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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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Table of contents

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

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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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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 establish their relevance right away, making clear why the points they're making are important to the essay's main ideas. They argue rather than report.  Signposts , as their name suggests, prepare the reader for a change in the argument's direction. They show how far the essay's argument has progressed vis-ˆ-vis the claims of the thesis. 

Topic sentences and signposts occupy a middle ground in the writing process. They are neither the first thing a writer needs to address (thesis and the broad strokes of an essay's structure are); nor are they the last (that's when you attend to sentence-level editing and polishing). Topic sentences and signposts deliver an essay's structure and meaning to a reader, so they are useful diagnostic tools to the writer—they let you know if your thesis is arguable—and essential guides to the reader

Forms of Topic Sentences

 Sometimes topic sentences are actually two or even three sentences long. If the first makes a claim, the second might reflect on that claim, explaining it further. Think of these sentences as asking and answering two critical questions: How does the phenomenon you're discussing operate? Why does it operate as it does?

There's no set formula for writing a topic sentence. Rather, you should work to vary the form your topic sentences take. Repeated too often, any method grows wearisome. Here are a few approaches.

Complex sentences.   Topic sentences at the beginning of a paragraph frequently combine with a transition from the previous paragraph. This might be done by writing a sentence that contains both subordinate and independent clauses, as in the example below.

 Although  Young Woman with a Water Pitcher  depicts an unknown, middle-class woman at an ordinary task, the image is more than "realistic"; the painter [Vermeer] has imposed his own order upon it to strengthen it. 

This sentence employs a useful principle of transitions: always move from old to new information.  The subordinate clause (from "although" to "task") recaps information from previous paragraphs; the independent clauses (starting with "the image" and "the painter") introduce the new information—a claim about how the image works ("more than Ôrealistic'") and why it works as it does (Vermeer "strengthens" the image by "imposing order"). 

Questions.   Questions, sometimes in pairs, also make good topic sentences (and signposts).  Consider the following: "Does the promise of stability justify this unchanging hierarchy?" We may fairly assume that the paragraph or section that follows will answer the question. Questions are by definition a form of inquiry, and thus demand an answer. Good essays strive for this forward momentum.

Bridge sentences.   Like questions, "bridge sentences" (the term is John Trimble's) make an excellent substitute for more formal topic sentences. Bridge sentences indicate both what came before and what comes next (they "bridge" paragraphs) without the formal trappings of multiple clauses: "But there is a clue to this puzzle." 

Pivots.   Topic sentences don't always appear at the beginning of a paragraph. When they come in the middle, they indicate that the paragraph will change direction, or "pivot." This strategy is particularly useful for dealing with counter-evidence: a paragraph starts out conceding a point or stating a fact ("Psychologist Sharon Hymer uses the term Ônarcissistic friendship' to describe the early stage of a friendship like the one between Celie and Shug"); after following up on this initial statement with evidence, it then reverses direction and establishes a claim ("Yet ... this narcissistic stage of Celie and Shug's relationship is merely a transitory one. Hymer herself concedes . . . "). The pivot always needs a signal, a word like "but," "yet," or "however," or a longer phrase or sentence that indicates an about-face. It often needs more than one sentence to make its point.

Signposts operate as topic sentences for whole sections in an essay. (In longer essays, sections often contain more than a single paragraph.) They inform a reader that the essay is taking a turn in its argument: delving into a related topic such as a counter-argument, stepping up its claims with a complication, or pausing to give essential historical or scholarly background. Because they reveal the architecture of the essay itself, signposts remind readers of what the essay's stakes are: what it's about, and why it's being written. 

Signposting can be accomplished in a sentence or two at the beginning of a paragraph or in whole paragraphs that serve as transitions between one part of the argument and the next. The following example comes from an essay examining how a painting by Monet,  The Gare Saint-Lazare: Arrival of a Train,  challenges Zola's declarations about Impressionist art. The student writer wonders whether Monet's Impressionism is really as devoted to avoiding "ideas" in favor of direct sense impressions as Zola's claims would seem to suggest. This is the start of the essay's third section:

It is evident in this painting that Monet found his Gare Saint-Lazare motif fascinating at the most fundamental level of the play of light as well as the loftiest level of social relevance.  Arrival of a Train  explores both extremes of expression. At the fundamental extreme, Monet satisfies the Impressionist objective of capturing the full-spectrum effects of light on a scene.

 The writer signposts this section in the first sentence, reminding readers of the stakes of the essay itself with the simultaneous references to sense impression ("play of light") and intellectual content ("social relevance"). The second sentence follows up on this idea, while the third serves as a topic sentence for the paragraph. The paragraph after that starts off with a topic sentence about the "cultural message" of the painting, something that the signposting sentence predicts by not only reminding readers of the essay's stakes but also, and quite clearly, indicating what the section itself will contain. 

Copyright 2000, Elizabeth Abrams, for the Writing Center at Harvard University

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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

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Writing Guides  /  10 Effective Topic Sentence Examples for Engaging Essays

10 Effective Topic Sentence Examples for Engaging Essays

Writing an effective topic sentence is trickier than it appears. You want a sentence that grabs the reader’s attention and tells them what to expect from the essay. You also need the sentence to be concise and clear. Plus, it is not enough to develop a single topic sentence. You need a topic sentence for each paragraph in your essay. These sentences serve as guideposts, helping your reader quickly and reliably navigate your essay. No wonder writing effective topic sentences is crucial to a good essay.

What is a Topic Sentence?

A topic sentence is a sentence that tells the main point of a paragraph. Typically, it is the first sentence in the section. However, you might use a different hook, making the topic sentence the second or third. Some professors refer to topic sentences as focus sentences. That is a great way to think about them because the paragraph should focus on the information in the topic sentence.

In expository writing, each paragraph should have a topic sentence. In addition, the topic sentence in your introductory paragraph should focus on the entire essay. What is the paper’s topic, and what approach will the author take in the paper? The reader should be able to answer those questions by reading the topic sentence.

While a topic sentence needs to provide a focus for your essay or paragraph, you want to avoid making it too narrow. Instead, you want to give the reader a general idea of your topic. The topic sentences in your supporting paragraphs can be more limited because the focus in each supporting section will concentrate on bolstering the point you are making in that paragraph. However, the topic sentence for the entire essay needs to be sufficiently broad to let you introduce all of the supporting paragraphs.

Topic Sentence Structure

Structuring an essay is one of the most critical roles for a topic sentence. Suppose you are a person who outlines your papers before writing them. In that case, your topic sentences should be able to provide the skeleton of your essay. They are too broad or narrow if they cannot, so you will want to adjust them accordingly. So, one of the answers to “What’s a topic sentence?” is a skeleton. With your topic sentences, outlining your essay should be easy. You can also go in the opposite direction. Writing your topic sentences should also be easier if you have outlined your essay.

