topic sentence in essay writing

How to Write Masterful Topic Sentences for Essays

A topic sentence, usually the first sentence in a paragraph, introduces the main idea of that paragraph and sets its tone. A topic sentence is especially important in  essays , where topics change from paragraph to paragraph. This makes knowing how to write a topic sentence crucial for any student or writer. 

Of course, writing a topic sentence yourself isn’t always easy. How do you start one? What details should you include—or not include? This quick guide explains everything you need about how to write a topic sentence, with plenty of examples sprinkled throughout. 

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Table of contents

Purpose of a topic sentence

• Topic sentence types and examples

How to write a good topic sentence

On the surface, the purpose of a topic sentence is merely to present the main idea of the paragraph so that the reader knows what to expect. However, the best topic sentences do a little more. 

First, topic sentences string together paragraphs in a way that progresses nicely and facilitates reading. Moving from one paragraph to another can feel jarring and abrupt, so topic sentences help maintain the flow of the overall piece of writing—and readers’ focus as a result. 

Moreover, topic sentences also “preview” what the reader can expect from the rest of the paragraph. Based on the topic sentence, the reader can figure out if the paragraph will contain a list, statistical data, anecdotal evidence, persuasive opinions, a narrative, or something else. 

If the same paragraph covers opposing points of view, you may need two or more topic sentences to show the reader the main idea has changed. The most common example of this is in paragraphs that compare or contrast positions, in which case each perspective needs its own introduction . 

For these types of paragraphs , you could introduce your first idea with the opening topic sentence, then provide one or two sentences of support, and afterward introduce a second topic sentence known as a pivot (explained below). The pivot topic sentence introduces the paragraph’s second main idea or contradicting point of view, also followed by one or two sentences of support. 

Different types of essays use topic sentences differently as well.  Argumentative essays and  persuasive essays may have more opinionated topic sentences, whereas those in expository essays would stick to facts. Compare-and-contrast essays , which alternate between opposite sides of a topic, rely on topic sentences to ease those transitions, on top of everything else. 

This is true not just for different essay types, but also  different paragraph types as well. Even within the same essay, the author may switch up paragraph styles between expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative —in that case, each requires a slightly different style of topic sentence. 

Topic sentence vs. thesis statement

If you’re also learning about  how to write a thesis paper , you may get topic sentences confused with thesis statements. Basically, topic sentences introduce the main idea of a paragraph, whereas thesis statements introduce the main idea of the entire paper or essay. Both serve the same function—preparing the reader with a preview—but in different capacities.  

Topic sentence types and examples 

Before you learn how to write a topic sentence, it helps to see what different forms they can take. Here we explain the different types, along with some topic sentence examples. 

Simple statement

This is the most basic type of topic sentence, in which the author makes a general statement that the rest of the paragraph elaborates on. 

New research indicates a link between a person’s cognitive style and the type of content they post on Twitter. 

Those weeks at the farmhouse gave me some of the best memories of my life. 

To break up the monotony of using the same sentence types over and over again, you can phrase your topic sentences as direct commands or requests to your readers. 

Take a look at the data to see what I mean. 

Now let’s consider the alternative. 

Question (interrogative) 

Opening a paragraph with a question is a great way to get the reader interested and involved, as long as you stay on topic. 

What would you do if you became a millionaire overnight?

How many countries are prepared for a change in sea levels?  

If you have a complicated topic that covers multiple ideas, you may want to use a complex topic sentence. Even though these would still qualify as “statements,” they address more than one main idea. 

Although the majority of people still believe in alpha wolf theory, the truth is that wolf packs in nature don’t necessarily have a designated leader. 

As appealing as Ayn Rand’s ideas may seem to some, the logical and evidential support just isn’t there. 

Purely transitional

While all topic sentences have to deal with transitions to a degree, in some cases they can be purely transitional. These work best in circumstances when the topic changes drastically by drawing attention to the switch. 

However, not everyone agrees.

This was just the way the world was, and perhaps always would have been, if a random apple had not fallen onto the head of a young Isaac Newton. 

