paragraph is about for both yourself and your reader.

The topic sentence usually comes at the very start of the paragraph .

However, sometimes you might start with a transition sentence to summarize what was discussed in previous paragraphs, followed by the topic sentence that expresses the focus of the current paragraph.

Let’s say you’re writing a five-paragraph essay about the environmental impacts of dietary choices. Here are three examples of topic sentences you could use for each of the three body paragraphs :

Research has shown that the meat industry has severe environmental impacts.
However, many plant-based foods are also produced in environmentally damaging ways.
It’s important to consider not only what type of diet we eat, but where our food comes from and how it is produced.

Each of these sentences expresses one main idea – by listing them in order, we can see the overall structure of the essay at a glance. Each paragraph will expand on the topic sentence with relevant detail, evidence, and arguments.

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What’s Covered:

What Is a Topic Sentence?
5 Steps to Writing a Good Topic Sentence

Elements of a Good Topic Sentence

Common pitfalls to avoid.

Where To Get Your Essay Edited For Free

Crafting the perfect essay takes time and dedication. There are so many elements you have to worry about, such as tone, purpose, and correct spelling and grammar. Writing a strong topic sentences is another critical part in writing a cohesive essay.

Without a strong topic sentence, you risk losing your reader and perhaps part of your grade. If it’s a college admissions essay, then you need it to be as strong as possible to back up your application. Learn about what steps you should take to write a strong topic sentence.

What Is a Topic Sentence?

People often confuse a topic sentence with a thesis statement. A thesis statement is typically at the end of your opening paragraph, that dictates the main argument you’ll be making in your essay.

Throughout your essay, you’ll have multiple topic sentences, as each paragraph should start off with one. This beginning sentence is used to direct the topic of the paragraph and outline the flow of the following sentences. It’s used to help guide your reader and to continue to keep them hooked on your overall essay. Without topic sentences, your essay will be unorganized, lack transitions, and sound very choppy. To write a good topic sentence, there are several steps to take.

Writing a Good Topic Sentence: 5 Steps

Step 1: decide what you’re going to write about..

When you see the essay prompt, you’ll have some time to think through what you want to say and why. You have to decide if it’s a persuasive essay, informative, narrative, or descriptive. Determine your purpose for writing the essay after reading through the prompt. Whether it’s an assignment for school or if it’s to get into college, you need to make sure you have that purpose clearly outlined.

Step 2: Create a thesis statement.

One of the first things you need to do is create a thesis statement. This is typically a sentence with three points that you’ll back up throughout your essay.

For example: The Office became a cultural phenomenon because it spurred the careers of many of today’s successful movie stars, it talked about situations that most American workers can relate to, and even 15 years later, offers funny, relevant content that helps to break down prejudices.

You then use that thesis statement to create an essay around the points you want to make.

Step 3: Make your essay outline.

Once you have the points you want to make within your thesis statement hammered out, make an outline for your essay. This is where you’ll start to create your topic sentence for each paragraph. You want to clearly state the main idea of that paragraph in the very first sentence. From there, you back up that main idea with facts and reputable sources. Make sure your topic sentence is clear, but does not just announce your topic.

For example, do not write something like: “In this paragraph, I will discuss why it’s bad that poachers are killing giraffes.”

Instead, write something that clearly states your idea with a reasonable opinion and that gives direction to the paragraph: “Giraffes are a key part of the African ecosystem, so it’s important to enforce regulations against the poachers who are killing them for their body parts.”

You’d then follow that up with reasons why giraffes are a key part of the African ecosystem and how poachers are destroying their population.

Step 4: Begin writing your essay.

Once you have your thesis statement and you’ve created an outline with supporting paragraphs and their topic sentences, you can begin writing your essay. It’s important to make that outline before just jumping in–a disorganized essay can spell disaster for you as you continue to write, and could result in a poor grade. Many times, teachers will even require you to turn in your outline as part of your overall essay grade.

Step 5: Proofread and check your resources.

After you’ve written the essay, go back through it with a fine tooth comb. Read through each topic sentence and the paragraphs that follow to ensure that you’ve written clear, solid topic sentences throughout and that the paragraphs with them make sense. During the proofreading phase, you also need to recheck the sources you’re using. Make sure each source is reputable. In other words, do not use sites like Wikipedia where anyone can go in and edit an article to add misinformation. Use sites that:

Are actual reputable news sources, such as the New York Times , CNN, CBS News
Have domain names that end in .edu or .gov
Come from an encyclopedia, such as Encyclopedia Britannica

Using sites that are not reputable could jeopardize the validity of your argument.

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Now that you know the steps to set yourself up for success when writing a topic sentence, there are certain elements that go into a quality first sentence. Always make sure that your topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph. You don’t want to make your reader hunt for the point you’re trying to make. Check out some key elements of a good topic sentence:

Make sure your topic sentence isn’t too vague.

You need a topic sentence that has some specifics to it. It also needs to hook in your reader in some way with an opinion. A vague sentence makes it harder to write a paragraph that can clearly backs up your thoughts. For example:

DON’T: “In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bingley seems like a nice guy.”

DO: “When Mr. Bingley is first introduced, he comes across as a kind person because he speaks to everyone and doesn’t immediately pass judgment.”

Choose a reasonable opinion.

Your topic sentence should clearly outline whatever point you’re trying to make in the paragraph, but you want to pick a reasonable opinion that you can easily reinforce with facts and statistics. Here’s an example of what you should and should not do:

DON’T: “It’s obvious that Mr. Bingley was a total loser with no backbone.”

DO: “Mr. Bingley could have shown more confidence in his choices and stood up to Mr. Darcy when he found himself in love with Jane Bennet.”

You can then back that up with facts, saying that he was a wealthy Englishman and thus one of the key players in society at the time, which should have given him more confidence. If he’d been more confident, perhaps he would not have left and devastated Jane.

Use your topic sentence as a transition.

Along with telling the reader the point of your next paragraph, your topic sentence should also serve as a transition from the previous paragraph. Without a transition, the essay can feel like it’s choppy and disjointed. For example:

DON’T: “Mr. Bingley is a good man and here’s why.”

DO: “Although Mr. Bingley did break Jane’s heart by leaving, he ended up redeeming himself by returning to Netherfield Hall.”

Keep your topic sentence short.

A long, drawn-out topic sentence can risk losing your reader. Many times, it’s hard to determine the point of a sentence when it goes on for too long. You want a clear, concise sentence that draws in the reader but also leaves some room for you to expand on it in the following paragraph.

DON’T: “Throughout the novel of Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bingley was often quite different from Mr. Darcy as he would treat all people in a friendly manner, considering them all his friends and acquaintances, even agreeing to throw a ball after Elizabeth’s sisters rudely demanded he do so and was gracious to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as well despite their manners.”

DO: “Overall, Mr. Bingley served as a foil to Mr. Darcy throughout the story by treating everyone around him equally with dignity and grace.”

Writing an essay can be overwhelming at times, but so long as you avoid some of these common pitfalls, it can be easier to get it done on time.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

If your teacher assigns you an essay or tells you that you have an essay test coming up, don’t wait until the day before to do anything about it. You have to plan or study and you need to give yourself time to do that. If you know it takes you a while to write something, then start planning it as soon as you get the assignment.

Don’t forget to write an outline.

Along with planning, make sure you have that outline written up and planned out well. It will serve as your guideline for writing the essay. Without it, you’ll face the risk of a disorganized essay that does not clearly illustrate your point.

Ask for help if you need it.

This may be the most important pitfall to avoid. If you get in over your head while writing, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask a friend to review the essay or ask your teacher for guidance.

Where to Get Your Essay Edited for Free

Once you’ve finished your essay, you may want additional input. There are tools out there to help, but CollegeVine’s free peer essay review tool can provide you with actionable feedback from students just like you. CollegeVine’s tool has helped many students and may be able to help you, too! Asking for peer feedback can help to refine your essay and it never hurts to have an extra set of eyes read through what you’ve written. Check out the free tool today!

Paragraphs: Topic Sentences

Topic sentences video playlist.

Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. There may be some examples of writing that have not been updated to APA 7 guidelines.

Academic Paragraphs: Introduction to Paragraphs and the MEAL Plan (video transcript)
Academic Paragraphs: Examples of the MEAL Plan (video transcript)

The best way to understand the role of the topic sentence in paragraph development is to imagine that any given paragraph is a miniature essay that has its own thesis, support, and conclusion. The parts of a paragraph easily correspond to the parts of an essay:


Thesis statement	Topic sentence
Body paragraphs	Supporting details, explanation, analysis
Conclusion	Wrap-up sentence(s)

Just as an effective essay starts off with an introduction that presents the paper's thesis statement and indicates the specific claim or argument that the essay will develop, each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that indicates the focus of that paragraph, alerting the reader to the particular subtopic that the paragraph will provide evidence to support.

A strong topic sentence should be placed at or near the beginning of a paragraph. In addition, this sentence should focus on a specific issue, avoid the use of direct quotations, and leave room for support and analysis within the body of the paragraph. Read on to learn more about creating an effective topic sentence.

The topic sentence does not have to be the first sentence in the paragraph; however, it should come early in the paragraph in order to orient the reader to the paragraph's focus right away. Occasionally a writer may place a transition sentence before the topic sentence, to create continuity between topics.

Topic Sentence to begin paragraph:

In the novel Sula , Morrison uses the physical bonds of female friendship to propel her characters into self-awareness.

Transition Sentence + Topic Sentence to begin paragraph:

However, Morrison does not only use the emotional and spiritual bonds between her female characters to initiate their coming-of-age. In addition, the author uses the physical bonds of female friendship to propel her adolescent protagonists into self-awareness.

Specificity

Your topic sentence should be more narrowly focused than your thesis sentence, and you will want to make sure the claim you are making can be supported, argued, and analyzed within the body of your paragraph.

Example: In the novel Sula , Morrison uses the physical bonds of female friendship to propel her characters into self-awareness.

In this topic sentence, the essayist is arguing that physical bonds of friendship, specifically, make the female characters more self-aware. Because this idea can be refuted or supported by readers (based on how successfully the essayist persuades his or her readers with examples and analysis from the novel), and because the claim is narrow enough to address within a single paragraph, the above sentence is a successful topic sentence.

Direct Quotations (Are Best Avoided)

Although it might be tempting to begin a paragraph with a compelling quotation, as a general rule, topic sentences should state the main idea of the paragraph in your own words. Direct quotations have a place later in the paragraph, where they may be incorporated to support the topic sentence.

Needs Improvement: As Morrison (1982) conveyed, the girls' "friendship let them use each other to grow on…they found in each other's eyes the intimacy they were looking for" (p. 52).

Better: In the novel Sula , Morrison uses the physical bonds of female friendship to propel her characters into self-awareness. Pointing to the connection of eyes meeting and bodies growing together, Morrison makes coming-of-age an interactive physical process between the adolescent protagonists. Specifically, Morrison describes how Sula and Nel have used "each other to grow on…they found in each other's eyes the intimacy they were looking for" (p. 52).

In this second paragraph, the topic sentence appears first, immediately orienting readers to the main focus (or topic) of the paragraph. The quotation is used later in the paragraph as a form of evidence or support for the topic sentence.

If you are finding it challenging to create effective topic sentences, you might consider outlining before beginning to write a paper. The points and subpoints of an outline can then become the topic sentences for the paper's paragraphs.

Additionally, because the topic sentence functions similarly at the paragraph level to the thesis at the essay level, you may also find it helpful to check out our thesis statement construction information. Our resource on paragraphs has helpful information about the scope of a paragraph, as well.

Related Resources

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Next Page: Organization (MEAL Plan)
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Using Topic Sentences

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What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence states the main point of a paragraph: it serves as a mini-thesis for the paragraph. You might think of it as a signpost for your readers—or a headline—something that alerts them to the most important, interpretive points in your essay. When read in sequence, your essay’s topic sentences will provide a sketch of the essay’s argument. Thus topics sentences help protect your readers from confusion by guiding them through the argument. But topic sentences can also help you to improve your essay by making it easier for you to recognize gaps or weaknesses in your argument.