Topic Sentences v. Thesis Statements

Many students struggle with the difference between topic sentences and thesis statements. One of the significant differences is the placement in your paper. Your topic sentence for the entire essay will be in your introductory paragraph’s first or second sentence. You will also have topic sentences for each section of the paper.

However, the difference is about more than placement. Your thesis statement should be more focused and nuanced than your topic sentence. Furthermore, the topic sentences of each supporting paragraph will support your thesis.

To understand the difference, you need to understand the difference between your essay’s topic and your paper’s narrow focus. For example, if you write an example essay about how dogs help humans, dogs helping humans is your topic. If you provide a specific example of a friend’s service dog, the service dog would be in the thesis. Then, your supporting paragraphs would show a connection between your thesis and the overall topic.

How to Write a Topic Sentence

Before writing a topic sentence, you must decide on your topic. What is the main point of your essay? Let us return to our example essay about dogs helping humans. A bad example of a topic sentence would be:

Dogs are good.

While most people agree with that statement, it is too broad to make a good topic sentence. Yes, it lets the readers know that you will be writing about dogs and that it will be positive, but they have no idea where that topic will go. Your topic sentence needs to do more than tell the reader what your essay is about; it also needs to tell them why you are writing it.

A better topic sentence would be:

Since their relationship with man began, dogs have been helping humans.

That sentence lets the reader know that you will discuss not just dogs but the helpful relationship between dogs and humans. It enables you to introduce the idea of service dogs so that you can narrow the focus to create your thesis statement. If you wanted to narrow your topic even more, you could hone your topic sentence further and make it something like:

For some people, dogs are more than man’s best friend; they are essential companions that help them live an everyday life.

Where to Place Your Topic Sentence

Generally, you want your topic sentence for the essay to be the essay’s opening sentence. There are exceptions, where you might choose to open with a hook statement instead. In those instances, your topic sentence should immediately follow your hook. That way, it serves as a bridge between your hook and the rest of the essay.

For complex writing, you could also begin each supporting paragraph with a hook. However, that approach will be overly complicated and seem disorganized for most academic writing. Instead, for most people, we suggest using the topic sentence as the first sentence for each of your introductory paragraphs. It will help provide structure for the readers. It can also help you identify and stick to a form as a writer.

What is an Effective Topic Sentence for an Essay?

You already know that good writing should feature many sentence types and structures. However, do you know you should avoid simple sentence structures for your topic sentence? While it is not a hard-and-fast rule, the reality is that using compound or complex sentence structures elevates your writing.

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Topic Sentence Examples

Remember, your goal in an argumentative essay is to support a particular viewpoint. So, your topic sentence needs to contain that viewpoint. It should not simply be a fact. The stronger your perspective, the more likely you can convince the reader to agree, as long as you support it with evidence in the essay.

Ten examples of good topic sentences for argumentative essays, some of which we included above, are:

#1.  Although people may be worried about overt racism, most of the discrimination in the criminal justice system is the result of covert racism.

#2.  Abstinence-only education is bad for children because it stigmatizes sexual behavior while doing nothing to reduce teen pregnancy rates.

#3.  Abstinence-based education is suitable for children because it delays the onset of sexual activity by approximately a year.

#4.  1 in 4 men have experienced domestic violence from a partner, which means you know a man who has been victimized.

#5.  While many people think of domestic violence as a woman’s issue, the reality is that you know a man who has been victimized since 1 in 4 men will be a victim of domestic violence.

#6.  For some people, dogs are more than man’s best friend; they are essential companions that help them live an everyday life.

#7.  While often used to insult women, single female cat owners’ self-reported happiness rates suggest that becoming a cat lady may be a goal, not a curse.

#8.  While it is important to respect individual choice, the tradwife trend is a warning sign of a culture embracing misogynistic ideals about a woman’s role.

#9. While the pro-choice argument hinges on when life begins, that is irrelevant; the issue concerns bodily autonomy and the ethics of forcing one human to use their body to support another, not about when life begins.

#10.  The combination of sweet and savory flavors is well-known in the culinary world, so it seems clear that pineapple belongs on pizza.

Effective Topic Sentences

Looking at topic sentence ideas is looking at essay ideas. Once you get an idea for your essay, you can choose a direction and structure your topic sentence around that idea. Look at these two examples of a topic sentence to see different approaches:

Most of the discrimination in the criminal justice system is due to covert racism, not overt racism.

Although people may be worried about overt racism, most of the discrimination in the criminal justice system is the result of covert racism.

When discussing topic sentences for supporting paragraphs, it is essential to think about the flow of your essay. You want the paragraphs to transition naturally into one another while their first sentences should still announce the paragraph’s topic. One way to do that is to include transition words in your topic sentence. Those transition words can link the paragraph to the one above it, providing a smooth, seamless, and logical transition between thoughts.

How do you write an engaging first sentence in an essay?

One of the biggest challenges for writers is making their topic sentences attractive. That is especially true if you are writing about a topic your audience knows reasonably well. So, avoid making apparent statements when writing your topic sentence when possible. If you can, use a fact or a perspective that might be new to your readers. If you cannot do that, try to give the audience something to consider. You want your topic sentence to tell the audience what you are writing about and why they should give a damn.

To do that, you may want to link a fact to something relevant to your reader. 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. You could make it more personal to the reader by stating:

1 in 4 men have experienced domestic violence from a partner, which means you know a man who has been victimized.

Now, this example sentence could be problematic, depending on the formality of the essay, since we generally avoid the second person (you) in formal, academic writing. However, it does provide food for thought since most people can probably name a woman they know who has been victimized but not a man. So, link the fact to something personal and thought-provoking.

Four Characteristics of an Effective Topic Sentence

An effective topic sentence has four primary characteristics:

• It is straightforward to follow.
• It has a main idea and a central idea.
• It uses engaging vocabulary.
• It signals the reader about the content and tone of the essay or paragraph.

Understanding the difference between a main idea and a controlling idea can be confusing. Think of the main idea as your broader topic. Returning to our service dog essay example, the main idea could be something as comprehensive as dogs are good. The main idea would be that dogs are good because they help people. You would not state a sentence in such primary language, but you can base your sentence on those ideas.

Some topic sentence examples that contain these four characteristics include:

Abstinence-only education is bad for children because it stigmatizes sexual behavior while doing nothing to reduce teen pregnancy rates.

Abstinence-based education is suitable for children because it delays the onset of sexual activity by approximately a year.

Notice that both sentences above have the same topic or main idea, abstinence-based sex education, but their main ideas differ. One of them is the introduction to an essay against abstinence-only education. At the same time, the other is the introduction to an essay for abstinence-only education. Those two directions are why you want to do more than introduce your main idea or topic; you also want to include a controlling idea.

Vital Topic Sentence in an Argumentative Essay

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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?”