Similar to purely transitional sentences, pivot sentences are embedded within a paragraph— not at the beginning—to indicate a shift from one topic to another. They often include conjunctive adverbs such as however , meanwhile , furthermore , etc. 

By contrast, Nikola Tesla saw alternating current as a better solution. 

However, the Bears’ winning streak could not last forever. 

Topic sentences follow many of the usual  guidelines for writing sentences , but there are a few particular tips just for them. 

1 Get the reader interested with a hook

Good topic sentences usually include a “hook,” or something that makes people want to read more. While some are more common than others,  you can hook your readers in a variety of ways: 

• Shocking revelations , like surprising facts or impressive data

Despite the record-breaking turnouts, only one percent of the teams managed to complete the first challenge. 

• Mystery , which is especially useful with interrogative topic sentences

What finally changed the senator’s mind? 

• Emotion , or encouraging the reader to form a personal connection with the topic

Living with a dog has its difficulties, but not as many as living without one. 

2 Find a middle ground between general and specific

One of the biggest challenges in writing topic sentences is learning how much to include and how much to save for the rest of the paragraph. In short, you want to say just enough so that the reader knows what the paragraph is about, and ideally gets interested. Everything else should wait until the supporting sentences. 

For example, let’s look at a topic sentence for a paragraph about an apartment, from Meghan Daum’s essay “ My Misspent Youth ”: 

There was nothing particularly fancy about the place. 

The remaining paragraph is full of specific details about the apartment, but Daum doesn’t mention them in the opening sentence. Likewise, she doesn’t ignore the description altogether, giving a glimpse to the reader to pique their curiosity and prepare them for a paragraph describing the place. 

3 Be clear above all

The most important part of topic sentences is clarity. Even if you get the reader excited and eager to read more, it won’t matter if they don’t know what they’re reading about. 

This may be easy enough when just writing a single topic sentence, but it gets harder when writing sentence after sentence for hours on end. After a while, you get bogged down by your own thoughts and concerns about the essay and may momentarily forget about the reader’s perspective.

If that writing process sounds familiar, try Grammarly. Our product not only catches typos and grammar mistakes, but also points out mismatched tone , weak word choice , and even assesses clarity. 

You have enough things to worry about when writing an essay; don’t let the high-priority concerns like clarity fall through the cracks. Try Grammarly for free to see for yourself. 

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What Is a Topic Sentence & How Do You Write One?

Last Updated: December 23, 2024 Approved

Writing a Successful Topic Sentence

Planning your topic sentences, avoiding common problems, sample topic sentences.

This article was co-authored by Megan Callaghan, PhD . Megan Morgan is an Academic Advising and Writing expert based in Augusta, Georgia. She has over 7 years of university teaching experience and more than 15 years of professional editing experience. She works as an intern for the Law Library of Congress, and is also a Professional Writing Center Consultant at Augusta University. Her key academic interests involve reference and subject librarianship, government information, and information organization. She provides personalized writing instruction, workshops, and support for AU students, faculty, and staff. Previously, she worked as a Graduate Program Administrator at the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs. She was a Graduate Advisor for three degrees in the departments of Political Science and International Affairs at the University of Georgia College of Arts and Sciences. She earned her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University. She also received both a PhD and MA in English from The University of Georgia, and a BA in English and Creative Writing from the Mississippi University for Women. She wrote her PhD dissertation on narrative structure and social change in novels by 18th-century British women writers. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 32 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 2,257,456 times.

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

How to Write a Topic Sentence

State the main idea of the paragraph in a simple and direct way. Your sentence should also relate to or support the thesis of your essay. Keep your topic sentence brief, but avoid being so vague that you won’t be able to address the idea in a single paragraph or so narrow that there’s nothing more to explain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Q&A

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

You Might Also Like

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

About This Article

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

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What’s Covered:

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

Elements of a Good Topic Sentence

Common pitfalls to avoid.

• Where To Get Your Essay Edited For Free

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

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

What Is a Topic Sentence? 