Where do topic sentences go?

Topic sentences usually appear at the very beginning of paragraphs. In the following example from Anatomy of Criticism , Northrop Frye establishes the figure of the tragic hero as someone more than human, but less than divine. He backs up his claim with examples of characters from literature, religion and mythology whose tragic stature is a function of their ability to mediate between their fellow human beings and a power that transcends the merely human:

The tragic hero is typically on top of the wheel of fortune, half-way between human society on the ground and the something greater in the sky. Prometheus, Adam, and Christ hang between heaven and earth, between a world of paradisal freedom and a world of bondage. Tragic heroes are so much the highest points in their human landscape that they seem the inevitable conductors of the power about them, great trees more likely to be struck by lightning than a clump of grass. Conductors may of course be instruments as well as victims of the divine lightning: Milton’s Samson destroys the Philistine temple with himself, and Hamlet nearly exterminates the Danish court in his own fall.

The structure of Frye’s paragraph is simple yet powerful: the topic sentence makes an abstract point, and the rest of the paragraph elaborates on that point using concrete examples as evidence.

Does a topic sentence have to be at the beginning of a paragraph?

No, though this is usually the most logical place for it. Sometimes a transitional sentence or two will come before a topic sentence:

We found in comedy that the term bomolochos or buffoon need not be restricted to farce, but could be extended to cover comic characters who are primarily entertainers, with the function of increasing or focusing the comic mood. The corresponding contrasting type is the suppliant, the character, often female, who presents a picture of unmitigated helplessness and destitution. Such a figure is pathetic, and pathos, though it seems a gentler and more relaxed mood than tragedy, is even more terrifying. Its basis is the exclusion of an individual from the group; hence it attacks the deepest fear in ourselves that we possess—a fear much deeper than the relatively cosy and sociable bogey of hell. In the suppliant pity and terror are brought to the highest possible pitch of intensity, and the awful consequences of rejecting the suppliant for all concerned is a central theme of Greek tragedy.

The context for this passage is an extended discussion of the characteristics of tragedy. In this paragraph, Frye begins by drawing a parallel between the figure of the buffoon in comedy and that of the suppliant in tragedy. His discussion of the buffoon occurred in a earlier section of the chapter, a section devoted to comedy. The first sentence of the current paragraph is transitional: it prepares the way for the topic sentence. The delayed topic sentence contributes to the coherence of Frye’s discussion by drawing an explicit connection between key ideas in the book. In essays, the connection is usually between the last paragraph and the current one.

Sometimes writers save a topic sentence for the end of a paragraph. You may, for example, occasionally find that giving away your point at the beginning of a paragraph does not allow you to build your argument toward an effective climax.

How do I come up with a topic sentence? And what makes a good one?

Ask yourself what’s going on in your paragraph. Why have you chosen to include the information you have? Why is the paragraph important in the context of your argument? What point are you trying to make?

Relating your topic sentences to your thesis can help strengthen the coherence of your essay. If you include a thesis statement in your introduction, then think of incorporating a keyword from that statement into the topic sentence. But you need not be overly explicit when you echo the thesis statement. Better to be subtle rather than heavy-handed. Do not forget that your topic sentence should do more than just establish a connection between your paragraph and your thesis. Use a topic sentence to show how your paragraph contributes to the development of your argument by moving it that one extra step forward. If your topic sentence merely restates your thesis, then either your paragraph is redundant or your topic sentence needs to be reformulated. If several of your topic sentences restate your thesis, even if they do so in different words, then your essay is probably repetitive.

Does every paragraph need one?

No, but most do. Sometimes a paragraph helps to develop the same point as in the previous paragraph, and so a new topic sentence would be redundant. And sometimes the evidence in your paragraph makes your point so effectively that your topic sentence can remain implicit. But if you are in doubt, it’s best to use one.

How to Write a Topic Sentence (30+ Tips & Examples)

Writing the perfect topic sentence took me years to master.

After endless drafts, feedback sessions, and seeing what resonates with readers, I’ve distilled the ultimate guide to craft attention-grabbing, informative, and concise topic sentences.

Let’s dive into the essential tips for how to write a topic sentence.

What Is a Topic Sentence and Why Is It Important?

Bright lights spell 'TOPIC SENTENCES' above an awe-inspired crowd -- How to Write a Topic Sentence

Table of Contents

A topic sentence introduces the main idea, usually appearing at the start of a paragraph.

It sets the tone for the entire paragraph by giving a glimpse of what’s coming. Think of it as a headline for each paragraph that keeps your writing clear and focused.

A strong topic sentence is important because:

Grabs Attention: Captures the reader’s interest, encouraging them to keep reading.
Guides Structure: Helps organize thoughts in a logical way.
Provides Focus: Prevents rambling by clarifying the main point.

Types of Topic Sentences

Different types of topic sentences can fit various writing styles and purposes.

Understanding these types will help you select the best approach for your specific content.

Declarative Statements: These are straightforward sentences that make a clear assertion. They introduce the main idea without any fluff or ambiguity. Example: “Water conservation is critical in regions prone to drought.”
Interrogative Sentences: These topic sentences pose a question, encouraging readers to think critically and seek answers within the paragraph. Example: “How can sustainable practices help reduce waste in the fashion industry?”
Complex Sentences: By combining independent and dependent clauses, these topic sentences present a nuanced main idea that prepares readers for a more detailed discussion. Example: “Although renewable energy sources are gaining popularity, fossil fuels still dominate the global energy sector.”
Bridge Sentences: These link the preceding paragraph to the next, providing continuity and coherence in the overall structure. Example: “While electric vehicles offer a greener alternative to traditional cars, the infrastructure for widespread adoption remains lacking.”
Contrasting Statements: These topic sentences highlight opposing viewpoints or circumstances, building intrigue and depth into the following paragraph. Example: “Despite the technological advancements in healthcare, access remains limited for underserved communities.”

My 30 Best Tips for Writing a Topic Sentence

Now let’s get into the main section of this guide — where you will learn all the best tips for writing a compelling topic sentence on any subject.

Tip #1: State the Main Idea Clearly

Make sure your topic sentence introduces the primary idea succinctly.

Avoid vague language or cluttered wording. Your reader should immediately understand the topic.

Clear: “Recycling programs reduce landfill waste by promoting reusable packaging.”
Unclear: “Programs for recycling can be a good thing because it’s important.”

Tip #2: Keep It Simple and Direct

A topic sentence should be straightforward. Avoid complex structures and over-complicated phrasing.

Shorter sentences work best.

Simple: “Exercise improves mental health through endorphin production.”
Complicated: “One can expect to experience benefits in their mental state with exercise due to the generation of endorphins.”

Tip #3: Link to the Previous Paragraph

Create a smooth flow by connecting ideas to the paragraph before.

Transition words like “similarly,” “however,” or “in contrast” help show relationships.

Linked: “Similarly, the agricultural industry is also impacted by climate change.”
Disjointed: “Farmers are struggling with erratic weather patterns.”

Tip #4: Avoid Announcing Your Intentions

Steer clear of sentences like “In this paragraph, I will discuss…” They sound amateurish and reduce reader engagement.

Natural: “Effective communication skills are crucial for career advancement.”
Announcing: “This paragraph will explain why communication skills are important.”

Tip #5: Vary Sentence Structure

Using the same structure repeatedly can bore readers.

Mix up your approach by experimenting with different forms like questions, facts, and lists.

Varied: “How does cultural background influence consumer behavior?”
Repetitive: “Consumer behavior is influenced by cultural background.”

Tip #6: Be Specific, Not General

A vague topic sentence leaves the reader confused. Instead, provide specific information to establish clarity and interest.

Specific: “Remote work improves productivity by reducing commute times.”
General: “Remote work is beneficial for many reasons.”

Tip #7: Reflect Your Argument’s Tone

Match your topic sentence with the tone of your argument. For serious discussions, avoid informal language.

Formal: “The socioeconomic impact of urbanization requires comprehensive policy solutions.”
Informal: “The effects of city living need some fixing.”

Tip #8: Include a Controlling Idea

The controlling idea limits the scope of the paragraph, ensuring the reader knows what to expect next.

With Control: “Social media marketing increases brand visibility through targeted campaigns.”
Without Control: “Social media is important.”

Tip #9: Use Active Voice

Active voice is more engaging and dynamic. It also provides clarity.

Active: “New policies will reshape healthcare accessibility.”
Passive: “Healthcare accessibility will be reshaped by new policies.”

Tip #10: Make It Unique

Avoid using overused phrases or predictable statements. Offer a fresh perspective to captivate your reader.

Unique: “Biodegradable packaging is transforming the fast-food industry.”
Cliché: “The fast-food industry is changing with new trends.”

Tip #11: Create Curiosity

Tease your reader by leaving questions unanswered. Encourage them to keep reading for more.

Curious: “What are the unexpected benefits of rising inflation rates?”
Blunt: “Rising inflation rates have some positive effects.”

Tip #12: Support Your Thesis

Your topic sentence should align with your overall thesis. It will give your argument more coherence.

Aligned: “Reducing plastic waste aligns with our sustainability goals.”
Unaligned: “Plastic recycling is controversial.”

Tip #13: Focus on One Point

Don’t overwhelm readers with multiple ideas in one topic sentence. Stick to one clear concept.

One Point: “Artificial intelligence streamlines data analysis.”
Too Broad: “Artificial intelligence changes marketing, finance, and data analysis.”

Tip #14: Use Key Terms From the Prompt (if applicable)

If you are responding to an assignment or specific topic prompt, make sure your topic sentence directly incorporates relevant keywords.

Key Terms Included: “Global warming solutions must involve international cooperation.”
Lacks Terms: “Solutions for the environment require cooperation.”

Tip #15: Offer Context

Provide some context in the topic sentence to frame the discussion, giving the reader essential background information.

With Context: “As urbanization accelerates, city infrastructure struggles to keep up.” Without Context: “City infrastructure is lagging.”

Tip #16: Incorporate Comparisons

Comparisons can clarify complex concepts and give readers a familiar reference.

Comparison: “Just as the printing press revolutionized communication, the internet has transformed modern commerce.”
No Comparison: “The internet has transformed modern commerce.”

Tip #17: Present Solutions

Offering a solution at the start engages readers who are seeking actionable advice.

Solution: “Installing solar panels reduces energy bills while cutting carbon emissions.”
Problem-Only: “High energy bills are a widespread issue.”

Tip #18: Address Common Misconceptions

Challenge preconceived notions to spark curiosity and highlight the importance of your argument.

Challenging: “Despite common belief, vitamin supplements aren’t always beneficial.”
Reinforcing: “Vitamin supplements have benefits.”

Tip #19: Use Emotional Appeals

Appeal to the reader’s emotions to deepen their connection to your writing.

Emotional: “Volunteering at shelters uplifts communities and transforms lives.”
Neutral: “Volunteering at shelters is helpful.”

Tip #20: Avoid Redundancy

Ensure your topic sentence adds new value. Avoid repeating points covered elsewhere.

New Value: “Stronger copyright laws are crucial for protecting intellectual property.”
Redundant: “Intellectual property needs stronger protection.”

Tip #21: Ask a Thought-Provoking Question

Pose a question that makes the reader stop and think. This engages them immediately.

Provocative: “How will automation reshape the global workforce?”
Plain: “Automation is changing the global workforce.”

Tip #22: Include an Action Verb

Action verbs add momentum and urgency to your topic sentence. They make your point more dynamic.

Active Verb: “Investing in renewable energy fosters long-term economic growth.”
Lacks Action: “Renewable energy investments are beneficial.”

Tip #23: Paint a Picture

Use descriptive language to help readers visualize your point.

Descriptive: “Increased droughts have turned fertile farmlands into arid deserts.”
Bland: “Droughts are affecting farmlands.”

Tip #24: Use Parallel Structure

Parallel structure involves repeating similar grammatical forms.

It makes your writing rhythmic and easy to follow.