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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.

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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:

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.

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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

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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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What Is a Topic Sentence?

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

A topic sentence is a  sentence , sometimes at the beginning of a paragraph , that states or suggests the main idea (or topic ) of a paragraph.

Not all paragraphs begin with topic sentences. In some, the topic sentence appears in the middle or at the end. In others, the topic sentence is implied or absent altogether.

Examples and Observations

• " Salva and the other boys made cows out of clay. The more cows you made, the richer you were. But they had to be fine, healthy animals. It took time to make a lump of clay look like a good cow. The boys would challenge each other to see who could make the most and best cows." (Linda Sue Park, A Long Walk to Water . Clarion, 2010)
• " Momma bought two bolts of cloth each year for winter and summer clothes. She made my school dresses, underslips, bloomers, handkerchiefs, Bailey's shirts, shorts, her aprons, house dresses and waists from the rolls shipped to Stamps by Sears and Roebuck. . . ." (Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings . Random House, 1969)
• " You discover what it is like to be hungry. With bread and margarine in your belly, you go out and look into the shop windows. Everywhere there is food insulting you in huge, wasteful piles; whole dead pigs, baskets of hot loaves, great yellow blocks of butter, strings of sausages, mountains of potatoes, vast Gruyère cheeses like grindstones. A snivelling self-pity comes over you at the sight of so much food. You plan to grab a loaf and run, swallowing it before they catch you; and you refrain, from pure funk." (George Orwell, Down and Out in Paris and London . Victor Gollancz, 1933)
• " The flavor that salt imparts to food is just one of the attributes that manufacturers rely on. For them, salt is nothing less than a miracle worker in processed foods. It makes sugar taste sweeter. It adds crunch to crackers and frozen waffles. It delays spoilage so that the products can sit longer on the shelf. And, just as importantly, it masks the otherwise bitter or dull taste that hounds so many processed foods before salt is added." (Michael Moss, Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us . Random House, 2013)
• " The very idea of retirement is a relatively new invention. For most of human history, people worked until they died or were too infirm to lift a finger (at which point they died pretty fast anyway). It was the German statesman Otto von Bismarck who first floated the concept, in 1883, when he proposed that his unemployed countrymen over the age of 65 be given a pension. This move was designed to fend off Marxist agitation—and to do so on the cheap, since few Germans survived to that ripe old age." (Jessica Bruder, "The End of Retirement." Harper's , August 2014)
• " Grandma's room I regarded as a dark den of primitive rites and practices. On Friday evenings whoever was home gathered at her door while she lit her Sabbath candles. . . ."  (E.L. Doctorow, World's Fair . Random House, 1985)
• " Genealogy is an ancient human preoccupation. The God of Hebrew Scripture promised Abraham descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. The apostles Matthew and Luke claim that Abraham's lineage went on to include King David and eventually Jesus, though the specifics of their accounts are contradictory. Muslims trace Mohammed's line back through Abraham, to Adam and Eve." (Maud Newton, "America's Ancestry Craze." Harper's , June 2014)
• " O nce, in a restaurant in Italy with my family, I occasioned enormous merriment, as a nineteenth-century humorist would have put it, by confusing two Italian words. I thought I had, very suavely, ordered for dessert fragoline —those lovely little wild strawberries. Instead, I seem to have asked for fagiolini —green beans. The waiter ceremoniously brought me a plate of green beans with my coffee, along with the flan and the gelato for the kids. The significant insight the mistake provided—arriving mere microseconds after the laughter of those kids, who for some reason still bring up the occasion, often—was about the arbitrary nature of language: the single 'r' rolled right makes one a master of the trattoria, an 'r' unrolled the family fool. . . ." (Adam Gopnik, "Word Magic." The New Yorker , May 26, 2014)
• " In seventeenth-century Europe, the transformation of man into soldier took on a new form, more concerted and disciplined, and far less pleasant, than wine. New recruits and even seasoned veterans were endlessly drilled, hour after hour, until each man began to feel himself part of a single, giant fighting machine. . . ." (Barbara Ehrenreich, Blood Rites: Origins and History of the Passions of War . Henry Holt and Company, 1997)
• " What is the appeal of train travel? Ask almost any foamer, and he or she will invariably answer, 'The romance of it!' But just what this means, they cannot really say. It's tempting to think that we are simply equating romance with pleasure, with the superior comfort of a train, especially seated up high in the observation cars. . . ." (Kevin Baker, "21st Century Limited: The Lost Glory of America's Railroads." Harper's , July 2014)
• " Because science fiction spans the spectrum from the plausible to the fanciful, its relationship with science has been both nurturing and contentious. For every author who meticulously examines the latest developments in physics or computing, there are other authors who invent 'impossible' technology to serve as a plot device (like Le Guin’s faster-than-light communicator, the ansible) or to enable social commentary, the way H. G. Wells uses his time machine to take the reader to the far future to witness the calamitous destiny of the human race." (Eileen Gunn, "Brave New Words." Smithsonian , May 2014)
• " I passed all the other courses that I took at my university, but I could never pass botany. . . ." (James Thurber, My Life and Hard Times . Harper & Row, 1933)
• " What is there about this wonderful woman? From next door, she comes striding, down the lawn, beneath the clothesline, laden with cookies she has just baked, or with baby togs she no longer needs, and one's heart goes out. Pops out. The clothesline, the rusted swing set, the limbs of the dying elm, the lilacs past bloom are lit up like rods of neon by her casual washday energy and cheer, a cheer one has done nothing to infuse." (John Updike, "One's Neighbor's Wife." Hugging the Shore: Essays and Criticism . Knopf, 1983)
• " Television. Why do I watch it? The parade of politicians every evening: I have only to see the heavy, blank faces so familiar since childhood to feel gloom and nausea. . . ." (J.M. Coetzee, Age of Iron . Random House, 1990)
• " Anyone who has made the coast-to-coast journey across America, whether by train or by car, has probably passed through Garden City, but it is reasonable to assume that few travelers remember the event. It seems just another fair-sized town in the middle--almost the exact middle--of the continental United States. . . ." (Truman Capote, In Cold Blood . Random House, 1966)
• " Rodeo, like baseball, is an American sport and has been around almost as long. . . ." (Gretel Ehrlich, The Solace of Open Spaces . Viking Penguin, 1985)
• " What a piece of work is a book! I am not talking about writing or printing. I am talking about the codex we may leaf through, that may be put away on a shelf for whole centuries and will remain there, unchanged and handy. . . ." (William Golding, A Moving Target . Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1982)

