What Is a Topic Sentence?
A topic sentence introduces the primary concept of a paragraph and provides support for the main thesis of a document or essay. Typically, the topic sentence is the opening sentence of a paragraph, and it introduces the subject by stating a controlling notion or particular viewpoint on the subject. The rest of the paragraph will consist of sentences that provide instances and evidence to support the main argument. Read also how long is a topic sentence.
Why Are Topic Sentences Important?
In papers and essays, topic sentences are essential components that support the main thesis. An excellent topic sentence is essentially a mini-thesis that supports the main thesis while keeping the reader’s focus on the topic of the paragraph. Issue sentences can be used to reinforce main concepts, a transition between paragraphs, or pose additional questions about the topic. A good topic sentence can capture readers’ attention and introduce new information.
Where Does the Topic Sentence Go?
The topic sentence normally appears at the beginning of the paragraph to summarize its subject. Occasionally, a topic sentence follows a transition from the preceding paragraph. Two to three sentences constitute a topic sentence.
Types of Topic Sentences
There are numerous uses for topic sentences in writing. Consider the following types of topic sentences:
- Interrogative. A subject sentence may introduce an idea with a direct or implied question. In less formal writing, interrogative topic sentences are acceptable.
- Reinforcement. In a topic sentence, writers can restate the essay’s thesis statement.
- Transitional. A topic sentence can be used as a transitional element between paragraphs to connect the main ideas.
How to Write a Topic Sentence for an Essay
Follow the steps below on how to write a topic sentence for a body paragraph:
- Have a thesis statement. To establish the topic sentences for a paper or essay, you must know its subject. Create a thesis statement at the outset of the writing process.
- Outline your paper. Plan your essay so you know how each paragraph will support your thesis statement and what evidence will be included in each paragraph.
- Be straightforward and consistent. A topic sentence should be straightforward and simple to understand so that the reader is aware of the paragraph’s primary concept.
- Share an opinion. To capture your audience’s attention, topic phrases should include your viewpoint or opinion. Avoid including apparent information in topic sentences.
- Be specific in your wording. Your topic sentence should be specific enough to warrant several supporting sentences.
- Add transitions between paragraphs. In addition to referencing the previous paragraph, topic phrases can also serve as a through-line in your article or essay. You can use transitional phrases in the topic sentence to refer back to the preceding paragraph and lead to the following section.
How Is A Topic Sentence Different From A Thesis Statement?
A thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the central argument of an essay. Typically, the thesis statement of an essay is written following the hook and topic sentence of the first paragraph to make a claim that will be supported by examples throughout the essay. However, a topic sentence might support the thesis by introducing the topic of each supporting paragraph.
Here’s one example:
- Opening paragraph topic sentence: Tea has been studied and appreciated for centuries for its health benefits.
- Thesis. Drinking tea positively affects a person’s overall health because of the compounds it contains.
If you were to write an essay utilizing these examples, you would need numerous paragraphs to explain the compounds in tea and why they are beneficial to health. Each paragraph’s main sentence would present a topic such as “cancer-fighting chemicals in green tea” or “how tea reduces cholesterol.” Due to the compounds they contain, both of these topics support the concept that tea has favorable impacts on a person’s health. Read also how to write a topic sentence example.
What Are 3 Examples Of A Topic Sentence?
The topic sentences support the thesis statement. For instance, if you were writing a five-paragraph essay with a thesis statement on how to decrease global warming, your three topic sentences may read as follows:
- “Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is one method of combating global warming.” The focus of the paragraph that follows this sentence will be to present an example of how to tackle global warming. The topic sentence establishes the concept of moving away from fossil fuels, which is particular and opens the door for the rest of the paragraph.
- “You can invest in businesses that are independent of fossil fuels.” This topic sentence provides a second strategy for combating global warming. It is a clear beginning to a paragraph about investing time, money, or resources in companies with a mission to combat the climate issue.
- “Publicly pressuring large firms to cut their carbon footprint is a strategy for combating global warming.” The purpose of this final topic sentence is to provide the reader with a final illustration of how to address the problem of global warming. The paragraph that follows the topic sentence will elaborate on how to criticize companies’ practices.
Tips for Writing a Topic Sentence
Here are some helpful ideas for writing topic sentences:
Use new information
Create a topic sentence that gives readers something to consider rather than a simple statement (something everybody knows). When creating a topic sentence, deliver the information in a manner other than a simple factual statement.
Make your topic sentence complex or compound.
Compound and complicated sentences strengthen and elevate the sound of topic sentences. Construct a compound sentence by joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction and comma. Create a complex sentence by combining dependent and independent clauses with a comma and subordinating conjunction.
Try transition words
Transitional words such as “although,” “another,” and “even though” are used to start a new paragraph. You can use these in the topic sentence that starts a paragraph of support or in the topic sentence of your opening statement.
More Posts: How to End an Essay