Parallel: “Tackling pollution requires reducing emissions, cleaning waterways, and limiting waste.”
Non-Parallel: “Tackling pollution requires emission reductions, waterways cleaning, and limiting waste.”

Tip #25: Emphasize Urgency

Highlight the time-sensitive nature of your argument to create urgency.

Urgent: “Immediate action is needed to prevent further deforestation.”
Calm: “Deforestation is a concern.”

Tip #26: Highlight Contrasts

Contrasting different ideas helps to emphasize your point and draw clear distinctions.

Contrast: “While technology creates new jobs, it also disrupts traditional industries.”
No Contrast: “Technology affects the job market.”

Tip #27: Lead with a Statistic

Start with a compelling number to catch the reader’s attention and back up your argument.

Statistic: “80% of small businesses struggle to comply with data privacy regulations.”
General Statement: “Small businesses struggle with data privacy.”

Tip #28: Build on Existing Knowledge

Assume the reader has some background knowledge and expand on it.

Builds On Knowledge: “With the rise of remote work, companies are rethinking their office spaces.”
Basic Information: “Remote work is changing office spaces.”

Tip #29: Start with an Anecdote

A brief anecdote adds a human touch, creating an immediate connection with the reader.

Anecdotal: “After years of burnout, Sarah switched to a part-time schedule to improve her work-life balance.”
Abstract: “Work-life balance is important.”

Tip #30: Use an Engaging Metaphor

A metaphor can illuminate your argument in an unexpected way.

Metaphor: “Effective teamwork is the glue that holds successful organizations together.”
Literal: “Effective teamwork is important for organizations.”

Check out this video about how to write a topic sentence:

Final Thoughts: How to Write a Topic Sentence

Writing compelling topic sentences takes practice, but mastering this skill can transform your writing.

I hope this guides empowers you in your topic-sentence writing journey.

Beyond the topic sentence, there are other techniques and terms you really need to know to improve your writing.

Writing Topic Sentences — Purpose, Structure, and Examples

What is a topic sentence.

A topic sentence in academic writing identifies how a body paragraph relates to the overall purpose of an essay stated in the thesis statement . Topic sentences are usually at the beginning of a paragraph and identify the paragraph’s controlling idea.

While an essay’s thesis statement identifies the point of the essay in its entirety, the topic sentence has a much narrower focus, as it relates only to the paragraph in which it is located.

What is the purpose of a topic sentence?

The purpose of a topic sentence is to inform the reader of the main idea of the paragraph and how it connects to the overall objective of the essay. An effective topic sentence accomplishes one or more of the following:

Makes a claim

Supports other claims made in the paper

Identifies the purpose of the rest of the paragraph

Relates the paragraph to the purpose of the paper

Precedes information that defends a claim

How to write a topic sentence

To write a topic sentence, incorporate the following guidelines:

Determine the thesis of the essay.

Identify the main supports that help prove the thesis.

Use each main support to structure a topic sentence for each paragraph.

Compose a sentence that answers the following questions:

What will the paragraph prove?

How does the paragraph connect to the thesis?

Where is the topic sentence in a paragraph?

Topic sentences can be placed at the beginning or end of a paragraph.

Although it does not need to be the first sentence, the topic sentence should be placed at the beginning of the paragraph so the reader can quickly identify the purpose of the paragraph.

While not a common placement for a topic sentence, some writers use topic sentences at the end of a paragraph. Writers who choose this method want the reader to deduce the main point of the paragraph by presenting the evidence first.

Topic sentence examples

The following list identifies topic sentences based on the provided thesis statements for five-paragraph essays:

Thesis Statement: Capital punishment should be banned because it is inhumane, unconstitutional, and ineffective at deterring crime.

Support Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: The inhumane nature of the death penalty proves it should be abolished.

Support Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Capital punishment should be outlawed because it violates the Constitution.

Support Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Because the death penalty does not effectively deter criminal behavior, states should not continue to use it.

Thesis Statement: College athletes should be financially compensated because they sacrifice their minds and bodies, cannot hold an outside job, and increase the school’s revenue.

Support Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: Student athletes should be paid for their performance because of sports’ impact on their minds and bodies.

Support Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Because most college athletes cannot play their sport and hold a job, colleges should give them a living wage.

Support Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Student-athletes’ ability to increase their college’s revenue proves they should be awarded financial compensation.

Thesis Statement: Using alternative energy sources can help lessen the impact of global climate change.

Support Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: Through the widespread use of solar power, countries can limit the environmental impact of other energy sources.

Support Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Utilizing more wind turbines as a power source can help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Support Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Using geothermal power will effectively decrease the world's reliance on fossil fuels.

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Paragraphs & topic sentences.

A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and coherent, and are all related to a single topic. Almost every piece of writing you do that is longer than a few sentences should be organized into paragraphs. This is because paragraphs show a reader where the subdivisions of an essay begin and end, and thus help the reader see the organization of the essay and grasp its main points.

Paragraphs can contain many different kinds of information. A paragraph could contain a series of brief examples or a single long illustration of a general point. It might describe a place, character, or process; narrate a series of events; compare or contrast two or more things; classify items into categories; or describe causes and effects. Regardless of the kind of information they contain, all paragraphs share certain characteristics. One of the most important of these is a topic sentence.

TOPIC SENTENCES

A well-organized paragraph supports or develops a single controlling idea, which is expressed in a sentence called the topic sentence. A topic sentence has several important functions: it substantiates or supports an essay’s thesis statement; it unifies the content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; and it advises the reader of the subject to be discussed and how the paragraph will discuss it. Readers generally look to the first few sentences in a paragraph to determine the subject and perspective of the paragraph. That’s why it’s often best to put the topic sentence at the very beginning of the paragraph. In some cases, however, it’s more effective to place another sentence before the topic sentence—for example, a sentence linking the current paragraph to the previous one, or one providing background information.

Although most paragraphs should have a topic sentence, there are a few situations when a paragraph might not need a topic sentence. For example, you might be able to omit a topic sentence in a paragraph that narrates a series of events, if a paragraph continues developing an idea that you introduced (with a topic sentence) in the previous paragraph, or if all the sentences and details in a paragraph clearly refer—perhaps indirectly—to a main point. The vast majority of your paragraphs, however, should have a topic sentence.

PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE

Most paragraphs in an essay have a three-part structure—introduction, body, and conclusion. You can see this structure in paragraphs whether they are narrating, describing, comparing, contrasting, or analyzing information. Each part of the paragraph plays an important role in communicating your meaning to your reader.

Introduction : the first section of a paragraph; should include the topic sentence and any other sentences at the beginning of the paragraph that give background information or provide a transition.

Body : follows the introduction; discusses the controlling idea, using facts, arguments, analysis, examples, and other information.

Conclusion : the final section; summarizes the connections between the information discussed in the body of the paragraph and the paragraph’s controlling idea.

The following paragraph illustrates this pattern of organization. In this paragraph the topic sentence and concluding sentence (CAPITALIZED) both help the reader keep the paragraph’s main point in mind.

SCIENTISTS HAVE LEARNED TO SUPPLEMENT THE SENSE OF SIGHT IN NUMEROUS WAYS. In front of the tiny pupil of the eye they put , on Mount Palomar, a great monocle 200 inches in diameter, and with it see 2000 times farther into the depths of space. Or they look through a small pair of lenses arranged as a microscope into a drop of water or blood, and magnify by as much as 2000 diameters the living creatures there, many of which are among man’s most dangerous enemies. Or , if we want to see distant happenings on earth, they use some of the previously wasted electromagnetic waves to carry television images which they re-create as light by whipping tiny crystals on a screen with electrons in a vacuum. Or they can bring happenings of long ago and far away as colored motion pictures, by arranging silver atoms and color-absorbing molecules to force light waves into the patterns of original reality. Or if we want to see into the center of a steel casting or the chest of an injured child, they send the information on a beam of penetrating short-wave X rays, and then convert it back into images we can see on a screen or photograph. THUS ALMOST EVERY TYPE OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION YET DISCOVERED HAS BEEN USED TO EXTEND OUR SENSE OF SIGHT IN SOME WAY. George Harrison, “Faith and the Scientist”

In a coherent paragraph, each sentence relates clearly to the topic sentence or controlling idea, but there is more to coherence than this. If a paragraph is coherent, each sentence flows smoothly into the next without obvious shifts or jumps. A coherent paragraph also highlights the ties between old information and new information to make the structure of ideas or arguments clear to the reader.

Along with the smooth flow of sentences, a paragraph’s coherence may also be related to its length. If you have written a very long paragraph, one that fills a double-spaced typed page, for example, you should check it carefully to see if it should start a new paragraph where the original paragraph wanders from its controlling idea. On the other hand, if a paragraph is very short (only one or two sentences, perhaps), you may need to develop its controlling idea more thoroughly, or combine it with another paragraph.

A number of other techniques that you can use to establish coherence in paragraphs are described below.

Repeat key words or phrases. Particularly in paragraphs in which you define or identify an important idea or theory, be consistent in how you refer to it. This consistency and repetition will bind the paragraph together and help your reader understand your definition or description.

Create parallel structures. Parallel structures are created by constructing two or more phrases or sentences that have the same grammatical structure and use the same parts of speech. By creating parallel structures you make your sentences clearer and easier to read. In addition, repeating a pattern in a series of consecutive sentences helps your reader see the connections between ideas. In the paragraph above about scientists and the sense of sight, several sentences in the body of the paragraph have been constructed in a parallel way. The parallel structures (which have been emphasized ) help the reader see that the paragraph is organized as a set of examples of a general statement.

Be consistent in point of view, verb tense, and number. Consistency in point of view, verb tense, and number is a subtle but important aspect of coherence. If you shift from the more personal "you" to the impersonal “one,” from past to present tense, or from “a man” to “they,” for example, you make your paragraph less coherent. Such inconsistencies can also confuse your reader and make your argument more difficult to follow.

Use transition words or phrases between sentences and between paragraphs. Transitional expressions emphasize the relationships between ideas, so they help readers follow your train of thought or see connections that they might otherwise miss or misunderstand. The following paragraph shows how carefully chosen transitions (CAPITALIZED) lead the reader smoothly from the introduction to the conclusion of the paragraph.

I don’t wish to deny that the flattened, minuscule head of the large-bodied "stegosaurus" houses little brain from our subjective, top-heavy perspective, BUT I do wish to assert that we should not expect more of the beast. FIRST OF ALL, large animals have relatively smaller brains than related, small animals. The correlation of brain size with body size among kindred animals (all reptiles, all mammals, FOR EXAMPLE) is remarkably regular. AS we move from small to large animals, from mice to elephants or small lizards to Komodo dragons, brain size increases, BUT not so fast as body size. IN OTHER WORDS, bodies grow faster than brains, AND large animals have low ratios of brain weight to body weight. IN FACT, brains grow only about two-thirds as fast as bodies. SINCE we have no reason to believe that large animals are consistently stupider than their smaller relatives, we must conclude that large animals require relatively less brain to do as well as smaller animals. IF we do not recognize this relationship, we are likely to underestimate the mental power of very large animals, dinosaurs in particular. Stephen Jay Gould, “Were Dinosaurs Dumb?”

SOME USEFUL TRANSITIONS

(modified from Diana Hacker, A Writer’s Reference )

Produced by Writing Tutorial Services, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

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What is a Topic Sentence? (Definition, Examples, How to Use)

What is a topic sentence ? A topic sentence , the first sentence of a paragraph, presents the main concept discussed in the paragraph. It must contain sufficient information to support numerous examples and subtopics without being too broad to obscure the essay’s intended purpose. The remaining sentences in the paragraph will act as supporting statements, providing evidence and examples for the main idea.

Importance of topic sentences

In essays or articles , where subjects can shift from one paragraph to another, a topic phrase is particularly crucial. The topic sentences, superficially, may seem to serve the purpose of only acting like the initial or introductory sentence of a paragraph. But it has numerous other purposes that make it an important part of essays.