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

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

Writing a Good Topic Sentence: 5 Steps

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

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

Step 2: Create a thesis statement.

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

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

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

Step 3: Make your essay outline.

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

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

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

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

Step 4: Begin writing your essay.

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

Step 5: Proofread and check your resources.

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

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

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

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

Make sure your topic sentence isn’t too vague.

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

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

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

Choose a reasonable opinion.

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

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

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

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

Use your topic sentence as a transition.

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

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

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

Keep your topic sentence short.

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

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

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

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

Don’t wait until the last minute.

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

Don’t forget to write an outline.

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

Ask for help if you need it.

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

Where to Get Your Essay Edited for Free

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

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How to Write a Topic Sentence?

• September 21, 2024

Dr. Marvin L. Smith

A topic sentence is a sentence that clearly states the main idea of a paragraph or section of writing. It’s the sentence that tells readers what the rest of the paragraph is about, setting the stage for the supporting details and examples that follow. 

Think of it as the headline of your paragraph—it grabs the reader’s attention and helps them understand the key point you’re trying to make. 

In this article, I’ll break down what makes a good topic sentence, how to write one , and why it’s essential for effective communication.

Table of Contents

What is a Topic Sentence?

A topic sentence is a clear and concise statement that summarizes the main idea of a paragraph or section of writing. It’s typically the first sentence of a paragraph and serves as a guide for the reader, helping them understand what to expect from the rest of the text.

Why is a Topic Sentence Important?

A well-crafted topic sentence is crucial for effective communication. It:

• Helps readers quickly grasp the main idea of the text
• Sets the tone for the rest of the paragraph or section
• Provides a clear direction for the supporting details and examples
• Enhances the overall clarity and coherence of the writing
• Keeps readers engaged and interested in the content

In short, a topic sentence acts as a roadmap, guiding readers through the text and ensuring they stay on track with the author’s intended message.

Purpose of a Topic Sentence

A topic sentence serves as the foundation of a paragraph or essay, playing a crucial role in setting the tone and direction for the rest of the text. Its primary purpose is to:

• Introduce the main idea : A topic sentence clearly states the central argument, claim, or point of the paragraph or essay, giving readers a sense of what to expect.
• Establish the tone : The tone of the topic sentence influences the tone of the entire paragraph or essay, helping to create a specific atmosphere or mood.
• Provide direction : A well-crafted topic sentence guides the reader through the text, indicating what supporting details and examples will follow.
• Create a framework : A topic sentence acts as a framework for the rest of the paragraph or essay, helping to organize ideas and ensure a logical flow of information.

By setting the tone and direction, a topic sentence helps readers:

• Understand the author’s perspective and point of view
• Anticipate the main arguments or claims
• Follow the author’s line of reasoning
• Stay engaged and interested in the content

A strong topic sentence is essential for effective writing, as it helps to create a clear, concise, and compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

Types of Topic Sentences 

Effective topic sentences come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose in engaging readers and conveying the main idea. Here are six common types of topic sentences, along with examples:

1. Simple Statements

Simple statements are the most common type of topic sentence. They clearly and concisely state the main idea, without any embellishments or complexities. 

For example:

“The benefits of regular exercise include improved physical health and mental well-being.”

This topic sentence is straightforward and easy to understand, setting the stage for a paragraph that explores the advantages of regular physical activity.

2. Commands

Commands are topic sentences that instruct or direct the reader to take a specific action or adopt a particular perspective. They’re often used in persuasive or instructional writing. 

“Take a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing exercises and reduce stress.”

This topic sentence is direct and action-oriented, encouraging readers to incorporate deep breathing exercises into their daily routine.

3. Questions (Interrogative)

Questions are topic sentences that encourage readers to think critically and engage with the material. They’re often used in essays that explore complex issues or ideas. 

“What are the long-term consequences of climate change, and how can we work together to mitigate its effects?”

This topic sentence is thought-provoking and engaging, inviting readers to consider the implications of climate change and potential solutions.

