A topic sentence is the
opening sentence to a paragraph that gives the general idea (topic) of what the writing will be about
. It needs to give broad enough information to allow for multiple subtopics and examples without being so general that it makes the purpose of the writing unclear.
What is a topic sentence in a paragraph?
A topic sentence
must highlight the main idea of a paragraph
, letting the reader know what the paragraph will be about. The topic sentence must present an idea that will unify the rest of the paragraph while relating it back to the main thesis of the paper.
What is topic sentence and examples?
Topic Sentence Examples
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.”
What are 3 examples of a topic sentence?
- In a paragraph about a summer vacation: My summer vacation at my grandparents' farm was filled with hard work and fun.
- In a paragraph about school uniforms: School uniforms would help us to feel more unity as a student body.
- In a paragraph about how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich:
How do you explain a topic sentence?
A topic sentence is a sentence that introduces a paragraph
by presenting the one topic that will be the focus of that paragraph
. The structure of a paragraph should imitate the organization of a paper.
What is a good topic sentence?
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.
What is another name for the topic sentence in a paragraph?
In expository writing, a topic sentence is a sentence that summarizes the main idea of a paragraph. It is usually the first sentence in a paragraph. Also known as
a focus sentence
, it encapsulates or organizes an entire paragraph.
What are the three parts of a good paragraph?
Paragraphs consist of three key elements:
the paragraph leader, supporting sentences and concluding sentence
.
How do you write a topic sentence in a paragraph?
- Identify the main point in your piece of writing.
- Write a sentence that connects to your main idea with a what and a why.
- Use the sentence you created as an opening statement.
- Create the first sentence in each supporting paragraph.
- Use new information.
What are some topic sentence starters?
Below is a list of possible sentence starters, transitional and other words that may be useful. This essay discusses … … is explored … … is defined …
The definition of … will be given
… is briefly outlined … … is explored … The issue focused on …. … is demonstrated … … is included …
What are key sentences?
The key sentence
expresses the central claim of a paragraph
. The rest of the sentences in the paragraph elaborate or support this claim; that is, they either proceed from or tend toward it—centrifugally or centripetally, if you will. … All the other sentences are there to help that central sentence deliver its message.
What is a topic sentence 3rd grade?
The topic sentence is the sentence in the paragraph that
gives the reader not only the general topic
, but also the main idea, or what the paragraph is trying to say about the topic.
What is the topic sentence in the first paragraph?
The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph. It is introductory, meaning it should not include details, rather, it
should introduce the main idea
which will be supported by the rest of your paragraph.
What are the types of topic sentence?
| Type of Topic Sentence Definition | Overview or Specific Preview previews the points to be discussed in the paragraph(s) | Shocker a shocking statement or fact | Descriptive a description of a connected event | Personal Anecdote personal connection to the topic |
|---|
Can a topic sentence be a question?
When you're writing an academic essay, neither the
thesis statement nor the topic sentences can be questions
. Instead, they need to be declarative statements that establish and advance your claim. Reviewing some key components of the research paper-writing process can help clarify why this is the case.
