What is a Topic Sentence - Easy Writing Guide

Each body paragraph in your essay or any kind of other academic paper needs a topic sentence. It shows what the whole idea of the paragraph is all about.

After the topic sentence, it is important to expand the point with relevant information, evidence, and examples.

There are many questions regarding topic sentences that students look answer for, such as:

• What is a topic sentence in a paragraph?
• What is a topic sentence in essay writing?
• What is an example of a topic sentence in an argumentative essay?
• What is a topic sentence, and where is it placed in a paragraph?

What is a Topic Sentence?

It is the first statement in the paragraph of an essay or any other academic paper. It is also known as a focus sentence. This is because it summarizes the whole paragraph’s information in the first sentence.

The topic sentence should:

• Be specific
• Appear in the first sentence
• Introduce the main topic of the paragraph

Topic sentences can also work as transitions in between paragraphs to guide the readers through the argument. It also establishes a connection between the main point of the previous paragraph and the main idea of the next paragraph.

What is the Purpose of a Topic Sentence?

The main purpose of writing a topic sentence is to tell readers what the rest of the paragraph focuses on.

You need to say more about the topic sentence. You should give facts and examples that show what you are saying is true. It needs to relate back to your thesis statement.

Where is a Topic Sentence Placed in a Paragraph?

It is usually written at the start of the paragraph, but it can come later if there is any change in the main argument.

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How to Write a Topic Sentence?

Here is a step by step guide that you can follow for writing a strong topic sentence.

1. Compose a thesis statement

   Before starting writing your topic sentence, make sure you have written a strong thesis statement. It will summarize the main argument of the paper.

2. Make an essay outline

   Next, you should list down all the ideas and create an outline for your essay. Jot down all the points that you want to discuss in each body paragraph and what facts and evidence you will use.

   Here you need to create a topic sentence for each body paragraph. These should be more specific as compared to the thesis statement.

3. Expand your point with evidence

   After writing the topic sentence, provide related information, facts, and examples. Everything you write must relate back to the thesis statement written in the introductory paragraph.

4. Revise your topic sentence

   Revise your topic sentences and make sure the content in each paragraph relates back to the thesis. Each of them should give a clear sense of what to expect from each paragraph.

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Topic Sentence Examples

Here are some interesting examples that you can read to better understand what is a topic sentence in a body paragraph.

• The most compelling reason that Treasure Island should be considered as the best pirate novel is its unique plot.
• An important resource for student success is the frequent use of the library.
• One important resource that all students should utilize for success is online tutorial services.
• The best things in life are free.
• Cooking is an art that requires several different skills.

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Tips to Write a Topic Sentence

Following are some useful tips to write a topic sentence:

• Provide some new and interesting information in your topic sentence
• Try to create one sentence that could be complex or compound. But provide complete detail in that sentence.
• Use transition words.
• You can put the topic sentence at the beginning or at the end, but it is usually best at the beginning.

Now you know that a topic sentence clearly states the controlling idea to help readers understand what you say.

No doubt, topic sentences are crucial for any type of academic paper. You should learn how to craft a strong topic sentence in order to make your writing intriguing and more exciting to the reader.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the topic sentence important?

Topic sentences help you write and think. They keep your writing focused and guided the reader through your argument. You should have a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph to tell people what that paragraph is about.

How do you identify a topic sentence?

The topic sentence should tell what the paragraph is about. To find a topic sentence, read the paragraph and think about what it is saying. The sentences that are not the topic sentence will give more details or explain what was said in the topic sentence.

Can a topic sentence be a question?

You can't ask a question in the topic sentence or the thesis statement. This is because you want to give information, so people will know what you are talking about.

What does a topic sentence consist of?

The topic sentence is the most important in a paragraph. It tells you what the paragraph is about. The two parts are:

1. The topic
2. The controlling ideas.