4. Complex Sentences

Complex sentences are topic sentences that combine multiple ideas or clauses to create a richer and more nuanced understanding of the main idea. 

“While some argue that standardized testing is necessary for evaluating student performance, others claim that it stifles creativity and critical thinking.”

This topic sentence combines two opposing viewpoints, setting the stage for a paragraph that explores the pros and cons of standardized testing.

5. Transitional Sentences

Transitional sentences are topic sentences that connect ideas between paragraphs or sections, creating a smooth flow of information. 

“Having discussed the benefits of meditation, let’s now explore some practical tips for incorporating it into your daily routine.”

This topic sentence connects the previous discussion on the benefits of meditation to the next section, which provides practical advice for readers.

6. Pivot Sentences

Pivot sentences are topic sentences that shift the focus or direction of the essay, often introducing a new idea or perspective. 

“While we’ve been discussing the individual benefits of recycling, it’s also important to consider the broader environmental implications of our actions.”

This topic sentence pivots from a discussion on individual benefits to a broader exploration of environmental implications, adding depth and complexity to the essay.

Topic Sentence Examples

Here are some topic sentence examples in different contexts:

Argumentative Essay

• “The use of plastic bags should be banned in all supermarkets to reduce pollution and protect the environment.”
• “Standardized testing is not an effective measure of student intelligence and should be abolished in schools.”

Analytical Essay

• “In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the green light symbolizes the elusive American Dream and the corrupting influence of wealth.”
• “The character of Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is a classic example of adolescent angst and rebellion.”

Comparative Essay

• “While both the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy have their strengths and weaknesses, the iPhone is ultimately the better choice for those who value ease of use and security.”
• “The novels of Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters share many similarities in their portrayal of women’s roles in society, but they also have some notable differences.”

Descriptive Essay

• “The city of Paris is a place of breathtaking beauty, with its stunning architecture, charming streets, and vibrant cultural scene.”
• “The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world, with its vast expanse of rugged terrain and majestic vistas.”

Narrative Essay

• “My first day of college was a nerve-wracking experience, but it ultimately turned out to be a transformative moment in my life.”
• “The summer I spent traveling through Europe was a journey of self-discovery and growth, one that I will always treasure.”

Persuasive Essay

• “We should all make a conscious effort to reduce our carbon footprint and live more sustainably to protect the planet for future generations.”
• “The benefits of regular exercise far outweigh the costs, and we should all strive to make physical activity a part of our daily routine.”

These are just a few examples of topic sentences in different contexts. Remember that a good topic sentence should be clear, concise, and engaging, and should set the tone for the rest of the essay.

Want to generate a topic sentence for your essay?

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How to Write a Topic Sentence

Writing a topic sentence is a crucial step in crafting a well-structured and effective essay . 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write a good topic sentence:

Step 1: Develop a Clear Thesis Statement

A clear thesis statement is the foundation for your topic sentences. It sets the tone and direction for your entire essay, providing a roadmap for your readers to follow. A well-crafted thesis statement should be concise, specific, and arguable.

If you’re struggling to come up with a thesis statement, don’t worry! You can use our free thesis statement generator , which uses AI to generate compelling and clear thesis statements. This tool can help you get started and provide inspiration for your own thesis statement.

A good thesis statement should:

• Clearly state the main argument or claim
• Provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay
• Be concise and specific
• Be arguable and open to debate

For example, a clear thesis statement might look like this:

“The benefits of regular exercise, including improved physical health and mental well-being, make it an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.”

With a clear thesis statement in hand, you’ll be well on your way to crafting effective topic sentences that support your main argument.

Step 2: Create an Essay Outline and Draft Topic Sentences

With a clear thesis statement in hand, it’s time to organize your ideas and craft topic sentences that align with your main argument. This is where an essay outline comes in handy.