Topic sentences link paragraphs together to improve the sentence flow and make reading easier. When topic sentences are not used, switching between paragraphs can feel abrupt and jarring to the reader. Authors can maintain the rhythm of their writing using topic sentences and facilitate smooth transitions.
Topic sentences show the reader a sample of what to expect from the paragraph. The readers can determine from the topic sentence whether the paragraph will comprise a narrative, a list, anecdotal evidence, statistical data, persuasive opinions, or some other form of evidence.
If two conflicting viewpoints are presented in a single paragraph, authors can use more than one topic sentence to inform the readers about the changes in the main concept. For example, paragraphs that “compare and contrast” require more than one topic sentence. In these kinds of paragraphs, authors can start with a topic sentence introducing the first idea and follow it up with proof or evidence supporting the idea. Then they can introduce the second topic sentence conveying the opposing viewpoint, followed by proof or evidence supporting it.

Different types of topic sentences

The different types of topic sentences include:

Simple statement

This topic sentence is used by authors to make a general observation or statement and then elaborate on it in the body of the paragraph.

New studies are emerging indicating the link between climate change and the emergence of numerous new virus strains.

Interrogative or question

This is used by writers in less formal settings. Authors can start a paragraph using implicit or explicit questions related to the topic of discussion to engage the readers.

How many nations are ready to adapt to rising sea levels?

Complex topic sentences are used when the author is discussing a complicated concept that encompasses multiple ideas. Such topic sentences cover more than a single core idea.

Although many people believe that a mother bird will reject its chick if it is touched by humans, the truth is that birds do not abandon their babies after humans touch them.

Authors can use their topic sentences to make explicit demands or pleas to their readers. This will be helpful in breaking the monotony of the essay.

Let’s look at the data from the latest research.

Purely transitional

Though topic sentences are generally responsible for facilitating a smooth transition between paragraphs, occasionally they are purely transitional. These function best when the main topic shifts abruptly by highlighting the switch.

But not everybody agrees.

Pivot sentences are not found at the beginning of a paragraph but rather in the middle, indicating a change in the topic. Conjunctive adverbs like however, furthermore, and meanwhile are frequently used with them.

However, the undisputed king of tennis, Roger Federer, was dethroned in 2008 at Wimbledon.

How to create good topic sentences

A good topic sentence can be created using some simple steps:

1. Determine the key point of your essay

Writers should first form an understanding of the topic of the essay and then create topic sentences to attract the attention of readers. Constructing a good thesis statement can assist the writer in forming better topic sentences.

2. Have an outline for the essay

The author should form a plan or roadmap beforehand on the topics they want to discuss in a paragraph and the evidence they want to use as supporting statements.

3. Be coherent and clear

Writers should make their topic sentences clear and comprehensible so that the reader can form a clear understanding of what to expect in the paragraph.

4. Share opinions

It is advisable to share the opinion or viewpoint of the author in the topic sentence to attract the attention of the reader. Authors should also refrain from writing obvious facts in the topic sentences.

5. Use specific wordings

The topic sentences ought to be precise enough so that the authors can use a few sentences in the paragraph to support them.

6. Transitions should be added between paragraphs

To give the essay or paper a throughline, authors can create topic sentences that refer to the prior paragraph. A topic sentence can make a reference to the preceding paragraph while introducing the next part by using transitional words.

7. Use new, relevant information

Instead of using an obvious fact that everybody knows as the topic sentence, authors can give new information. It is also important to present them in an interesting way.

8. Create a compound or complex topic statement

Compound or complex topic statements feel advanced and stronger. Authors can create such topic statements to add a high level of sophistication to their text.

Many beginner writers and students confuse thesis statements with topic sentences. In essence, thesis statements establish the major idea discussed in the entire essay or paper, as opposed to topic sentences, which introduce the central concept of a paragraph.

Both of these sentences are responsible for giving the readers a sample of what to expect, but in entirely different capacities. Suppose a person is writing a thesis about the different compounds present in coffee and the health benefits it offers.

The thesis statement will be a generalized statement indicating that there are numerous compounds in coffee that benefit the health of humans. But the topic sentence of each paragraph will introduce any single health benefit or compound present in the coffee.

Topic sentences are typically found at the beginning of a paragraph. But this does not mean that they cannot be placed elsewhere in the paragraph. In some cases, when the details discussed can be summarized into a general statement, topic sentences can be included at the end.

Similarly, in some paragraphs where multiple concepts are discussed, topic sentences may be used in the middle of the paragraph. The placement depends on the number of topics being discussed and the way they are discussed.

Merriam Webster – topic sentence – Definition
Wikipedia – Topic sentence
wikiHow – How to Write a Good Topic Sentence
Scribbr – How to Write Topic Sentences | 4 Steps, Examples & Purpose

Inside this article

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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How to Write a Good Topic Sentence

Last Updated: June 26, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Megan Morgan, PhD . Megan Morgan is a Graduate Program Academic Advisor in the School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Georgia. She earned her PhD in English from the University of Georgia in 2015. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,252,320 times.

Perfecting the skill of writing topic sentences is essential to successful writing. A topic sentence usually comes at the beginning of a paragraph and lets your reader know what to expect from each paragraph. Think of it as the preview for a movie or a headline in a newspaper, highlighting the “main point” that’s to come in that paragraph. [1] X Research source Make sure your topic sentences are up to par, and the rest of your writing will feel like a breeze.

Writing a Successful Topic Sentence

Keep in mind that this is not an invitation to simply announce your topic. “Today I’m going to discuss the benefits of gardening” is not an effective topic sentence. You should be able to make your intentions clear without stating them explicitly.
The topic sentence in this example states a clear direction (“health benefits of gardening”) that you can then elaborate on in your paragraph.

Step 2 Balance the topic sentence between specifics and general ideas.

Don’t write too vague or general an idea or you will never be able to discuss it in a single paragraph. This is too general: “The United States suffered a lot during the Civil War.”
Don’t write too narrow of a statement. There’s nothing much to talk about then, because it’s probably a fact. This is too narrow: “Christmas trees are either cedars or firs."
Instead, aim for a good balance: “Sherman’s destruction in the South during the Civil War also caused incredible suffering.” This is big enough to relate to the broader idea of an essay, but not so narrow that there’s nothing left to discuss.

Describe a character. This can be a physical or emotional description.
Use dialogue. If there is a relevant conversation that will attract your reader’s attention, consider using part of it to start your paragraph.
Portray an emotion. Use the opening sentence to portray an emotion to your reader.
Use detail. While you don’t want to write a run on sentence by creating too much detail, it’s a good idea to create interest using sensory language in your topic sentence.
Avoid rhetorical questions. While you want your reader to formulate questions in his or her mind, you do not want to formulate the questions yourself.

Avoid presenting only facts in your topic sentence. While facts may be interesting, they do not introduce the reader to your paragraph nor do they draw the reader in. If you wish to include a fact, also include your own input. For example, instead of writing “All dogs need food,” try “All dogs need regular care, including healthy food, and children are the best ones to do it.” Alternatively, save your facts to use as evidence in the body of your paragraph.

Step 6 Use the topic sentence as a transition.

Using transitional elements, such as “In addition” or “In contrast,” is a good way to show the relationship between your ideas.
For example: “Although gardening has many health benefits, people still need to exercise caution when outside.” This topic sentence establishes a connection to the main idea of the previous paragraph (“health benefits of gardening”) and points to the direction of the new paragraph (“things to be cautious of”).

Planning Your Topic Sentences

You don’t have to write a formal outline using Roman numerals and the like. Even a loose, idea-based outline can help you know what you want to discuss.

A topic sentence, unlike a thesis statement, doesn’t have to present an argument. It can present a “preview” of what the paragraph will argue or discuss.

For example, a topic sentence could look like this: “In addition, increasing funding for public roads in Jackson County will improve local residents’ quality of life.” The rest of the sentences in this paragraph would relate to the main idea of public roads and how they will help benefit local residents.
This is not as successful a topic sentence: “Increased funding for public roads in Jackson County has decreased traffic by 20%.” While this is probably an interesting fact for your argument, it’s too narrow for a topic sentence. The topic sentence has to direct the whole paragraph.

Avoiding Common Problems

Unless it is an opinion piece, avoid using ‘I’ in your topic sentences.

Rather than stating something like “In the story, Amelia did many good things such as help out her friends, talk to her parents, and support her team at school” say something like “As a result of the many activities Amelia participated in, she was recognized for her positive influence on the community.”

Sample Topic Sentences

Community Q&A

Avoid using words like you or we because it implies you know the reader, which you don’t. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
In formal writing, avoid contractions such as “don’t,” “can’t,” and “isn’t.” Also avoid other common contractions like “would’ve” and “could’ve” which are commonly used. Instead type them out to look like “do not,” “can not”, “is not”, “would have”, and “could have.” Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Type out all numbers under a ten. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

↑ http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/planning-and-organizing/topic-sentences
↑ https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/paragraphs-and-topic-sentences.html
↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/paragraphs_and_paragraphing/index.html
↑ https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-center/writing-resources/topic-sentence-paragraph.aspx
↑ https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/paragraphs/topicsentences
↑ https://www.rit.edu/ntid/sea/processes/paragraph/process/sentence
↑ https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/writingprocess/outlining
↑ https://www.touro.edu/departments/writing-center/tutorials/topic-sentence/
↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/engagement/2/2/57/
↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/paragraphs/

About This Article

If you’re trying to write a good topic sentence, start by clearly stating your main idea, which should include the topic and the position you’re taking on it. Aim to write a sentence that’s broad enough for discussion but narrow enough to be covered in a single paragraph. If you can, start with a hook, like a detail, character, or emotion that would draw in your readers. For more advice from our reviewer on writing a good topic sentence, like how to make it effective while keeping it short and sweet, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Topic Sentence

Every paragraph should include a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the paragraph. A topic sentence also states the point the writer wishes to make about that subject. Generally, the topic sentence appears at the beginning of the paragraph. It is often the paragraph’s very first sentence. A paragraph’s topic sentence must be general enough to express the paragraph’s overall subject. However, it should be specific enough that the reader can understand the paragraph’s main subject and point.

The topic sentence should identify the main idea and point of the paragraph. To choose an appropriate topic sentence, read the paragraph and think about its main idea and point.
The supporting details in the paragraph (the sentences other than the topic sentence) will develop or explain the topic sentence. Read all the supporting details in the paragraph and think about the ideas they discuss.
The topic sentence should not be too general or too specific. When considering the options, look for a topic sentence that is general enough to show the paragraph’s main idea instead of just one of its details. The answer should be specific enough that the reader understands the main idea of the paragraph.

Purpose of the Topic Sentence

A topic sentence essentially tells readers about the rest of the paragraph. All sentences after it have to give more information about that sentence, prove it by offering facts about it, or describe it in more detail. For example, if the topic sentence concerns the types of endangered species that live in the ocean, then every sentence after that needs to expands on that subject.

Topic sentences also need to relate back to the thesis of the essay. The thesis statement is like a road map that will tell the reader or listener where you are going with this information or how you are treating it.

Topic Sentences and Controlling Ideas

Every topic sentence will have a topic and a controlling idea. The controlling idea shows the direction the paragraph will take.

Examples of a Topic Sentence

Topic Sentence: There are many reasons why pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world.

The topic is "pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world" and the controlling idea is "many reasons."

Topic Sentence: To be an effective CEO requires certain characteristics.

The topic is "To be an effective CEO" and the controlling idea is "certain characteristics."

Topic Sentence: There are many possible contributing factors to global warming.

The topic is "global warming" and the controlling idea is "contributing factors."

Topic Sentence: Fortune hunters encounter many difficulties when exploring a shipwreck.

The topic is "exploring a shipwreck" and the controlling idea is "many difficulties."

Topic Sentence: Dogs make wonderful pets because they help you to live longer.

The topic is "dogs make wonderful pets" and the controlling idea is "because they help you

to live longer."

Topic Sentence: Crime in poverty-stricken areas occurs because of a systemic discrimination.

The topic is "crime in poverty stricken areas" and the controlling idea is "systemic discrimination."

Topic Sentence: Teen pregnancy may be prevented by improved education.

