How to Write a Topic Sentence: 3 Topic Sentence Examples

A topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph and supports the main thesis of a paper or essay. The topic sentence is typically the first sentence of a paragraph, and it introduces the subject of a paragraph by laying out a controlling idea or particular point of view on the topic. The rest of the paragraph will include supporting sentences with examples and evidence to support the main point.

Topic sentences are crucial elements of papers and essays that support the main thesis. A good topic sentence is essentially a mini-thesis, supporting the main thesis while keeping the subject of the paragraph clear for the reader. Writers can use topic sentences to reinforce controlling ideas, transition between paragraphs, or present further questions on the topic. A good topic sentence can grab readers' attention and present new information.

The topic sentence is typically at the beginning of the paragraph to outline the subject of the paragraph. Sometimes, a topic sentence comes after a transition from the previous paragraph. A topic sentence can be two to three sentences long.

Topic sentences can serve various purposes in writing. Consider the following types of topic sentences:

1. 1. Interrogative: A topic sentence can include a direct or implicit question to introduce an idea. Writers can employ interrogative topic sentences in less formal writing.
2. 2. Reinforcement: Writers can restate the essay’s thesis statement with a topic sentence.
3. 3. Transitional: Writers can use a topic sentence as a transitional device between paragraphs and connect controlling ideas.

Follow these steps to write an effective topic sentence for each body paragraph of your essay or paper:

1. 1. Have a thesis statement. You need to know what your paper or essay is about to determine the topic sentences. Construct a thesis statement at the beginning of your writing process.
2. 2. Outline your paper. Create a roadmap for your essay writing so you know how each paragraph will support your thesis statement and the evidence you will include in each paragraph.
3. 3. Be clear and coherent. A topic sentence should be clear and easy to understand so the reader knows the main idea of the paragraph.
4. 4. Share an opinion. Topic sentences should contain your point of view or opinion to grab your reader's attention. Avoid stating obvious facts in topic sentences.
5. 5. Be specific in your wording. Your topic sentence should be specific enough that you can devote a few sentences supporting it.
6. 6. Add transitions between paragraphs. Topic sentences can also draw on the previous paragraph to create a throughline in your paper or essay. You can use transition words in your topic sentence to call back to the previous paragraph while leading into the next section.

Topic sentences support an overarching thesis statement. For example, if you were writing a five-paragraph essay with a thesis statement about how to reduce global warming, your three topic sentences might be:

1. 1. “One way to combat global warming is to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.” The main point of the paragraph following this sentence will be to provide the reader with one example of how to combat global warming. The topic sentence introduces the concept of transitioning away from fossil fuels, which is specific and opens the paragraph up to further explanation.
2. 2. “You can invest in companies that are not reliant on fossil fuels.” This topic sentence offers a second way to address global warming. It contains an active verb, "invest," which grabs the attention of the reader, and it is a clear introduction to a paragraph about how to invest time, money, or resources in companies with a mission to mitigate the climate crisis.
3. 3. “A third way to combat global warming is to publicly pressure large corporations to reduce their carbon footprint.” The main point of this final topic sentence is to give the reader one last example of how to confront the issue of global warming. The paragraph following the topic sentence will expand on actions to take to challenge companies about their practices.

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