An essay outline is a roadmap that helps you structure your ideas and ensure that your essay flows logically. It’s a crucial step in the writing process, as it helps you to:

• Organize your ideas and thoughts
• Ensure that your essay has a clear structure and flow
• Develop a clear and concise writing style

If you’re struggling to come up with an essay outline, don’t worry! Blainy’s free essay outline generator can help. It uses AI to generate excellent essay outlines that are tailored to your specific needs.

With your essay outline in hand, it’s time to start drafting topic sentences. 

A good topic sentence should:

• Clearly state the main idea of the paragraph
• Provide evidence to support your thesis statement

If you’re struggling to come up with topic sentences, Blainy’s free topic sentence generator can help. 

By using Blainy’s free essay outline generator and topic sentence generator, you can streamline your writing process and ensure that your essay is well-structured and effective. These tools can help you to:

• Save time and effort
• Improve the quality of your writing
• Ensure that your essay is well-organized and easy to follow

With Blainy’s tools, you can focus on what matters most – developing your ideas and crafting a compelling argument.

Step 3: Expand with Evidence

Now that you have a clear topic sentence, it’s time to support it with relevant examples and data. This is where you provide evidence to back up your claim and make your argument more convincing.

Evidence is essential in academic writing because it helps to:

• Build credibility and trust with your readers
• Support your argument and make it more convincing
• Demonstrate your understanding of the topic and your ability to think critically

There are many types of evidence you can use to support your topic sentence, including:

• Statistics and data
• Research findings
• Expert opinions
• Real-life examples
• Historical events

To find relevant research articles to support your topic sentence, you can follow the steps outlined in our article on how to find relevant research articles . This will help you to locate credible sources and ensure that your evidence is up-to-date and relevant.

When incorporating evidence into your writing, make sure to:

• Use clear and concise language
• Provide context and explain the significance of the evidence
• Use proper citation and referencing to credit the original source
• Use evidence to support your argument, rather than simply presenting it as fact

Step 4: Refine and Improve Your Topic Sentences

Now that you have a solid draft of your topic sentences, it’s time to refine and improve them. This step is crucial in ensuring that your topic sentences are clear, concise, and impactful.

When revising your topic sentences, ask yourself:

• Is the sentence clear and easy to understand?
• Is the language concise and free of jargon?
• Does the sentence effectively convey the main idea of the paragraph?

When editing your topic sentences, look for ways to:

• Simplify complex sentences
• Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases
• Use active voice instead of passive voice

Grammatical errors can undermine the credibility of your writing and distract from your message. To ensure that your topic sentences are error-free, you can use Blainy’s free grammar checker . This tool can help you identify and correct grammatical mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement errors, tense inconsistencies, and punctuation errors.

Grammar is essential in academic writing because it helps to establish credibility and trust with your readers.

Finally, refine your topic sentences to make them more impactful.

Ask yourself:

• Does the sentence grab the reader’s attention?
• Does the sentence leave a lasting impression on the reader? 

Topic Sentence vs Thesis Statement

While both topic sentences and thesis statements play crucial roles in academic writing, they serve distinct purposes. A thesis statement is a broad, overarching argument that guides the entire essay, whereas a topic sentence is a specific, focused statement that supports the thesis by introducing a particular idea or claim. In other words, the thesis statement provides the overall direction, and the topic sentence provides the specific route to get there.

Advanced Techniques for Topic Sentences

Once you’ve mastered the basics of topic sentences, it’s time to take your writing to the next level with advanced techniques. These strategies will help you to create a cohesive and engaging narrative that flows smoothly from one idea to the next.

Using Topic Sentences as Transitions

Topic sentences can be used to connect ideas between paragraphs or sections, creating a seamless transition from one idea to the next. 

This technique helps to:

• Link related ideas together
• Show the relationship between different ideas
• Create a cohesive and logical flow of ideas

To use topic sentences as transitions, try using words or phrases like “however,” “in addition,” or “meanwhile” to connect your ideas.

Introducing Multiple Paragraphs with a Single Topic Sentence

In some cases, you may want to use a single topic sentence to introduce multiple ideas or paragraphs. 