The topic is "teen pregnancy may be prevented" and the controlling idea is "improved education."

Topic Sentence: Cooking requires a number of different skills.

The topic is "cooking" and the controlling idea is "many different skills."

Topic Sentence: It is important to be ready before buying a house.

The topic is "buying a house" and the controlling idea is “it is important to be ready."

Topic Sentence: Graduating from high school is important for many different reasons.

The topic is "graduating from high school" and the controlling idea is "many different reasons."

Topic Sentence: Having a first child is difficult because of the significant adjustments in your life.

The topic is "having a first child" and the controlling idea is "significant adjustments in your life."

Topic Sentence: Remodeling a kitchen successfully requires research and a good eye.

The topic is "remodeling a kitchen" and the controlling idea is "requires research and a good eye."

Topic Sentence Exercise

Write a topic sentence for the following paragraph. During the 1990s, I really enjoyed watching Friends on television every Thursday night. I really wanted Rachel’s haircut—I think every girl wanted Rachel’s haircut back then! Rachel’s haircut went really well with the Guess Jeans that were so popular in the 1990s. I remember all the advertisements for Guess and Calvin Klein Jeans that were in each month’s Sassy magazine. I do not think Sassy magazine exists anymore, but it was one of the most popular magazines for young women in the 1990s.

Topic Sentences Exercise Answer

The bold sentence is one possible topic sentence for the example paragraph.

Note: This is just one possible topic sentence—you may have thought of others that are also appropriate.

Thinking about the 1990s brings back fond memories for me about fashion and popular culture. During the 1990s, I really enjoyed watching Friends on television every Thursday night. I really wanted Rachel’s haircut—I think every girl wanted Rachel’s haircut back then! Rachel’s haircut went really well with the Guess Jeans that were so popular in the 1990s. I remember all the advertisements for Guess and Calvin Klein Jeans that were in each month’s Sassy magazine. I do not think Sassy magazine exists anymore, but it was one of the most popular magazines for young women in the 1990s.

*Source: Purdue OWL

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30 Topic Sentence Examples

June 24, 2024

What is an essay without a topic sentence? Well, confusion. In your writing, the topic sentence introduces what the paragraph will be about. It should cover the topic of the paragraph and the prime focus of what you want to discuss in the next several lines. And it can assist in smoothly transitioning into the next paragraph, the next point you’re about to make. Depending on the complexity of your argument, the topic sentence can also weave together several paragraphs. So when the topic sentence is missing, it’s easy to lose track of what your specific message is. Below, you find 30 topic sentence examples.

Think of the topic sentence as a tool in your writing kit. It’s there to help you signpost and structure the argument of your essay. Having it, while making sure the topic is interesting and clear, is essential to help your reader truly understand your thesis.

How do you write a topic sentence?

When you’re about to write an essay, you won’t find yourself immediately thinking of every topic sentence example at once. Figuring out what your thesis is going to be, the very purpose and argument of your essay, will be a necessary first step . Then you might want to create an outline . The outline can draft out what you want to cover in each paragraph or how your argument will be supported.

This is where the topic sentence comes in. For every paragraph, you can begin to think of topic sentence examples that best sum up the rest of your idea. The more interesting you can make the topic sentence, the better it will be, so long as you can support it. Remember, the topic sentence will introduce what you are going to discuss and expand on in the rest of the paragraph.

Examples (Continued)

Let’s take a look at these six topic sentence examples below that introduce a paragraph:

1) Studies over the last ten years have shown that the use of social media has a significant role in teenage mental health.

2) Kate Jackson and her family, who have all been San Francisco residents for 30 years, noted that this was the hottest summer yet.

3) Book sales across the country have actually increased this year, contrary to popular belief.

4) During COVID-19, people rushed to adopt pets, but after the pandemic ended many of those pets were surrendered to shelters.

5) It is undeniable what impact the meat industry has had on our environment.

6) In the 19th century in France, the creation of the Braille system was a significant turning point for those with disabilities.

How do you imagine the rest of the paragraph will turn out? How can you best support your topic sentence to strengthen your overall essay?

Support your paragraph with evidence

The topic sentence of your paragraph will not hold well if it is not backed up with the right evidence. After writing a topic sentence like the topic sentence examples above, the rest of your paragraph should include strong examples of evidence to support your argument. Doing so will only help validate your topic sentence and allow your reader to have more insight into your thesis.

Considering each topic sentence examples above, try to think of what types of evidence you would expect in that same paragraph. There could be reports on statistics, interviews, and other forms of evidence provided. How will yours be?

Where should the topic sentence go?

Now you know that your topic sentence should be followed by the right evidence. So it’s safe to assume that the topic sentence belongs at the very beginning of the paragraph.

Yet depending on the paragraph you’re working on, you can also place your “main” topic sentence after an “intro” topic sentence. Let’s take a look at the two examples below:

7) Due to rising temperatures around the world, people have had to flee their homes and relocate to areas less prone to fires or floods. (Intro topic sentence)

8) However, many have found that even these “safer” locations are still susceptible to eventual natural disasters. (Main topic sentence)

When we combine the two sentences, we get:

Due to rising temperatures around the world, people have had to flee their homes and relocate to areas less prone to fires or floods. However, many have found that even these “safer” locations are still susceptible to eventual natural disasters.

The first (intro) topic sentence example is more generic and introductory, functioning like a summary of an observation. The second (main) topic sentence example then presents another contradictory argument to that first point. Depending on the tone or argument you want to make in your paragraph, you can format your topic sentences in such a way to further sharpen your thesis. Whenever you have doubt though, you can always place one topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph.

Sometimes less is more in writing the topic sentence

The topic sentence introduces the key concept of that paragraph, along with evidence and research findings. It can even be written as more than one sentence or perspective, as noted directly above. However, you also don’t want to say too much. Why?

You don’t want to give all of your information away at once. While it is imperative to write a clear, specific, and even complex topic sentence, it’s just as important to avoid being too general or too informative. Striking the right balance is going to help you structure the rest of your essay. After all, you have the rest of the paragraph and the rest of your essay to do that, which leads us to our next point.

Topic sentences for smoother transitions

Like a game of dominoes, your paragraphs are all connected and should flow smoothly into the next statement you are making. As you are building your outline, or even as you’re already writing, consider how your previous paragraph transitions into the next . This depends on the intention of each paragraph and how you are structuring your argument.

Topic sentences for paragraph transitions have many functions. They will elaborate on more examples. They can wrap up or summarize a preceding point you made, providing another perspective. Also, they can go against a fact or opinion you wrote, which is a great way to strengthen your overall thesis and they can also be posed as a question.

Take a look at these transitional topic sentence examples below:

9) In fact, walking as a form of exercise has shown to reduce cortisol levels.

10) Furthermore, city council representatives have said that environmental sustainability has remained at the top of the agenda, but activists have largely disagreed.

11) While the strike in Hollywood has come to an end, many writers are still without employment and searching for new ways to restart their careers.

12) However, grocery prices across the country still seem to have risen.

13) Despite the state’s discontinued funding for the arts, is there another feasible way for these students to gather together and flourish as young artists at their school?

More than one paragraph: Topic sentences that expand into several key points

So far we’ve covered topic sentences that elaborate on just one paragraph. However, you might find that one topic sentence (or two) can best address several paragraphs. This usually occurs when you’re trying to introduce a bigger argument to serve your essay.

Let’s take one of the single paragraph topic sentences from earlier above and expand it by adding a connecting topic sentence to it:

14)Book sales across the country have actually increased this year, contrary to popular belief.

15) A report from the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot program states that in April sales over a year there has been an 18% increase.

These two topic sentence examples can even serve as their own introductory paragraph. This can then lead into more paragraphs related to the topic of specific book sales increasing across the country:

Book sales across the country have actually increased this year, contrary to popular belief. A report from the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot program states that in April sales over a year there has been an 18% increase.

Make the topic sentence interesting, not obvious

Check out 15 more topic sentence examples below. How do they introduce the topic, and what does it make you want to learn more about? You can imagine what kind of paragraph, or paragraphs, might follow afterwards:

16) When brewed correctly, coffee can hold strong, subtle hints of flavors such as chocolate or fruit, depending on the level of acidity.

17) Although today life in 1920s Paris is often romanticized for its glamor, jazz, and fashion, the city was still struggling to recover from the devastation of World War I.

18) Strict social rules dominated the Victorian Era, despite Britain’s expansion around the world in pursuit of wealth and power.

19) Dogs have a keen sense of time, so much so that they can predict when you’re late to take them out for a walk.

20) Before winter arrives, birds such as cranes and waterfowl follow preferred aerial pathways during their yearly migrations.

21) Conservation methods have helped local farms in their efforts to prioritize sustainability.

22) Did you know that humans would have a better chance of reaching Mars if they had a base set up on the moon?

23) The Pacific Ocean covers more than 30 percent of the earth’s surface, and it is home to so many life forms that have not yet been studied.

24) It is often debated whether or not student athletes should be paid for their performance, considering the cost for them to succeed.

25) Becoming a successful CEO doesn’t just happen overnight.

26) Although purchasing a home is considered a great form of investment, potential buyers should look at the real estate market first.

27) Watching my mother work three jobs to support our family has taught me the importance of resilience and strong work ethic.

28) Historical fiction not only has the power to teach us of actual past events. It also allows us to step into the lives of those we would have never met.

29) Parents and teachers at Sunnyroad School District are advocating for schools to provide free computers for their students – but the administrators aren’t so sure.

30) Across the country, the debate around whether teenagers should be allowed to use smart phones on campus has been circulating.

The topic sentence as a guide

One way to look at topic sentences is to imagine them as guiding compasses of your essay. Whatever point you are trying to make, the topic sentence has the power to guide your reader down a certain path. Choose wisely! And if you’re ever unsure about how to steer your essay and you need a personal guide, we’re here to help .

Additional Resources

100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School
100 Tone Words to Express Mood in Your Writing
160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024
How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With Example)
How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay (With Example)
400 Adjectives to Describe a Person
High School Success

Joanna Hong

With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.

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Essay Topic Sentence

Essay topic generator.

Crafting an impeccable essay often hinges on the strength of its topic sentence. This pivotal sentence sets the tone, offers a glimpse into the content, and captivates the reader’s curiosity. Delve into the nuanced world of essay topic sentences, explore sterling Sentence examples , and arm yourself with tried-and-true tips to perfect this vital writing element.

What is the Essay Topic Sentence? – Definition

An essay topic sentence is the opening sentence of a paragraph that provides a concise summary of what the paragraph will address. It serves as a roadmap, guiding readers through the main idea or argument of that particular section, ensuring clarity and coherence.

What is the best Example of an Essay Topic Sentence?

Imagine writing an essay about the benefits of a balanced diet. An exemplary topic sentence might be: “A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, plays an indispensable role in maintaining optimal health and preventing various ailments.” This sentence not only introduces the topic of a balanced diet but also hints at the benefits that the subsequent sentences in the paragraph will explore in detail.

100 Essay Topic Sentence Examples

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Essay topic sentences are the guiding lights of your paragraphs, illuminating the main ideas and ensuring readers navigate smoothly through your piece. Crafting a compelling topic sentence is paramount for grasping attention and setting the tone for the ensuing discussion. Here are 100 sterling examples that encapsulate various subjects and themes, each with its distinct allure to captivate readers instantly.

