Are you having trouble getting started on your paper? Not sure how to write a topic sentence? In academic writing, a topic sentence is a sentence that captures the main idea of a paragraph. It tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about.
A good topic sentence is specific and precise, but it is not too long. It is usually the first sentence in a paragraph, and it is sometimes called a controlling idea. A good topic sentence is essential because it helps keep the paragraph focused and on track.
To write a good topic sentence, start by brainstorming ideas for the paragraph. Once you have a general idea of what you want to write about, craft a thesis statement that captures the main idea of your paragraph. Then, use that thesis statement to create a topic sentence that is specific, precise, and on point.
- Have a thesis statement.
- Outline your paper.
- Be clear and coherent.
- Share an opinion.
- Be specific in your wording.
- Add transitions between paragraphs.
How is a topic sentence different from a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is a phrase that encapsulates the central argument of a piece of writing. The purpose of the thesis statement is to make a point that will be supported by examples throughout the entire essay. It is typically written after the hook and/or topic sentence of the introduction paragraph. But you can support your thesis with a topic sentence that introduces the subject of each body paragraph.
Heres an example:
Using these examples, you would write several paragraphs in your essay to describe the components of tea and why they are beneficial to your health. Each paragraph’s topic sentence would introduce a subject, such as “green tea’s cancer-fighting components” or “how tea lowers cholesterol.” These two subjects back up the claim that the compounds in tea have beneficial effects on a person’s health.
What is a topic sentence?
A topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph that introduces the main idea (topic) of the piece of writing. It must provide enough detail to support numerous subtopics and examples without becoming so broad that the writing’s intended audience is unclear.
By introducing the subject of the following paragraph, topic sentences assist the reader in following along. They present the specific subject that is the focus of a paragraph and relate to the essay’s overall thesis. Topic sentences give a paragraph and an essay its overall structure.
How to write a topic sentence
Use the following concepts to develop a topic sentence for several paragraphs:
1. Identify the main point in your piece of writing
Think about the overall topic for your writing. Decide on a compelling opening sentence that will help you introduce this concept to your readers.
2. Write a sentence that connects to your main idea with a what and a why
Describe the what and the why of a thought that is connected to your main point in a topic sentence that is clear and concise. State what the topic is and why it matters. Here is an illustration of how to use the what and why format with the previous discussion of tea.
Example:
3. Use the sentence you created as an opening statement
Write a what-and-why-structured opening sentence for your essay that states the main idea of the entire piece. This paragraph should come before your thesis statement because it introduces both the topic and the main idea of your entire essay.
4. Create the first sentence in each supporting paragraph
Each supporting paragraph should begin with a sentence that introduces the new subject and links readers back to the essay’s main idea. As you develop fresh topic sentences for each paragraph, keep using the what-and-why structure.
Tips for writing a topic sentence
The following are some tips for coming up with and utilizing topic sentences in your writing:
Use new information
Instead of using an obvious statement (something everyone knows), develop a topic sentence that offers readers something intriguing to consider. When constructing a topic sentence, give the information a fresh presentation that goes beyond simple factual statements.
Example:
Make your topic sentence complex or compound
Topic sentences sound more powerful and sophisticated when they are complex and compound sentences. Using a coordinating conjunction and a comma, combine two independent clauses to form a compound sentence. Create a complex sentence that consists of an independent clause, a subordinate clause, and a comma.
Example:
Try transition words
Although, another, and even though are transitional words to start a new paragraph. These can be used in the topic sentence that introduces a body paragraph or perhaps in the topic sentence of your opening statement.
Example:
Topic sentences are used for most nonfiction writing
Nearly any nonfiction piece can be written more effectively by learning to use topic sentences. Examples of common nonfiction writing styles that employ topic sentences are provided below:
Use a topic sentence later in the opening paragraph
A topic sentence need not always be the first sentence in a paragraph. You can use a topic sentence in an opening paragraph to pique readers’ interest with a statement that grabs their attention.
Examples of topic sentences
You can see how the topic sentence supports the main point of a piece of writing by looking at the topic sentence examples with the main idea listed below:
Example 1:
Example 2:
Example 3:
How to Write a Topic Sentence | Scribbr
FAQ
How do you write a good topic sentence?
Examples of Topic Sentences ABC Town’s pollution is the worst in the world for a number of reasons. The main idea is “many reasons” and the topic is “pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world.” “.
How do I start a topic sentance?
- Identify the main point in your piece of writing. Think about the overall topic for your writing.
- Create a sentence that includes a what and a why and connects to your main idea.
- Use the sentence you created as an opening statement. …
- Create the first sentence in each supporting paragraph.