Characteristics of an Effective Topic Sentence

• "A good topic sentence is concise and emphatic . It is no longer than the idea requires, and it stresses the important word or phrase. Here, for instance, is the topic sentence which opens a paragraph about the collapse of the stock market in 1929: "The Bull Market was dead."(Frederick Lewis Allen) Notice several things. (1) Allen's sentence is brief . Not all topics can be explained in six words, but whether they take six or sixty, they should be phrased in no more words than are absolutely necessary. (2) The sentence is clear and strong: you understand exactly what Allen means. (3) It places the keyword—'dead'—at the end, where it gets heavy stress and leads naturally into what will follow. . . . (4) The sentence stands first in the paragraph. This is where topic sentences generally belong: at or near the beginning." (Thomas S. Kane, The New Oxford Guide to Writing . Oxford Univ. Press, 1988)

Positioning a Topic Sentence

"If you want readers to see your point immediately, open with the topic sentence . This strategy can be particularly useful in letters of application or in argumentative writing. . . . "When specific details lead up to a generalization, putting the topic sentence at the end of the paragraph makes sense. . . . "Occasionally a paragraph's main idea is so obvious that it does not need to be stated explicitly in a topic sentence." (Andrea Lunsford, The St. Martin's Handbook . Bedford/St. Martin's, 2008)

Guidelines for Composing Topic Sentences

"The topic sentence is the most important sentence in your paragraph. Carefully worded and restricted, it helps you generate and control your information. An effective topic sentence also helps readers grasp your main idea quickly. As you draft your paragraphs, pay close attention to the following three guidelines:

• Make sure you provide a topic sentence. . . .
• Put your topic sentence first.
• Be sure your topic sentence is focused. If restricted, a topic sentence discusses only one central idea. A broad or unrestricted topic sentence leads to a shaky, incomplete paragraph for two reasons:
• The paragraph will not contain enough information to support the topic sentence .
• A broad topic sentence will not summarize or forecast specific information in the paragraph."

(Philip C. Kolin, Successful Writing at Work , 9th ed. Wadsworth, 2010)

Testing for Topic Sentences

"When testing your article for topic sentences , you should be able to look at each paragraph and say what the topic sentence is. Having said it, look at all the other sentences in the paragraph and test them to make sure they support it. . . .

"If you find that you have come up with the same topic sentence more than once, you have two paragraphs doing the same work. Cut one of them out.

"If you find a paragraph that has several sentences that don't support the topic sentence, see if all the outlaw sentences support some other topic sentence and turn the one paragraph into two." (Gary Provost, "How to Test Your Articles for the 8 Essentials of Nonfiction." Handbook of Magazine Article Writing , ed. by Jean M. Fredette. Writer's Digest Books, 1988)

Frequency of Topic Sentences

"Teachers and textbook writers should exercise caution in making statements about the frequency with which contemporary professional writers use simple or even explicit topic sentences in expository paragraphs. It is abundantly clear that students should not be told that professional writers usually begin their paragraphs with topic sentences."  (Richard Braddock, "The Frequency and Placement of Topic Sentences in Expository Prose." Research in the Teaching of English . Winter 1974)

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Do your essays and papers lack clarity and cohesion? Are your readers often left wondering what point you're trying to make?

You're not alone!

Many writers struggle with this issue, and it often stems from the absence of a strong foundation in their essay writing : the topic sentence.

In this ultimate guide, we will define what a topic sentence is, provide you with clear examples, and offer valuable tips to help you write effective topic sentences.

Let’s get started.

• 1. What is a Topic Sentence In An Essay? 
• 2. Elements of a Good Topic Sentence
• 3. How to Write a Topic Sentence - 5 Simple Steps
• 4. Common Pitfalls in Crafting Topic Sentences

What is a Topic Sentence In An Essay? 

In an essay, a topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph, and it gives us a sneak peek into what the paragraph will talk about. 

It's like a signpost that helps the reader know what's coming up next.

Each topic sentence in a paragraph must have a topic and a controlling idea to show where the information is heading. 

What is the Purpose of a Topic Sentence?

The purpose of a topic sentence is to make your writing clear and organized. Think of it like this: if you're telling a story, you wouldn't jump from one topic to another without letting your friends know, right? That would be confusing!

Similarly, in writing, a topic sentence helps your reader know what to expect in each paragraph. It's like a mini-map for your essay. 

When you read the topic sentence, you instantly get a sense of what the paragraph will discuss.

Here's why topic sentences are important:

• Guides the Reader : It helps the reader understand what each paragraph is about. It's like a helpful signpost along the reading journey.
• Keep Your Writing Organized: Just like you wouldn't mix up ingredients when cooking, a topic sentence keeps your ideas in order. It makes sure each paragraph has a clear focus.
• Connects Your Ideas : Topic sentences connect one paragraph to the next. They create a smooth flow in your essay, like linking train cars together.
• Helps You Stay on Track : As a writer, a topic sentence helps you stay on topic. It reminds you of what you wanted to say in that paragraph.

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Where Is The Topic Sentence Placed?

The placement of a topic sentence in a paragraph is crucial for conveying the main idea and guiding the reader's understanding. 

Typically, the topic sentence is positioned at the beginning of a paragraph. This serves as a clear and concise statement that introduces the central theme or point that the rest of the paragraph will discuss and support. 

Elements of a Good Topic Sentence

A good topic sentence possesses several key elements that distinguish it as an effective component of your writing:

• Clarity : It should be clear and straightforward, leaving no room for ambiguity or confusion about the paragraph's main point.
• Specificity : A strong topic sentence is precise and specific, focusing on a single aspect of the broader topic to maintain a clear direction.
• Relevance : It must be directly related to the thesis statement or overall purpose of your writing, ensuring that it contributes to the central argument.
• Conciseness : It should be concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary wordiness and getting straight to the heart of the matter.
• Connection : A good topic sentence should establish a clear link to the previous paragraph or the essay's overarching theme, creating a seamless flow of ideas.

Although most of the essay paragraphs must have a topic sentence. But there are some cases when there is no need to add it at all. For example, you can omit if the paragraph continues to develop a story or idea that you introduced in the previous paragraph. 

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How to Write a Topic Sentence - 5 Simple Steps

Writing an effective topic sentence is a skill that can significantly improve your writing. Follow these five precise steps to craft a compelling topic sentence:

Identify the Main Idea

Be specific and concise, connect to the thesis, check for unity, engage the reader.

Let's break down each of the five steps for writing a topic sentence in more detail:

Before writing your topic sentence, take a moment to identify the main idea of the paragraph. What specific point of view or information in the paragraph do you want to convey?

This is the crux of your paragraph and should be crystal clear in your mind before you start writing.

Once you've identified the main idea, express it in a specific and concise manner. Avoid general statements that lack depth or detail.

Specificity adds clarity to your writing and helps readers understand precisely what you're discussing.

Your topic sentence should align with the thesis statement of your essay or the overall purpose of your document.

This connection ensures that every paragraph contributes directly to your central argument or message. It also keeps your writing coherent and focused.