The Renaissance era ushered in a wave of unparalleled artistic and intellectual achievements.
Urbanization poses both challenges and opportunities for modern societies.
Climate change impacts global ecosystems, from polar ice caps to tropical rainforests.
Social media platforms influence contemporary communication and human interactions.
Mental well-being plays an equally significant role as physical health in overall wellness.
Education systems require ongoing reforms to cater to the evolving needs of society.
Space exploration holds the promise of discoveries beyond our planetary confines.
Wildlife conservation ensures the preservation of Earth’s rich biodiversity.
Digital advancements reshape business models and consumer behaviors.
Historical monuments stand as testament to a civilization’s legacy and prowess.
Reading habits enrich the mind, offering both knowledge and escapism.
Global economies interact in intricate networks of trade and diplomacy.
Alternative energy sources promise a sustainable solution to environmental concerns.
Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in interpersonal success and leadership.
Modern transportation bridges geographical divides, bringing cultures closer.
Culinary arts reflect the rich tapestry of world cultures and histories.
Migration patterns reveal socio-economic factors and global trends.
Sustainable farming practices benefit both the environment and consumers.
Oceanic ecosystems harbor mysteries yet to be fully unraveled by science.
Artificial intelligence challenges the boundaries of technological capabilities.
Childhood memories shape our adult personalities and choices.
Green technology offers innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues.
Philanthropic endeavors aim to bridge societal disparities and uplift communities.
Literary classics transcend time, remaining relevant across generations.
Photography captures fleeting moments, turning them into timeless memories.
Global tourism boosts economies while fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Musical genres evoke emotions, from nostalgia to exhilaration.
Ancient civilizations laid the foundations for contemporary societies and norms.
Virtual reality immerses users in simulated environments, from gaming to training.
Language evolution tracks societal shifts and historical influences.
Modern architecture melds functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Astronomical studies probe the mysteries of the cosmos.
Entrepreneurial ventures drive innovation and economic growth.
Fitness regimes promote holistic health and longevity.
The fashion industry sets global trends while reflecting societal shifts.
Psychological theories delve into the intricate workings of the human mind.
Parenting styles influence a child’s development and worldview.
Technological disruptions challenge traditional business models.
Documentary films highlight societal issues and human stories.
Gardening offers therapeutic benefits and a connection with nature.
Modern medicine offers revolutionary treatments and hopes for chronic ailments.
Cultural festivals celebrate a community’s heritage and traditions.
Robotics is transforming sectors from healthcare to manufacturing.
Urban planning addresses the challenges of rapidly expanding cities.
Environmental policies aim to mitigate the effects of industrialization.
Video games merge entertainment with interactive storytelling techniques.
Graphic novels combine visual art with narrative depth.
Theatre arts encompass a spectrum of genres, from tragedy to farce.
Digital marketing targets consumers using online platforms and data analytics.
Ancient mythologies provide insights into early human beliefs and values.
Quantum physics challenges our understanding of the universe’s fundamental nature.
Human rights movements fight for equality, justice, and freedom globally.
Online education facilitates learning beyond geographical boundaries.
Microfinance initiatives empower marginalized communities through financial inclusivity.
Space telescopes capture awe-inspiring images of distant galaxies and stars.
Holistic therapies combine traditional and modern practices for overall wellness.
Archaeological digs reveal secrets of bygone eras and lost civilizations.
Modern sculptures reflect contemporary societal values and artistic experimentation.
Nano-technology holds potential for advancements from medicine to electronics.
Digital art allows limitless creativity with the help of technology.
Global collaborations foster advancements in research and innovations.
Local cuisines represent the heart of a culture, infused with history and flavors.
Renewable energy initiatives combat the global energy crisis and climate change.
Ethical consumerism encourages responsible production and purchasing behaviors.
Wildlife documentaries raise awareness about endangered species and habitats.
Start-up ecosystems boost economic growth and technological innovations.
Classic literature resonates with themes that remain relevant across ages.
Mental health awareness breaks stigmas and fosters supportive communities.
Biographical works provide a window into influential personalities’ lives.
Adventure sports push human limits and offer adrenaline-filled experiences.
Underwater exploration uncovers marine biodiversity and submerged secrets.
E-commerce platforms reshape the shopping experience in the digital age.
Sustainable fashion champions eco-friendly materials and ethical production.
Forensic science plays a crucial role in solving criminal cases.
Digital privacy measures protect user data from breaches and misuse.
Animated films enthrall audiences with imaginative stories and visuals.
Hydroponic farming offers soil-less agricultural solutions.
Artificial neural networks simulate human brain processes for machine learning.
Classical dance forms preserve age-old traditions and storytelling techniques.
3D printing technology revolutionizes manufacturing and prototyping processes.
Ancient cartography charts historical perceptions of the world and explorations.
Digital currencies are reshaping the landscape of financial transactions globally.
Cognitive behavioral therapy offers tools to reshape negative thought patterns.
Space tourism heralds a new era of extraterrestrial travel for civilians.
Marine conservation efforts strive to protect our oceans’ fragile ecosystems.
Molecular gastronomy melds culinary arts with scientific principles.
Traditional craftsmanship preserves skills passed down through generations.
Augmented reality applications blur the boundaries between the digital and real worlds.
Public transportation systems facilitate urban mobility and reduce carbon footprints.
Jazz music captures improvisational brilliance and rhythmic complexities.
Antique collecting cherishes artifacts from bygone eras, each with its unique story.
Gene editing techniques hold the promise of eradicating genetic disorders.
Organic agriculture prioritizes natural growth processes and shuns chemical interventions.
Adventure travel invigorates the spirit with challenges and uncharted experiences.
Photojournalism chronicles real-life events, capturing moments that resonate deeply.
Neuroscience research explores the intricate workings of the human brain.
Contemporary dance expresses emotions and stories through fluid movements.
Ecosystem restoration projects aim to revive habitats and promote biodiversity.
Pet adoption campaigns advocate for giving shelter animals a second chance.
Solar-powered solutions present sustainable alternatives to conventional energy sources.

Each of these topic sentences encapsulates a distinct theme or idea, forming a foundation upon which a robust, engaging essay can be constructed. By crafting clear and compelling topic sentences, writers can navigate their readers through diverse landscapes of thought, ensuring a coherent and memorable journey.

Is a topic sentence 1 sentence?

Absolutely, a topic sentence is typically one sentence that succinctly captures the main idea or central theme of a paragraph. Its primary role is to provide clarity and direction, giving readers a concise overview of what to expect in the subsequent lines. The topic sentence functions much like a thesis statement for a paragraph, presenting the focal point around which other sentences revolve. By offering a clear snapshot of the paragraph’s intent, it helps readers grasp the essence of the content and understand the progression of ideas.

Are topic sentences always the first sentence?

Traditionally, topic sentences often appear at the beginning of a paragraph, setting the tone and direction for the following sentences. However, they don’t always have to be the first sentence. The placement can vary based on the writing style, structure, and the purpose of the text.

Beginning: In academic and many forms of informative writing, topic sentences usually start the paragraph. This placement offers immediate clarity and direction to readers.
Middle: Sometimes, writers might begin with a few introductory sentences before delving into the main idea, which is then presented in the form of a topic sentence in the middle of the paragraph. This can be especially effective in narrative or creative writing where setting a scene or building anticipation is crucial.
End: In certain cases, the topic sentence might conclude a paragraph, serving as a summarization or a transitional point leading to the next section.
Implied: Occasionally, especially in more narrative or descriptive paragraphs, the main idea might be implied rather than explicitly stated in a single topic sentence.

Regardless of its position, the role of the topic sentence remains the same: to anchor the reader and provide a clear focus for the paragraph. The key is to ensure that wherever the topic sentence is placed, it should effectively guide the reader through the content and highlight the central theme.

How do you write Essay Topic Sentences? – Step by Step Guide

The quality of an essay often hinges on its topic sentences. These crucial components anchor each paragraph, guiding the reader and establishing a clear focus. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting compelling essay topic sentences:

Understand the Paragraph’s Purpose: Before penning a topic sentence, grasp the main idea or argument your paragraph intends to convey.
Be Clear and Concise: The topic sentence should succinctly summarize the paragraph’s central theme. Avoid ambiguity or overly complex language.
Stay Relevant: Ensure your topic sentence aligns with the thesis or main argument of your essay.
Use Specific Language: Instead of broad generalities, be precise. For instance, instead of “Books are beneficial,” say “Reading classic literature enriches one’s vocabulary and cognitive skills.”
Avoid Mere Statements of Fact: A topic sentence should provide insight or a perspective rather than just stating an obvious fact.
Incorporate Transitional Words: Especially in longer essays, use transitional phrases like “Furthermore,” “However,” or “In contrast” to guide the reader and indicate the flow of ideas.
Test its Strength: Once written, check if your topic sentence provides a clear roadmap for the paragraph. It should set expectations for what’s to come.
Iterate and Refine: Don’t be afraid to revise your topic sentence multiple times until it feels just right. It’s an integral part of the writing process.

Tips for Using Essay Topic Sentences

Topic sentences can elevate the quality of your essay when used effectively. Here are some tips to make the most of them:

Maintain Consistency: Ensure that your topic sentences are consistent in style and tone throughout the essay.
Vary Sentence Structures: While maintaining clarity, try different structures to keep your writing dynamic and engaging.
Link to Previous Ideas: Especially in longer essays, make sure your topic sentences build upon the ideas from previous paragraphs. This creates a cohesive flow.
Stay On Topic: A common pitfall is to deviate from the main idea. Ensure your topic sentence and the subsequent content remain aligned.
Avoid Overly General Statements: Aim for specificity in your topic sentences to give readers a clear idea of what to expect.
Seek Feedback: Have someone review your essay, paying particular attention to topic sentences. Fresh eyes can often spot inconsistencies or areas of improvement.
Practice Regularly: Like any skill, crafting excellent topic sentences improves with practice. The more you write and revise, the more intuitive the process becomes.

By mastering the art of essay topic sentences, you can guide your readers smoothly through your content, ensuring clarity, engagement, and a strong narrative flow.

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How to Write a Topic Sentence for Your English Essay Paragraphs

Need to write an essay but aren’t sure what a topic sentence is or how to go about writing one? Or maybe you are familiar with topic sentences and just need to build your confidence.

Whatever the case, we’ve got you! We’ll break down how to structure a topic sentence and all the things you need to consider when writing one.

Let’s get started!

What is a Topic Sentence? Step #1: Highlight the Keywords of the Question Step #2: Consider Your Module Step #3: Construct Your Argument Step #4: Formulate Your Topic Sentence

What is a Topic Sentence?

You’ve probably heard of a topic sentence. And you’ve heard that you need to write them in your English essays , as well as other essays for Humanities subjects . But what is it?

A topic sentence is the first sentence of your body paragraph, which establishes your upcoming argument/ thesis in your paragraph. This sentence also defends the thesis you would have already established in the introduction.

Why is it important?

Topic sentences are crucial to achieving a high mark in your English essays . Without a topic sentence, or even with a weak topic sentence, it’s quite difficult to achieve a high mark for essays in English (e.g. Band 5 or 6 in the HSC).

If you’ve ever been told by a teacher that your essay didn’t refer to the question closely enough or lacked a strong thesis , chances are your topic sentences are the area to improve to really bring your marks up.

As important as topic sentences are, your linking sentences matter too! Check out our guide on writing linking sentences .

Step #1: Highlight the Keywords of the Question

This first step is simple but crucial to English success. We need to know what the keywords of the question are to ensure our essay response is targeted specifically towards the question we are given.

Since the latest syllabus was introduced in 2019, the HSC English questions have become much more specific, so students are tested on their deep understanding of their texts — these questions can include obscure themes/ quotes /scenes from their text and asking students to analyse the said theme/quote/scene in their essay.

Let’s consider this HSC 2020 English Advanced Module A question:

In textual conversations, the later text is often seen as a shadow, lacking the originality and power of the earlier. To what extent is this statement true of the two prescribed texts you have studied in Module A?

The keywords from this question that we would highlight would be: textual conversations, later text, shadow, lacking, originality, power, extent and true.

How to Write a Topic Sentence - Question

Step #2: Consider Your Module

Now before we can jump right into writing our topic sentences, it is important to consider the Module.

For the previous question, it was Module A: Textual Conversations , and not say, the Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences . What is it about Textual Conversations that we need to be aware of when writing our topic sentences?

Well, first we’re looking at a pair of texts and not a single text, so this fact would inform the structure of our essays. If you’re going for an integrated essay structure , where you discuss both the original text and newer text in the one paragraph, then you need to take that into consideration in your topic sentence.