This technique is useful when:

• You want to provide an overview of a complex topic
• You need to introduce multiple related ideas
• You want to create a sense of continuity between paragraphs

To use a single topic sentence to introduce multiple paragraphs, try using a broad or general statement that encompasses multiple ideas. Then, use subsequent paragraphs to elaborate on each idea.

Emphasizing, Expanding, Summarizing, and Anticipating

Topic sentences can be used to create a cohesive and engaging narrative by:

• Emphasizing key points or ideas
• Expanding on previous ideas or introducing new ones
• Summarizing complex information or main points
• Anticipating counterarguments or future developments

To make these techniques easier, you can use Blainy’s free paragraph expander and summarizer tools. 

These tools can help you to:

• Expand on your ideas and create more detailed paragraphs
• Summarize complex information and main points
• Create a cohesive and engaging narrative

Wrapping it up

With a solid understanding of topic sentences, you’re now equipped to take your writing to the next level. By crafting clear, concise, and impactful topic sentences, you’ll be able to guide your readers through your writing with ease and confidence. 

A good topic sentence is the foundation of a well-written paragraph, and with practice, you’ll be able to create effective topic sentences that engage and inform your audience. 

If you need help getting started, try using Blainy’s free Topic Sentence Generator to easily write good topic sentences. 

Happy writing!

What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence is a clear and concise statement that introduces the main idea of a paragraph or section, guiding the reader through the rest of the content.

How to write a topic sentence?

To write a topic sentence, identify the main idea of your paragraph, and craft a sentence that clearly and concisely expresses that idea, using simple language and avoiding unnecessary details.

How long should a topic sentence be?

A topic sentence should be brief, typically no more than 1-2 sentences, and ideally around 10-15 words in length.

How do I start a topic sentence?

Start a topic sentence with a clear and concise phrase that introduces the main idea, using words like “however,” “in addition,” or “meanwhile” to connect to the previous idea.

What words can you use for a topic sentence?

Use transition words like “however,” “in addition,” “meanwhile,” and phrases like “one way to,” “another reason is,” or “for example” to start a topic sentence and connect to the previous idea.

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Topic Sentence in an Essay: Pillar of Your Writing

Table of contents

• 1 What Is a Topic Sentence
• 2 Characteristics of an Effective Topic Sentence
• 3.1 Interrogative
• 3.2 Reinforcement
• 3.3 Transitional
• 4.1 Understanding the Paragraph’s Main Idea
• 4.2 Keeping it Concise
• 4.3 Positioning the Topic Sentence
• 4.4 Make it Interesting but not Over-complicating
• 4.5 Better to Use Active Voice
• 4.6 Enhance with Evidence
• 4.7 Bind the Paragraph Together by Repeating Words or Phrases
• 4.8 Use Transition Words
• 5 Examples of Topic Sentences
• 6 Topic Sentences as an Integral Part of Every Paragraph
• 7.1 How to find a topic sentence?
• 7.2 How long should a topic sentence be?
• 7.3 Is the topic sentence always the first sentence?
• 7.4 Can topic sentences be questions?
• 7.5 What is the difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement?

The structure of academic writing requires several standards to be followed to ensure the coherence of your essay. One of the techniques you should use in your writing is essay topic sentences. However, why is it necessary, and how to write a topic sentence? We will answer this and many further questions in this article. Keep reading if you want to know:

• The essence of the topic sentence and its use;
• The crucial aspects of composing a topic sentence;
• Types of topic sentences and their implementation in the text;
• How to write your topic sentence and see the examples of it.

A strong topic sentence is a guarantee to be heard by the readers! Let’s start by looking at the meaning of this term and the main purpose of topic sentence.

What Is a Topic Sentence

A topic sentence is a generalized main idea of a paragraph summarized in one phrase. This statement provides a smooth transition from one central point to the next. But do not confuse it with the thesis statement. So, let’s review the topic sentence vs thesis statement and see if there is any difference.

