Topic Sentences

The topic sentence of any paragraph gives direction for what the writer is about to discuss.

 

How to Use a Topic Sentence

The topic sentence should be the most general sentence in the entire paragraph.  It is usually, but not always, the first sentence of the paragraph.  Much like a thesis statement gives the main idea for the whole paper, a topic sentence gives the main idea for each paragraph. 

A topic sentence must include enough information to state the main idea of the paragraph, but be general enough to need supporting evidence in the rest of the paragraph.  If each sentence in the paragraph does not support the topic sentence, they probably do not belong in that paragraph.

 

Forming Topic Sentences

Since each paragraph in your paper supports your thesis, each topic sentence should acknowledge both the thesis and the support/evidence/content brought up in your paragraph.

For example, if you are writing a paper about how to choose the right pet, one paragraph might be about how certain pets would not be good to have around children.  The topic sentence should acknowledge the main idea of the paper (there are many pets to choose from), but also the main idea of the paragraph (how to choose the right pet for young children).  Remember, you should leave room for elaboration in following sentences.

 

Examples

• Good Example While many animals make good indoor pets, some may have temperaments that could cause conflict with raising a small child.
• Bad Example Rottweilers are bad around kids.

The first sentence leaves room to elaborate on the various types of pets that should and should not be around young children.  The second example is too specific, and would not allow room to elaborate on other pets.

 

More Examples

• Good Example Hardback books are more expensive than paperback books because of the added printing and binding costs.
• Bad Example Paperback books are better to buy.

• Good Example Flamingoes are easily recognizable for their unique coloring, which comes from their specific diet.
• Bad Example Flamingoes are pink.
• Bad Example Flamingoes eat shrimp pellets.

 

 

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