Ensure that your topic sentence serves as the glue that holds the paragraph together. All the supporting sentences in the paragraph should relate to and reinforce the main idea presented in the topic sentence.

This unity creates a logical and cohesive flow within your writing.

Consider your topic sentence as the hook that captures the reader's attention. Craft it in a way that intrigues the reader and entices them to continue reading.

This engagement is crucial, as it sets the tone for the entire paragraph and encourages readers to invest their time in your content.

Topic Sentences Examples 

Here are five examples of topic sentences, along with their respective topics and controlling ideas:

• Topic: Climate change
• Controlling Idea: Growing threat to global ecosystems
• Topic: Time management skills
• Controlling Idea: academic success
• Topic: Benefits of regular exercise
• Controlling Idea: Extend beyond physical health
• Topic: Artificial intelligence
• Controlling Idea: reshaping the job market
• Topic: Digital marketing strategies
• Controlling Idea: Transforming business audience reach

Common Pitfalls in Crafting Topic Sentences

When writing a topic sentence, it's important to be aware of common pitfalls and things to avoid to ensure its effectiveness in your writing. 

Here are key things to steer clear of:

• Vagueness and Ambiguity

Avoid using vague or ambiguous language in your topic sentence. A topic sentence should clearly convey the main idea of the paragraph without leaving readers guessing.

• Overly Broad Statements

Steer clear of making sweeping, overly broad statements in your topic sentence. Keep it focused on a specific aspect of the topic to maintain clarity.

• Lack of Connection

Ensure your topic sentence connects logically to the previous paragraph or the overall theme of your essay. Avoid abrupt transitions that disrupt the flow of your writing.

Avoid restating the thesis or repeating information from the essay introduction in your topic sentence. Instead, use it to introduce new ideas or aspects of your argument.

Topic sentences introducing complex sentences or information that may confuse readers. Keep it concise and straightforward. 

In conclusion, writing effective topic sentences is a skill that can significantly elevate your writing. 

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your topic sentences are clear, concise, and engaging.

Remember to identify the main idea, connect to your central argument, engage your readers from the very beginning. Avoid common pitfalls like vagueness, repetition, and lack of relevance, as discussed earlier.

At MyPerfectWords.com, we understand the importance of impeccable writing, from topic sentences to the broader context of your essays.

Whether you need assistance with crafting compelling topic sentences or comprehensive writing support, we can help you out.

Don't let writing challenges hold you back. Take the next step toward achieving your writing goals and visit our professional essay writing service today. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement.

A topic sentence is a sentence found at the beginning of a paragraph and introduces the main point of that specific paragraph.

A thesis statement, on the other hand, is usually found in the introductory paragraph of an essay and presents the overall argument or main idea of the entire document. It acts as a guidepost for the entire piece of writing, while topic sentences are specific to individual paragraphs within the document.

What are some good transition words for writing a topic sentence?

Some good topic sentence starters include:

• Additionally
• Furthermore
• In contrast
• On the other hand
• Nevertheless
• In conclusion

These words can help you introduce and connect ideas between paragraphs and provide a smooth transition into the main point of each paragraph.

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Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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As a student, you have probably heard the term "topic sentence" thrown around a lot in your English or writing classes. But do you really understand what it means and how important it is for effective writing?

Well, many students struggle with crafting strong topic sentences that effectively convey their ideas. They may find themselves unsure of how to make their topic sentence stand out in a sea of other ideas.

In this blog, we will explore the art of writing a great topic sentence, with examples and tips to help you enhance your skills. By the end of this blog, you will have a better understanding of how to craft a topic sentence that will make your writing clear, concise, and engaging.

So let’s get started!

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What is a Topic Sentence?

A topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph in an essay that introduces the main idea or topic of that paragraph. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, letting them know what to expect in the upcoming paragraph. 

Purpose of Topic Sentence

The purpose of a topic sentence is to clearly and concisely convey the main point of the paragraph to the reader. 

It helps to guide the reader through the essay, making it easier for them to follow the overall argument or narrative.

Features of a Good Topic Sentence

A good topic sentence has a few key features. Let’s take a look: 

• Expresses the main idea of the paragraph or essay clearly and concisely.
• Is specific and focused , avoiding vague or overly general statements.
• Introduces the main point and is typically located at the beginning of the paragraph or essay.
• Presents a claim or position that is arguable or debatable, which the rest of the paragraph or essay will support.
• Can be a complete sentence or a concise phrase that effectively conveys the main idea.
• Is relevant to the thesis statement and overall topic of the essay.
• Engages the reader by creating interest and highlighting the significance of the topic.
• Is well-written and avoids grammar and spelling errors.
• Provides a roadmap for the rest of the paragraph or essay by indicating what will be covered.
• Encourages coherence and unity in the writing by linking the paragraph or essay to the broader topic.

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Types of Topic Sentences

There are several different types of topic sentences that can be used in writing to introduce the reader through a paragraph or essay.

Simple Statement Topic Sentence This is the most common type of topic sentence, which straightforwardly states the main point or idea of the paragraph or essay.

Example: The rise of social media has revolutionized the way people communicate with each other.

Complex Topic Sentence This type of topic sentence is more nuanced and may require some explanation or elaboration to fully understand.

Example: While the rise of social media has had many positive effects on communication, it has also led to concerns about privacy and online harassment.

Pivot Topic Sentence A pivot topic sentence begins by connecting the current paragraph or idea to the previous one, before pivoting to introduce a new point or idea.

Example: Building on the idea of social media's impact on communication, it is important to consider how it has also affected business and marketing strategies.

Question Topic Sentence A question topic sentence poses a question that the rest of the paragraph or essay will answer or explore.

Example: How has social media changed the way businesses interact with customers and advertise their products?

Command Topic Sentence This type of topic sentence gives a directive or instruction, often used in persuasive or argumentative essays.

Example: Support local businesses by shopping at independently owned stores instead of large chains.

How to Write a Topic Sentence?

Here are a few instructions to help you write a good topic sentence. 

Step#1 Clearly State The Main Idea

A topic sentence is the first paragraph of the paragraph. It must clearly explain the particular subject that would be discussed in the paragraph. This should be stated in very clear language so that the reader can easily understand the idea. 

Also, it should include a bit of your personal opinion and also the main idea. 

Step#2 Hook Your Reader

Grab your reader's attention with an intriguing topic sentence. It would excite and make the reader curious about the content and convince them to read the particular part. 

Look out for some amazing hook examples and see what fits your essay type. 

Use a meaningful and relevant question or a fact as a topic sentence of the paragraph. Make sure that you have identified your audience and are developing everything accordingly. 

Step#3 Keep It Short and Precise

The paragraph topic sentence must be expressive enough that a reader understands your point of view effortlessly. This is only possible if you keep everything to the point, short, and meaningful. 

Choose the words in such a way that they help you express your idea in an ideal way. Avoid using complex sentences and use independent clauses.  