A thesis statement sums up the idea of your essay or thesis, but it is usually found in the introduction, presenting the main point of the whole piece. Our service is ready to help you with writing a thesis statement correctly to ensure the highest results. An effective topic sentence includes two parts: the topic and the controlling idea. Use a topic sentence to organize your formal writing. Thus, you will delimit the main ideas within the boundaries of your essay paragraphs and ensure your text is coherent. This technique also aims to interest the reader by revealing the concept of your written work.

Characteristics of an Effective Topic Sentence

Using a topic sentence is an efficient strategy that will inform a reader about the topic of its paragraph briefly. To achieve this result of idea explanation and its evolution through the following parts of the text, learn the main characteristics of effective topic sentences. Below, we listed particular features that create a perfect topic sentence formula.

A good topic sentence requires clarity and unambiguity. The reader must understand exactly what work he is about to read. Therefore, your task is to introduce the main idea of each paragraph clearly.

Always remember about the idea of your paper, and don’t add anything extraordinary. You should only include information in your topic sentences that will be presented in the supporting sentences of the body part of an essay . Thus, your text will be easy and exciting to read, regardless of the topic.

• Completeness

You are faced with the difficult task of condensing a complete main idea into just one topic sentence. It must be comprehensive, express a complete thought, contain the controlling idea, and convey the topic you presented in a particular paragraph.

The topic sentences should motivate further reading. Therefore, you should present the information in a captivating way, ensuring the reader’s interest.

Types of Topic Sentences

There are three main types of topic sentences that cover a wide range of functions. Each type is suitable for a different purpose, but they all aim to include the key information in the current paragraph and emphasize the reader’s attention to it.

Interrogative

The topic sentence is presented as a question, and the following paragraph provides the answer. Such a topic sentence will effectively attract attention, increasing interest in reading. However, be careful to give an unambiguous answer to the question posed in your topic sentence.

Topic: Fast fashion

Topic sentence: What changes are required in the organization of the fashion industry to overcome total environmental pollution?

Reinforcement

Topic sentences and supporting details can serve as a reinforcement, supporting the central idea expressed in the essay’s thesis statement. This keeps the story flowing, showing that you’re not jumping between ideas inconstantly.

Thesis statement: AI development will provide the labor market with dozens of new positions.

Topic sentence: A lot of new job opportunities will be discovered with the development of AI.

Transitional

The topic sentences can also play the role of a link, logically and smoothly connecting several paragraphs into one whole. In this way, a clear structure of academic writing is maintained, and the author can relate one central point to another.

Last sentence of the previous paragraph: The issue of the need for school uniforms has been actively discussed for many years.

Topic sentence: School uniform is necessary for the development of discipline in children.

How to Write a Good Topic Sentence

First, remember that the focus sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph. It should not only state the paragraph’s main idea, but it should be intriguingly interesting, concise, and include a controlling idea. Experts of our writing service have prepared for you some tips on how to make a topic sentence. It’s important to consider many different factors before writing a topic sentence for an essay. Keep reading to see the most essential ones.

Understanding the Paragraph’s Main Idea

The key to writing the topic sentence is to determine the main point of the paragraph. Think about the purpose for which you wrote this fragment. What would you like the reader to remember most? In other words, if you extract all the topic sentences from your essay and compose a text from them, you will get a complete digest of all the main ideas of the thesis.

Keeping it Concise

Sometimes, it can be difficult to fit everything you want to convey to the reader into one concluding sentence. After all, everything you wrote is valuable information worthy of attention. Still, be brief when writing your topic sentence to entice the audience to continue reading the rest of the paragraph.

Positioning the Topic Sentence

The topic sentence can be written in any part of the paragraph. Most commonly, placing it in the beginning, thus you ensure a smooth transition from the previous paragraph and give readers a hint about what the upcoming piece will be about. If it’s in the middle of the text, it can describe the main idea after having revealed some crucial background details of the main idea. When you write the topic sentence at the end of the paragraph, it concludes and highlights the essential concepts of the piece.