Meanwhile if you’re going for body paragraphs that focus on one text at a time , then your thesis may only become more apparent in the topic sentences of the paragraph in which you talk about the later text . I’ll get to this down the track.

Common Module

If we were writing an essay for the Common Module, then our topic sentence should start off with the human experience we’re going to explore in the paragraph e.g. guilt, not the prescribed or related texts themselves. We could then introduce our texts in the sentence following the first sentence.

Meanwhile with Module B, because it is a Critical Study of Literature , we could start off with the prescribed text in our topic sentence.

Step #3: Construct Your Argument

Let’s say we’re studying Virginia Woolf’s ‘ Mrs Dalloway ‘ and Stephen Daldry’s ‘The Hours’ for Module A.

Thinking about the question above, I would think about whether I really thought The Hours was seen as a shadow and lacked the originality and power of Mrs Dalloway . Remember that there’s no right or wrong angle — just be prepared to present your argument and defend it in the essay!

One of the biggest mistakes that students make is simply recounting the plot of their text or defining the topic in their essay, instead of presenting and constructing an argument. Be conscious of what your argument is while writing your topic sentence.

And because this is a “to what extent” question, it’s not enough to just agree or disagree with the question — we have to think about the extent to which we agree or disagree.

“To what extent” questions are a great opportunity to actually demonstrate a more nuanced understanding of your text/texts.

To do this, you can say the statement is true “to a certain extent” and explore why The Hours can be considered an original “shadow” of Mrs Dalloway, but also why The Hours is an insightful film in its own right.

Needing some support with crafting your topic sentences? Our fantastic team of HSC English Sydney tutors are here to help.

Step #4: Formulate Your Topic Sentence

So now you’ve chosen the angle at which you’re going to attack the question — let’s get to actually formulating the topic sentence.

You’ve got the keywords. You’ve got the argument. Now put it all together!

For the above question, a topic sentence for the Mrs Dalloway (original text) paragraph could be: Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway is a powerfully original and innovative text through which the 1920s notion of time is explored.

Meanwhile for the paragraph dedicated to The Hours, a topic sentence could be: Daldry meanwhile reshapes the notions of time that were presented by Woolf in Mrs Dalloway through The Hours, thereby creating an original and powerful text in his own right.

But for an integrated paragraph, a topic sentence could be: Whilst The Hours is a shadow of Mrs Dalloway, Daldry nevertheless succeeds in exploring notions of time presented by Woolf to create an original and powerful text in his own right.

Notice how in these topic sentences, time is discussed , which is the theme that has been chosen to explore in both of the paragraphs.

Also, some of the keywords that we highlighted before are in the topic sentence! We’re using those keywords to really make sure that we’re responding to the question.

Now that you know how to write a great topic sentence, learn how to write a well-structured paragraph using PETAL , TEEL or PEEL !

Don’t overthink your topic sentences! It’s better to keep it short and sweet as opposed to trying to go for too much and possibly convoluting your sentence , making for a confusing argument.

Also even though it is referred to as a “topic sentence”, remember you can actually have up to two sentences which act as your “topic sentence” . Just be sure to not overwhelm the reader with too many ideas at once.

Good luck with achieving your #EnglishGoals!

Wondering what mistakes students make when writing topic sentences? Learn about these topic sentence mistakes and how to avoid them !

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What are examples of the 7 types of topic sentence?

This is the third and final chapter about Topic Sentences . To complete this reader, read each chapter carefully and then unlock and complete our materials to check your understanding.

– Review the key aspects of effective topic sentences

– Introduce seven types of academic topic sentence

– Provide authentic examples with annotations to help guide the reader when writing academic body paragraphs

Chapter 1: Why should body paragraphs have topic sentences?

Chapter 2: How can I write effective academic topic sentences?

Chapter 3: What are examples of the 7 types of topic sentence?

Before you begin reading...

video and audio texts
knowledge checks and quizzes
skills practices, tasks and assignments

Now that we know what a topic sentence is (Chapter 1) and have discussed the top twelve tips for writing effective topic sentences (Chapter 2), this final chapter in our short reader provides students and tutors with numerous academic examples of successful topic sentences. We’ve divided these examples into seven types and have bolded the key structural language that you may wish to use when constructing your own topic sentences.

Please note that in the following examples, we use brackets to identify the [thesis] and the (main ideas) and bold to indicate the structural language.

Remember also, topic sentences :

– set the tone of the paragraph

– may be one or multiple sentences

– remind the reader of the essay thesis

– introduce the paragraph’s main idea(s)

– are found at the start of a body paragraph

– transition between ideas and body paragraphs

Type 1: Single-Sentence Topic Sentences

Most topic sentences are composed of a single sentence and are placed at the very beginning of a body paragraph :

One reason for the increase in [air pollution in China] in recent years is likely due to the (increase in coal consumption).
There is significant evidence to suggest that a [plant-based diet] is (healthier during childhood) than a meat-based diet.
Research indicates that the only way to [reduce global warming] on a global scale is to significantly (reduce the consumption of fossil fuels).

Type 2: Multiple-Sentence Topic Sentences

Some topic sentences may require more than one sentence to provide their [thesis] and (main ideas):

There are many reasons for the [increase in cancer rates in the developed world]. One of the most significant causes may be the (increased levels of river pollution) found in poorer countries.
Many researchers believe that the [polar ice caps are in fact melting] at unprecedented rates. Some evidence indicates that this may be (directly due to carbon dioxide emissions) more than any other greenhouse gas.
The literature indicates that [obesity levels] are indeed at an all time high [in developed countries]. What causes this is a matter of contention , but many believe that (the over consumption of sugar) is one of the main culprits .

Type 3: Transitional Topic Sentences

Many topic sentences also function as transitional devices, allowing the reader to move smoothly from one paragraph’s main idea to another. Words such as ‘in addition’ for example can remind the reader of the previous main idea, and words such as ‘although’ and ‘while’ can demonstrate an opposing argument or a concession :

In addition to (human health), [the meat industry] is also having a negative effect on (the health of the farmed animals).
While it may be true that overall [human health is (hardly affected) by air pollution], the seriousness of the effect this pollution has on (the pulmonary system) is often understated.
In contrast to the argument that (public transportation) does not significantly affect [air quality], there is much research to suggest that (leaded petrol) is incredibly polluting.

Though less academic in style, some writers may even choose to write interrogative topic sentences – meaning that they include or imply a direct or indirect question within their structure:

While there has been much investigation into [the spread of English as a global language], what many linguists wish to know is whether (English will become the sole global language) in the not-too-distant future.
One question is whether [the shift in teaching to online platforms] will (change the relationship between the student and the tutor).
Is it likely that [the increase in popularity of urban living] will continue to rise well into the 21st century as the types of (job shift from industry-based to being predominantly online)?

Type 5: Topic-Changing Topic Sentences

Also known as ‘pivots’ are topic sentences which move the reader from one main ideas to another within the same paragraph or which reverse the argument’s direction (i.e., from counter argument to argument). Argument reversals are usually introduced with words like ‘however’ or ‘even though’, while words such as ‘additionally’ or ‘secondly’ transition to the next main idea of that paragraph:

However, there is in fact contrary evidence to suggest that [the rising national debt levels] may not have a direct impact on (per-capita GDP).
Additionally , (China) may be a rising contender for world hegemony in competition with the [USA’s hegemonic status].
Even though the above studies provide convincing evidence , there are still more examples that demonstrate how [job security] and (socioeconomic status) are clearly linked.

Type 6: Multiple-Main-Idea Topic Sentences

Some topic sentences may even contain multiple main ideas, although as we mentioned in Lesson 2, it’s never a good idea to include more than one main idea in a body paragraph as your investigation will become too shallow:

Two reasons for [the increase in the consumption of high-sugar food products] are (TV advertising) and (product placement in TV series).
There is much evidence to demonstrate how (exercise) and (restful sleep) are two of the most important factors in [life extension].
It is also clear that without significant (guidance from tutors) and (parents), most students do not make well-informed decisions about [which degree to choose].

Type 7: Multiple-Paragraph Topic Sentences

Finally, there are topic sentences that are able to introduce more than one paragraph. Such sentences might come at the beginning of the body section and prepare the reader for a comprehensive investigation of one or two main ideas, or they may be included every couple of paragraphs if the main idea cannot be argued comprehensively within one paragraph alone:

When it comes to the question of whether [heart disease and smoking] are linked, there is convincing information on (both sides of the argument).
As the following paragraphs demonstrate , there is significant empirical data proving that a predominantly [plant-based diet] is (healthier) for humans than a predominantly meat-based one.
There are (multiple examples) that clearly demonstrate the [influencing effect that the media has over the general public].

Good work on completing this academic reader on topic sentences . You’ll probably now wish to unlock and download our worksheets for this chapter so that you can check your progress and understanding. Then consider completing another one of our short readers on body paragraphs or essay writing in general.

To reference this reader:

Academic Marker (2022) Topic Sentences . Available at: https://academicmarker.com/essay-writing/body-paragraphs/topic-sentences/ (Accessed: Date Month Year).

Harvard University Writing Center
Touro University Writing Center
Walden University Writing Center

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Once you’ve completed all three chapters in this academic reader about Topic Sentences , you might then wish to download our Chapter Worksheets to check your progress or print for your students. These professional PDF worksheets can be easily accessed for only a few Academic Marks .

Chapter 1 explores the topic: Why should body paragraphs have topic sentences? Our Chapter 1 Worksheet (containing guidance, activities and answer keys) can be accessed here at the click of a button.

Chapter 2 explores the topic: How can I write effective academic topic sentences? Our Chapter 2 Worksheet (containing guidance, activities and answer keys) can be accessed here at the click of a button.

Chapter 3 explores the topic: What are examples of the 7 types of topic sentence? Our Chapter 3 Worksheet (containing guidance, activities and answer keys) can be accessed here at the click of a button.

To save yourself 2 Marks , click on the button below to gain unlimited access to all of our Topic Sentences Chapter Worksheets. This All-in-1 Pack includes every chapter, activity and answer key related to this reader in one handy and professional PDF.

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British crocodile expert sentenced for sexually abusing, killing dozens of dogs: Reports

Adam britton, a 53-year-old british crocodile expert, was sentenced to 10 years and five months in prison for sexually abusing and killing dozens of dogs..

A British crocodile expert who admitted in court to filming himself sexually abusing, torturing and killing dozens of dogs will spend the next 10 years incarcerated, according to multiple reports.

Adam Britton, 53, was sentenced to 10 years and five months in Australian prison on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to 56 counts of bestiality and animal cruelty charges, the BBC and NBC News reported. Britton, who was arrested in 2022 in connection with the crimes, also admitted to four counts of accessing child abuse material, according to the outlets.

The Northern Territory Supreme Court heard from prosecutors that Britton filmed himself from November 2020 to April 2022 torturing 42 dogs of varying ages and breeds until the animals almost died, NBC News reported, citing court documents. He then shared the explicit videos online under different pseudonyms.

Britton, who used an Australian online marketplace to secure dogs from owners who had to give their pets away, would abuse the animals in a shipping container on his property that he placed recording equipment inside of, the BBC reported, per court documents. He would call this container the "torture room."

Once killed, Britton would feed some of the dogs' remains to crocodiles, according to the BBC, per the court filings.

“I deeply regret the pain and trauma that I caused to innocent animals,” Britton said in a letter dated July 16, per NBC News.

Judge calls Adam Britton's actions 'grotesque'

Chief Justice Michael Grant also called Britton's actions "grotesque," and said the "unalloyed pleasure" he took in torturing the dogs was "sickeningly evident," the BBC reported.

The judge confirmed that at least 39 of the dogs were intentionally killed by Britton.

Britton was caught by authorities after he uploaded a clip of him torturing at least eight dogs, which were all puppies except one, according to the BBC. Someone who saw the video passed it on to the Northern Territory Police Force in an anonymous tip. Police in April 2022 seized recording devices, animal remains, weapons and a laptop, which also contained 15 files containing child abuse material.