A topic sentence acts as a link between a paragraph and the main thesis statement. It should be specific and connected to the overall essay. Keeping it short and precise helps maintain the paragraph's flow and its relevance to the rest of the writing.

Step#4 Give A Reasonable Opinion

The body paragraph explains a topic sentence. This is why it is important that you should write this sentence in such a way that it can be explained in the paragraph.  If you are mentioning a fact in the topic statement, make sure that you have authentic evidence to support it. 

While the topic sentence is an integral part of the paragraph, it should stand out and possess a distinctiveness that sets it apart from the other sentences. This can be achieved by employing transition words and establishing connections between sentences.

Step#5 Use The Topic Sentence As A Transition

The topic sentences that serve as transition sentences can be considered a guide for the readers. This way, they can help the reader to move through the essay in a flow. 

Write this sentence in such a way that it creates a gateway between the previous paragraph and the rest of the essay. Moreover, it will also help keep the essay organized, and the reader understands the point of a paragraph.

Step#6 Look For Some Good Examples

Examples can help you learn a thing in a better way. If you are new to writing topic sentences, it can help to look at some examples. Find some great examples of topic sentences relevant to your essay topic.

Difference Between Topic Sentence and Thesis Sentence

Here's a table outlining the differences between a topic sentence and a thesis statement:

Good Topic Sentence Examples

Here are ten examples of good topic sentences:

•  "Despite the advancements in technology, traditional forms of communication are still essential in today's society."
• "The theme of power is prevalent throughout Shakespeare's play, Macbeth."
• "In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the impact of climate change on our planet."
• "The legalization of marijuana has been a topic of debate for many years." "Education is the key to success in life."
• "The rise of social media has greatly impacted the way we communicate with one another."
• "The effects of childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on mental health."
• "The concept of justice is explored in depth in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird."
• "Eating a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health."
• "The Industrial Revolution had a profound effect on the world as we know it today."

The Bottom Line!

An opening sentence is crucial to grab your reader's attention and set the tone for your piece of writing. The topic sentence introduces the controlling idea and acts as an important sentence in the essay outline. 

Effective topic sentences are necessary for a well-structured and organized essay. It's an integral part of the writing process that should not be overlooked. 

Make sure to spend time crafting a compelling topic sentence that clearly conveys your main point and guides your readers throughout your essay. You can even take ideas from an AI essay generator to get started.

However, if you find yourself struggling to write a good opening sentence, don't worry! CollegeEssay.org is here to help you with all your writing needs. We have the best online essay writing service providing top-quality essays that are sure to impress your professors.

So, why wait? Contact our essay writing service now and take the first step toward academic success!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a topic sentence.

A topic sentence can be multiple sentences long. The first sets the context for your ideas, while the second provides more depth on what you are saying beyond just stating it outright.

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Examples of Topic Sentences That Make the Purpose Clear

• DESCRIPTION Cat icon with Topic Sentence Example
• SOURCE Cat: VikiVector / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Background: Tolchik / iStock / Getty Images Plus
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What is a topic sentence? A topic sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph. Sometimes referred to as a focus sentence, the topic sentence helps organize the paragraph by summarizing the information in the paragraph. 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 topic sentence examples in different subjects.

Topic Sentences and Controlling Ideas

Topic sentences introduce a paragraph and connect to an essay's thesis statement , which is the topic sentence of your entire essay . Every topic sentence has two parts: a topic (what the paragraph is about) and a controlling idea (the direction the paragraph will take). Take a look at these topic sentence examples in which the topic is bold and the controlling idea is in italics.

• Cats are very good pets for several reasons .
• Our school's dress code policy has many negative consequences for girls .
• The world population is strongly impacted by a lack of access to water .

The topic tells your audience what the paragraph will be about and connects to the thesis. The controlling idea tells them how you will explain it in this particular paragraph.

Topic Sentence Examples

Now that you know the main parts of a topic sentence, take a look at how they look in different subjects. Note that each example includes both a topic and a controlling idea.

• 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 as a result of systemic discrimination.
• The topic is "crime in poverty-stricken areas" and the controlling idea is "systemic discrimination."

Examples of Topic Sentences as Transitions

Skillful writers use topic sentences to both introduce their paragraph and to transition from the previous paragraph . Topic sentences as transitions help the essay feel smoother and more cohesive to the reader.

Examples of topic sentences as transitions include:

• Another way to reduce teen pregnancy rates is improved education.
• In addition to needing the correct tools, cooking requires a number of different skills.
• While purchasing real estate can be a good investment, it is important to be ready before buying a house.
• Likewise, graduating from high school is important for many different reasons.
• Even though having a baby can be a joyful event, having a first child is difficult because of the significant adjustments in your life.
• Because there are so many options out there, remodeling a kitchen requires research and a good eye.

Supporting Your Topic Sentence

Coming up with a strong topic sentence is one thing, but how do you support it? Using your topic sentence as a frame, you can then fill in the reasons or evidence you have outlined in your controlling idea. For example, a paragraph that supports a topic sentence might look like this:

Cats are very good pets for several reasons . They are naturally good caregivers because they take care of their kittens, so they want to take care of their owners as well. Cats are quite clean, and if you train them to use a litter box, they require almost no cleanup in their areas. Finally, cats are independent, so you don't need to worry about them being lonely when you're at school all day. They really are the ideal pet for almost any owner.

Notice how the writer provided three reasons to back up the phrase "several reasons" in the controlling idea. All three reasons related to the topic "cats are very good pets." Also, the last sentence in the paragraph connects directly back to the topic sentence (though you can also make this sentence a transition sentence into your next paragraph).

Staying on Topic

Remember that topic sentences set the tone for the paragraph and should relate back to the thesis or the main idea of the paper. A carefully thought-out topic sentence helps you, the author, to stay focused. It also gives readers the tools they need to clearly understand what you have to say. If you're ready to get started on your next writing assignment, learn how to create a five-paragraph essay outline that is sure to keep your writing organized.

Chapter 4: Structuring, Paragraphing, and Styling

4.3 Topic Sentences

Amanda Lloyd

Function and Elements of a Topic Sentence

A   topic sentence  is usually the first sentence of a body paragraph. The purpose of a topic sentence is to identify the topic of your paragraph and indicate the function of that paragraph in some way.

In order to create an effective topic sentence, you should do the following:

• Use a transitional device to effortlessly segue from the idea discussed in the previous paragraph.

When choosing a transitional device, you should consider whether your new paragraph will build onto the topic of your previous paragraph, begin to develop a new key idea or sub-claim, or present a counterargument or concession.

See section 4.6 for information regarding when to begin a new paragraph and section 4.7 for help with transitional words and phrases.

• Clearly identify the key idea or sub-claim that you intend to expand upon in your new paragraph.