Make it Interesting but not Over-complicating

To start with, brainstorm to point out the most creative and interesting idea for your topic sentences. For example, if you use statistics in later paragraphs, include them in the hook sentence as well, this will intrigue readers. At the same time, do not forget that due to the topic sentence structure, the size of the topic sentence is very limited, so do not try to overcomplicate it.

Better to Use Active Voice

From a grammatical and lexical point of view, it is believed that the passive voice complicates the construction of sentences. You may consider the previous sentence as an example of a topic sentence that is difficult for a reader. Your topic sentences should be brief and comprehensive yet simple to understand. Prefer active voice to make the body paragraph easier to read.

Enhance with Evidence

First of all, any essay, likewise scientific work, requires accuracy. That is why using verified statistical data and citing reliable sources makes your topic sentence and controlling idea credible and respected. Pay attention to the plausibility of data when you write academic essay papers to avoid misleading information. Topic sentences for essays should also contain precise facts, which you subsequently describe in the new paragraph.

Bind the Paragraph Together by Repeating Words or Phrases

In poetry, there is a technique called anaphora, when each line or sentence of a verse begins the same. This is often used to influence the reader’s emotions, strengthening his awareness of a certain concept of the subject. So, to reinforce your main idea and relate your paragraphs, you can also use this device in your essay writing.

Use Transition Words

Of course, without connecting words, argumentative essays will turn into a collection of words and incoherent sentences. Build a clear essay structure by combining topic sentences with the rest of the paragraph with linking words. Therefore, to make your narrative coherent and logical, you should soften the transitions. Introduce these words at the beginning: first of all, to start with, therefore, based on this, moreover, and many others to enrich your writing.

Examples of Topic Sentences

Modern technologies have helped to significantly simplify working conditions for people. For centuries, people have had to work hard to provide basic means of living. In the absence of mechanization, unfathomable amounts of effort were required to complete basic tasks. For this reason, people worked day and night for six days a week and, in some cases, without days off at all. However, our generation was much luckier. The development of artificial intelligence and the automation of most production processes at this point allow people to work more efficiently while spending less time and effort.

What we know about recycling is a drop, what we don’t know is the ocean. In recent years, there have been many environmental campaigns to explain the importance of recycling. Most developed countries invest a large share of their budget in developing environmental solutions for the most optimal recycling of waste. However, at the same time, ordinary users still know very little about the rules for sorting waste. In reality, only a very small percentage of plastic can be recycled. Few people know that only the cap of a plastic bottle is recycled.

Society is moving online, and the changes it brings to the future are difficult to ignore. Of course, we don’t know exactly what the future of our society will be, but now we can trace some trends that will lead to steady changes. The children from the youngest age know how to use gadgets and independently find information on the Internet. Friendship, relationships, study, work, and all this already exist in the electronic dimension. Sociologists are interested in the question of what the society of the future will look like and whether there will be a place for offline communication in it.

The eternal question of style: to follow or not to follow the fashion trends. There probably is no single correct answer to this question. Social media influencers are actively sharing the hottest trends in the fashion world. The main fashionistas immediately run to the store to buy the latest new items. However, one thing is obvious – trends are certainly not for everyone. Starting from different body types to color types. We are all different, and this is our uniqueness. Trends certainly cannot look complimentary to everyone.

Our inner confidence provides external attractiveness. I have seen more than once that confident people often receive more positive attention. This is due to certain biological factors since a person with leadership qualities can lead a community, and therefore, people are drawn to him/her. And yet the advantage is not only respect from others. People with high self-esteem are perceived as more physically attractive.

Topic Sentences as an Integral Part of Every Paragraph

Your creative ideas that bring scientific novelty are the key element of your academic essays. At the same time, an idea without form is just a set of concepts. Using topic sentences will help you navigate and organize your ideas in a logical flow. Furthermore, it not only provides direction and focus for a paragraph, ensuring coherence and unity, but it also guides the reader’s journey through a text.

How to find a topic sentence?

How long should a topic sentence be, is the topic sentence always the first sentence, can topic sentences be questions, what is the difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement, readers also enjoyed.

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