"[Your] depravity falls entirely outside any ordinary human conception," Grant said about Britton during his sentencing hearing, per British service broadcaster.

Adam Britton confesses to having a mental disorder

Britton told the court during the sentencing hearing that he was suffering from a mental disorder that caused intense and atypical sexual interests that were harmful to others. He added that he would seek long-term treatment for his issues.

“I now acknowledge that I’ve been fighting a rare paraphilic disorder for much of my life,” he said, per NBC News. “and that shame and fear prevented me from seeking the proper help I needed.”

Before Britton's crimes were uncovered, he sexually abused his own dogs, Ursa and Bolt, for years, according to NBC News, citing court documents.

“My own dogs are family and I have limits,” he said in a Telegram message cited in the documents. "I only badly mistreat other dogs… I have no emotional bond to them, they are toys pure and simple. And (there are) plenty more where they came from."

Even growing up in West Yorkshire before he moved to Australia 20 years ago, Britton was harboring a "sadistic sexual interest" in animals, court documents say, per the BBC.

"I was sadistic as a child to animals, but I had repressed it. In the last few years, I let it out again, and now I can't stop. I don't want to. :)," he wrote in one message the BBC reported was shared in court.

First men jailed for riot-related social media posts

Jordan Parlour was sentenced to 20 months in jail for urging people to target a hotel housing asylum seekers and refugees. Shortly after, Tyler Kay was also jailed for his own posts calling for hotels housing asylum seekers to be set alight.

Friday 9 August 2024 21:42, UK

The first jail terms for using social media to encourage disorder in the recent unrest have been handed down.

Jordan Parlour is believed to be the first person to be sent to prison over social media posts made in relation to the nationwide riots.

Unrest erupted after online posts falsely identified the suspected killer of three young girls in a knife attack in Southport.

Parlour was sentenced to 20 months in prison at Leeds Crown Court after pleading guilty to publishing written material intended to stir racial hatred.

UK riots latest: More than 700 disorder-related arrests so far

His mother submitted a note to court saying: "We can only speculate that he has been caught up and swept away by emotions circulating around the country."

The 28-year-old wrote that "every man and his dog should smash [the] f*** out of Britannia hotel (in Leeds)" in a Facebook post in early August.

More on Leeds

The shooting took place on Stainbeck Road in Leeds

Police hunt for suspect after man shot in Leeds

Police deal with ongoing disturbance in Leeds

Man charged after bus set on fire during Leeds riots as five more arrested

A burnt out car in the Leeds suburb of Harehills, after vehicles were set on fire and a police car was overturned. Pic: PA

Several arrests made over rioting in Leeds - as police issue details after 'great deal of speculation'

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Where Tim Walz Stands on the Issues

As governor of Minnesota, he has enacted policies to secure abortion protections, provide free meals for schoolchildren, allow recreational marijuana and set renewable energy goals.

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Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, center, during a news conference after meeting with President Biden at the White House in July.

By Maggie Astor

Aug. 6, 2024

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, the newly announced running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris, has worked with his state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature to enact an ambitious agenda of liberal policies: free college tuition for low-income students, free meals for schoolchildren, legal recreational marijuana and protections for transgender people.

“You don’t win elections to bank political capital,” Mr. Walz wrote last year about his approach to governing. “You win elections to burn political capital and improve lives.”

Republicans have slammed these policies as big-government liberalism and accused Mr. Walz of taking a hard left turn since he represented a politically divided district in Congress years ago.

Here is an overview of where Mr. Walz stands on some key issues.

Mr. Walz signed a bill last year that guaranteed Minnesotans a “fundamental right to make autonomous decisions” about reproductive health care on issues such as abortion, contraception and fertility treatments.

Abortion was already protected by a Minnesota Supreme Court decision, but the new law guarded against a future court reversing that precedent as the U.S. Supreme Court did with Roe v. Wade, and Mr. Walz said this year that he was also open to an amendment to the state’s Constitution that would codify abortion rights.

Another bill he signed legally shields patients, and their medical providers, if they receive an abortion in Minnesota after traveling from a state where abortion is banned.

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IMAGES

TOPIC SENTENCES ANCHOR CHART 2
Topic Sentence: Definition, Examples and Useful Tips for Writing A
How to write a good topic sentence in Academic Writing
Elementary School Topic Sentence Examples
How To Write A Topic Sentence For An Informative Essay
How to write a good topic sentence in Academic Writing

COMMENTS

How to Write Topic Sentences
To make sure every topic sentence and paragraph serves your argument, follow these steps. Step 1: Write a thesis statement. The first step to developing your topic sentences is to make sure you have a strong thesis statement. The thesis statement sums up the purpose and argument of the whole paper. Thesis statement example.
How to Write Masterful Topic Sentences for Essays
First, topic sentences string together paragraphs in a way that progresses nicely and facilitates reading. Moving from one paragraph to another can feel jarring and abrupt, so topic sentences help maintain the flow of the overall piece of writing—and readers' focus as a result. Moreover, topic sentences also "preview" what the reader ...
How to Write a Strong Topic Sentence + Examples
Step 3: Make your essay outline. Once you have the points you want to make within your thesis statement hammered out, make an outline for your essay. This is where you'll start to create your topic sentence for each paragraph. You want to clearly state the main idea of that paragraph in the very first sentence.
10 Effective Topic Sentence Examples for Engaging Essays
For example, if you are writing an essay about domestic violence, your topic sentence could be: 1 in 4 men have experienced domestic violence from a partner. That is an interesting fact that most people do not know since most domestic violence information focuses on violence against women. However, it is just a fact.
Topic Sentences and Signposting
Topic sentences and signposts make an essay's claims clear to a reader. Good essays contain both. Topic sentences reveal the main point of a paragraph. They show the relationship of each paragraph to the essay's thesis, telegraph the point of a paragraph, and tell your reader what to expect in the paragraph that follows. Topic sentences also ...
Topic Sentences
The best way to understand the role of the topic sentence in paragraph development is to imagine that any given paragraph is a miniature essay that has its own thesis, support, and conclusion. The parts of a paragraph easily correspond to the parts of an essay: Just as an effective essay starts off with an introduction that presents the paper's ...
Using Topic Sentences
When read in sequence, your essay's topic sentences will provide a sketch of the essay's argument. Thus topics sentences help protect your readers from confusion by guiding them through the argument. But topic sentences can also help you to improve your essay by making it easier for you to recognize gaps or weaknesses in your argument.
How to Write a Topic Sentence: 3 Topic Sentence Examples
How to Write a Topic Sentence: 3 Topic Sentence Examples. Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Sep 28, 2022 • 3 min read. Learn how to write topic sentences to support the main thesis of any piece of writing. Explore.
How to Write a Topic Sentence (30+ Tips & Examples)
Tip #1: State the Main Idea Clearly. Make sure your topic sentence introduces the primary idea succinctly. Avoid vague language or cluttered wording. Your reader should immediately understand the topic. Example: Clear: "Recycling programs reduce landfill waste by promoting reusable packaging.".
How to Write a Topic Sentence
Topic sentence is essential to every essay, it expresses what the paragraph is about and shows the connection between your points. This video will show you w...
Writing Topic Sentences
Support Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: Student athletes should be paid for their performance because of sports' impact on their minds and bodies. Support Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Because most college athletes cannot play their sport and hold a job, colleges should give them a living wage. Support Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Student-athletes ...
Examples of Topic Sentences That Make the Purpose Clear
A great topic sentence gives you insight into what you can expect in a paragraph. Make yours one to remember with these topic sentence examples. Dictionary ... In formal writing, the topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph (although it doesn't have to be). Keep reading for the two main parts of a topic sentence as well as ...
Paragraphs & Topic Sentences
Paragraphs & Topic Sentences. A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and coherent, and are all related to a single topic. Almost every piece of writing you do that is longer than a few sentences should be organized into paragraphs. This is because paragraphs show a reader where the subdivisions of an essay begin and end, and ...
What is a Topic Sentence? (Definition, Examples, How to Use)
A topic sentence, the first sentence of a paragraph, presents the main concept discussed in the paragraph. It must contain sufficient information to support numerous examples and subtopics without being too broad to obscure the essay's intended purpose. The remaining sentences in the paragraph will act as supporting statements, providing ...
How to Write a Good Topic Sentence: 14 Steps (with Pictures)
1. Avoid introducing yourself. Although topic sentences vary in structure and content from person to person, at least two things can be assumed about your paper: 1) that you have a title and entire paper to introduce a topic, and 2) your personal information is present somewhere on your essay.
How To Write a Topic Sentence (With Examples and Tips)
1. Identify the main point in your piece of writing. Think about the overall topic for your writing. Decide how you can introduce this idea to your readers with an interesting opening sentence. 2. Write a sentence that connects to your main idea with a what and a why. Write a clear topic sentence by describing the what and the why of an idea ...
Topic Sentence
Every paragraph should include a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the paragraph. A topic sentence also states the point the writer wishes to make about that subject. Generally, the topic sentence appears at the beginning of the paragraph. It is often the paragraph's very first sentence. A paragraph's topic sentence must be ...
30 Topic Sentence Examples
Take a look at these transitional topic sentence examples below: 9) In fact, walking as a form of exercise has shown to reduce cortisol levels. 10) Furthermore, city council representatives have said that environmental sustainability has remained at the top of the agenda, but activists have largely disagreed.
Essay Topic Sentence
File Format. PDF. Size: 152 KB. Download. Essay topic sentences are the guiding lights of your paragraphs, illuminating the main ideas and ensuring readers navigate smoothly through your piece. Crafting a compelling topic sentence is paramount for grasping attention and setting the tone for the ensuing discussion.
How to Write a Topic Sentence for Your English Essay Paragraphs
Without a topic sentence, or even with a weak topic sentence, it's quite difficult to achieve a high mark for essays in English (e.g. Band 5 or 6 in the HSC). If you've ever been told by a teacher that your essay didn't refer to the question closely enough or lacked a strong thesis , chances are your topic sentences are the area to ...
12 Examples of Good Topic Sentences (and Why They Work)
4 argumentative essay topic sentences. Topic Sentence #5: Finally, the most compelling reason that Treasure Island should be considered the best pirate novel is its unique plot. Topic Sentence #6: One of the first strategies companies need to implement in order to protect their ships from pirates near the Somali coast is to require armed security on all vessels.
30 Examples of Topic Sentences (by grade level)
Elementary students often write simple topic sentences that focus solely on the main idea of the paragraph. Some examples of topic sentences for this age group include: When we had a snow day, I made snow angels, drank hot cocoa, and went sledding. Students should not have to do homework because it takes a lot of time.
What are examples of the 7 types of topic sentence?
Remember also, topic sentences: - set the tone of the paragraph. - may be one or multiple sentences. - remind the reader of the essay thesis. - introduce the paragraph's main idea (s) - are found at the start of a body paragraph. - transition between ideas and body paragraphs. Type 1: Single-Sentence Topic Sentences.
Adam Britton sentenced for sex crimes involving dogs who were tortured
Adam Britton, a 53-year-old British crocodile expert, was sentenced to 10 years and five months in prison for sexually abusing and killing dogs.
J.D. Vance's Basket of Deplorables
Donald Trump's choice of 39-year-old J.D. Vance as his running mate was supposed to present the GOP ticket as modern and looking to the future. Instead the campaign has found itself playing ...
First men jailed for riot-related social media posts
Passing sentence, Judge Guy Kearl KC said: "You took to social media in order to encourage others towards participation in the attacks upon the hotel. "The initial post received six likes.
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Exclusive
OpenAI has a method to reliably detect when someone uses ChatGPT to write an essay or research paper. The company hasn't released it despite widespread concerns about students using artificial ...
Paramount Writes Down Value of Cable-TV Business by $6 Billion and Cuts
Paramount Global, home of Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon, wrote down the value of its cable-TV networks by nearly $6 billion and cut 15% of its workforce, a day after rival Warner Bros ...
Where Tim Walz Stands on the Issues
In the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks, he condemned Hamas while saying he supported a deal to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, writing on social media: "The vast majority of ...