Even if you are building onto the idea of the previous paragraph, you will still need to identify the sub-claim in your topic sentence. When constructing a topic sentence, you may feel as though you are stating the obvious or being repetitive, but your readers will need this information to guide them to a thorough understanding of your ideas.

• Make a connection to the claim you make in your thesis statement.

It might help to think of your topic sentence as a mini thesis statement. In your body paragraph, you should be expanding upon the claim you make in your thesis. For this reason, you should link your topic sentence to your thesis statement. Doing so tells your readers, “This is the point I mentioned in my thesis that I now intend to support and either prove or explain further.”

To connect to your thesis, you should consider the function of the body paragraph, which will usually depend upon the type of essay you are writing; for example, your topic sentence should suggest whether your goal is to inform or persuade your readers (your topic sentence should indicate whether or not you have an opinion or perspective on the topic).

4.3 Topic Sentences by Amanda Lloyd is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Topic Sentences

Characteristics of a strong topic sentence.

The topic sentence functions two ways: it clearly refers to and supports the essay’s thesis, and it indicates what will follow in the rest of the paragraph. As the unifying sentence for the paragraph, it is the most general sentence, whereas all supporting sentences provide different types of more specific information, such as facts, details, or examples. An effective topic sentence has the following characteristics:

• A topic sentence has a topic and an angle, extracted from the thesis sentence.

Thesis : Although working for the national parks service may be considered by some to be a “summer job,” careers with the national parks offer mobility within the profession, support for continued learning, and satisfaction in knowing that you are contributing to the preservation and health of the country’s resources.

Weak example #1 : National Parks in the U.S. were created in 1916 under President Woodrow Wilson and currently offer hundreds of summer job opportunities per year.

Explanation : This sentence sticks with the topic, national parks, but does not offer an angle extracted from the ideas in the thesis. An essay should not have topic sentences and units of support that are not planned for in the thesis.

Stronger example : Workers with the national parks are encouraged and, in many cases, required to maintain current knowledge within their fields, which is offered through on-the-job training, attendance at seminars, and tuition assistance for appropriate college courses.

Explanation : Choose any part of the angle in the thesis to create a topic sentence with its own topic and angle.

Weak example #2 : National Parks work has provided me with many benefits.

Explanation : Although the thesis itself deals with benefits, a topic sentence derived from that thesis needs to more carefully extract a specific portion of that that thesis and make a point about that specific portion.

• A topic sentence provides an accurate indication of what will follow in the rest of the paragraph.

Weak example : First, we need a better way to educate students.

Explanation : The claim is vague because it does not provide enough information about what will follow, and it is too broad to be covered effectively in one paragraph or short unit of support.

Stronger example : Creating a national set of standards for math and English education will improve student learning in many states.

Explanation : The sentence replaces the vague phrase “a better way” and leads readers to expect supporting facts and examples as to why standardizing education in these subjects might improve student learning in many states.

• A good topic sentence is the most general sentence in the paragraph and thus does not include supporting details.

Weak example : Salaries should be capped in baseball for many reasons, most importantly so we don’t allow the same team to win year after year.

Explanation : This topic sentence includes a supporting detail that should be included later in the paragraph to back up the main point.

Stronger example : Introducing a salary cap would improve the game of baseball for many reasons.

Explanation : This topic sentence omits the additional supporting detail so that it can be expanded upon later in the paragraph, yet the sentence still makes a claim about salary caps – improvement of the game.

• A good topic sentence is clear and easy to follow.

Weak example : In general, writing an essay, thesis, or other academic or nonacademic document is considerably easier and of much higher quality if you first construct an outline, of which there are many different types.

Explanation : The confusing sentence structure and unnecessary vocabulary bury the main idea, making it difficult for the reader to follow the topic sentence.

Stronger example : Most forms of writing can be improved by first creating an outline.

Explanation : This topic sentence cuts out unnecessary verbiage and simplifies the previous statement, making it easier for the reader to follow. The writer can include examples of what kinds of writing can benefit from outlining in the supporting sentences.

• Characteristics of a Strong Topic Sentence. Revision and adaptation of pages 29-30, Creating Focused Paragraphs with Topic Sentences, at https://oer.galileo.usg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=english-textbooks. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Provided by : Empire State College, SUNY OER Services. Project : College Writing. License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• Creating Focused Paragraphs with Topic Sentences. Authored by : Kathryn Crowther, Lauren Curtright, Nancy Gilbert, Barbara Hall, Tracienne Ravita, Kirk Swenson. Provided by : GALILEO Open Learning Materials, University System of Georgia. Located at : https://oer.galileo.usg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=english-textbooks . Project : Successful College Composition. License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• image of traffic sign with arrow and word success. Authored by : geralt. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/en/success-road-sign-traffic-sign-479568/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved

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How to Write a Topic Sentence for an Argumentative Essay

by  Antony W

September 13, 2022

In this guide, we’ll look at how to write a topic sentence for an argumentative essay. And don’t worry, it’s an incredibly simple thing to do, so you don’t necessary have to overthink anything here.

Key Takeaways 

• A topic sentence begins every paragraph of your argumentative essay.
• The purpose of the topic sentence is to communicate the main idea you intend to cover in the paragraph, so it should be clear, sensible, and coherent.
• If possible, include new information in your topic sentence to make your writing stand out.
• You can use transition words such as “another” and “even though” to start a topic sentence in your argumentative essay.
• Use compound and complex sentences to strengthen your paragraphs.
• You can use reasonable options, but make sure you can support them so that they’re convincing.

What Is a Topic Sentence in an Argumentative Essay?

A topic sentence is the opening statement in every paragraph of an argumentative essay. It provides an idea of what you’ll cover in the paragraph.

A topic sentence should be vast so that it can support many subtopics in the rest of its paragraphs.

It’s important to note that a topic sentence in an argumentative essay is completely different from the thesis statement.

A thesis statement states the repeated focus in an entire writing. A thesis makes a major point that you will discuss in the rest of the argument.

A topic sentence on the other hand will introduce the topics of every supporting paragraphs to back up the thesis.

What is the Purpose of a Topic Sentence in an Argumentative Essay?

You need a topic sentence because it makes the idea of the main paragraph more clear and sensible for coherence.

The topic sentence joins sentences of a given paragraph, backs up what the paper claims, explains what a paragraph says, and claims mini thesis statements.

Tips for Writing a Topic Sentence for an Argumentative Essay

Here are 4 useful tips that will help you write a good topic sentence for an argumentative essay:

1. Use New Information

You should write a topic sentence that’s interesting to read so that it immerses your readers deeply into your essay.

Try as much as you can to make the information you provide look new. By doing so, way it will be far from being another fact statement.

2. Use a Topic Sentence Later in the Opening Paragraph

Many students often choose to write their topic sentence as the first thing in every paragraph. While that’s the standard approach, you can be a bit flexible.

In other words, instead of having your topic sentence in every first sentence of a paragraph, you can write it after the hook in an opening paragraph to grab the reader’s attention and that makes him or her want to read more.

3. Try Transition Words

Transitional words can be used on opening topic sentences or on sentence that begin with supporting paragraphs.

You can use transitional words like “another”, “although” or “even though” to start your new paragraph

4. Make your Topic Sentence Compound and Complex

To make your topic sentence high level with a stronger feels, consider the use of compound and complex sentences.

For compound sentences, use independent clauses – preferably two – and then connect them using a comma and conjunction.

For complex sentences, use independent and subordinate clauses and link them with a comma and subordinating conjunction.

Here are examples of compound and complex sentences:

• Complex sentence : When planes fly, they follow paths used by other planes for centuries. “When” at this point is the subordinate conjunction.
• Compound sentences : The colonial period was a period of intrusion, but it was monitored by strict social nods. In this case, “but” is the coordinating conjunction.

Argumentative Essay Writing Help 

If you have multiple assignments to complete and your argumentative essay is running late, we can help.

You can order an argumentative essay online here and one of our best writers will help you get the work done.

1. Clearly State Your Major Idea

Since a topic sentence is the first statement in every paragraph, it is important to make it more clear, straight to the point and easy to digest.

Avoid using extra, unnecessary words as it makes understanding more difficult.

Make sure you include controlling ideas and topics because the sentences that follow thereafter should relate to the topic sentence.

Avoid using an opening statement like “Today we are going to discuss the benefits of afforestation”.

After all, a topic sentence is not an invitation, which allows announcement of topics at hand.

2. Use the Topic Sentence as a Transition

Topic sentences that work as transitions guide readers through arguments on essays.

This makes sure they are not only on track but also don’t get lost in words.

3. Keep it Short and Concise

Don’t have your readers figure out your intentions in your argumentative essay are; just use the topic statements to show them the aim of your essay.

So make your topic sentence more specific than your thesis.

When you use short sentence on your essay you make your paragraph retain its flow.

The shorter you keep the sentences the more you clearly bring out your intentions.  

4. Balance the Topic Sentence between Specifics and General Ideas

Topic sentences ought to relate to the thesis statement on your essay. Importantly, ensure the topic sentence is broad and balanced.

Avoid the use of general ideas because they will be a bit challenging to discuss. Avoid the use of narrow statements instead aim for a balance that is good.  

Also, hook your readers more by describing characters, portray emotions, use dialogues, details but avoid rhetorical questions.

5. Make Use of Reasonable Opinions

The topic sentence is supposed to outline things that can be supported by concrete evidence. That’s why we need topic sentences in paragraphs.

You are allowed to highlight an opinion on your topic sentence but only make the move when you are certain of backing it up with the paragraph that follows.

Facts are good but avoid them because they won’t introduce the reader to your main idea.

If you find it necessary, consider an input of your own. For example, instead of writing, “All patients need treatment”, you can say, “All patients need regular care, like food, water and nurses are the best for it”.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Harriet Tubman Childhood

This essay about Harriet Tubman’s parents, Harriet “Rit” Green and Ben Ross, examines their profound influence on the legendary freedom fighter. Born into slavery in Maryland, both parents embodied the resilience and determination that Tubman would later manifest in her heroic endeavors on the Underground Railroad. Rit’s fierce protection of her family and refusal to be separated from her children showcased the deep maternal love and resistance against the oppressive conditions of slavery. Ben’s knowledge of the land and survival skills, acquired through his work, were vital lessons passed on to Tubman, aiding her in guiding others to freedom. Together, Rit and Ben’s legacy of courage, wisdom, and resistance shaped Tubman’s character and mission, illustrating the significant impact of parental guidance and the indomitable human spirit in the face of systemic injustice.

How it works

Harriet Tubman, an emblematic figure in the struggle for freedom and equality, is celebrated for her indomitable spirit and heroic actions leading enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Yet, the roots of her remarkable resilience and fierce determination are often traced back to the influence of her parents, Harriet “Rit” Green and Ben Ross. Their lives, steeped in the harsh realities of slavery in the early 19th century on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, provide a poignant backdrop to the story of one of America’s most revered freedom fighters.

Rit Green, Tubman’s mother, was enslaved by Mary Pattison Brodess (and later her son Edward), while Ben Ross, Tubman’s father, was enslaved by Anthony Thompson, who eventually became Edward Brodess’s stepfather, intertwining the families through the complex social and economic networks of slavery. Despite the oppressive conditions of their enslavement, both Rit and Ben nurtured a family, instilling in their children values of dignity, self-worth, and an unyielding desire for freedom.

Rit, known for her strength and protective nature, played a particularly pivotal role in shaping Harriet’s character. In one documented instance, Rit fiercely confronted Edward Brodess as he attempted to sell one of her daughters, vehemently declaring her refusal to be separated from her children. This act of maternal defiance, though dangerous, underscored the depth of her resolve to keep her family together against the dehumanizing forces of slavery. It was from Rit that Tubman inherited a fierce determination to fight for justice and family unity.

Ben Ross, on the other hand, was known for his skills as a woodsman, which were highly valued by Thompson. He was eventually granted his freedom at the age of 45, though the freedom of his family remained an elusive dream. Ben’s knowledge of the land and natural resources, coupled with his experience navigating the local geography, were skills that Harriet later utilized in her missions on the Underground Railroad. From her father, Tubman learned the practical skills of survival and navigation, but more importantly, she inherited a quiet strength and an intimate understanding of the Eastern Shore’s landscapes, both of which would prove invaluable in her later endeavors.

The legacy of Tubman’s parents extends beyond their survival and resistance within the institution of slavery; it is evident in the spirit of their most famous daughter, who not only escaped slavery herself but also returned to the South at least 19 times, leading over 300 enslaved people to freedom. The courage and determination that Tubman displayed were not just innate traits but were also cultivated by the examples set by Rit and Ben. Their influence is a testament to the power of parental love and guidance in the face of systemic oppression.

Reflecting on the lives of Harriet Tubman’s parents offers valuable insights into the familial bonds that sustained the spirit of resistance and liberation among enslaved African Americans. Rit and Ben’s story is a poignant reminder of the human desire for freedom and the profound influence that parents have in shaping the destinies of their children. Through the legacy of their strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to family, they contributed to the forging of one of the most iconic figures in American history.

In essence, the narrative of Harriet Tubman’s life is deeply intertwined with that of her parents. Their experiences of hardship, resilience, and resistance against the injustices of slavery set the stage for Tubman’s historic contributions to the fight for freedom. By understanding the lives of Rit and Ben, we gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring strength and courage that fueled Tubman’s mission, underscoring the importance of familial legacy in the broader context of the struggle for justice and equality.

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