What is a Topic Sentence?

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Everything About Topic Sentences

You can’t start a paragraph without stating the point you want to make in the following paragraphs. We did the same thing with this one. Every paragraph should, in general, begin with a “topic sentence.” But what exactly is it, and why is it called that? Let’s have a look!

Table of Contents

What is a Topic sentence?

The main concept of the paragraph is identified by topic sentences, which are sentences that indicate the main idea of the paragraph. They also:

  • Indicate the writer’s main point.
  • The overall subject of the paragraph should be stated.

What Does a Topic Sentence Contain?

  • The paragraph’s core concept and point.
  • The paragraph’s supporting details.

Where Should you Place the Topic Sentence?

The main concept of a paragraph is stated or summarized in a topic sentence.

  • To writers from other academic traditions, the practice of placing topic sentences at the beginning of paragraphs might appear simple and even boring. The use of topic sentences as paragraph departure points provides a clear, predictable structure to texts, which is in line with Anglo-Saxon academic style’s reader orientation.
  • A paragraph’s topic sentence is usually found at or near the beginning. It can be placed anywhere, but readers should be able to find it quickly, which is often done by forming it as a declarative sentence that makes a claim about the subject at hand.
  • Topic sentences are particularly beneficial for skimming or scanning texts since they are usually placed at the beginning of paragraphs. One can rapidly understand the key ideas or locate specific information by reading through the topic sentences.
  • The remaining sentences of a paragraph develop on the main idea expressed in the topic sentence by giving facts, evidence, details, and examples.

How to Write a Strong Topic Sentence?

You don’t have to write them in any particular sequence; first, second, or third. When constructing them, you should keep the following aspects in mind:

If you have a solid thesis statement, it will be easy to construct subject sentences throughout your essay.

  • Make an outline for your essay:

Making an outline of your paper/essay is recommended so that you know what you want to discuss in each paragraph.

  • Support your argument with proof:

Evidence, examples, and reasoning should be used to develop your topic sentences.

  • Make your topic sentences more precise:

It’s essential to revise topic sentences as you keep writing.

Transitions Between Paragraphs With Topic Sentences

  • To make it simpler to see the connections between your ideas, include transition words in your topic sentences.
  • To summarize and anticipate, use topic sentences.

Types of Topic Sentences

1. Complex Sentences

Beginning-of-paragraph topic sentences are frequently combined with a transition word from the previous paragraph.

2. Questions

“Does Hamlet’s obsession with vengeance rest on an unfulfilled desire for approval from his father?” for example. The remaining paragraph can be used as a response to this question.

3. Bridge Sentences

Bridge sentences can be used to replace more formal statements by indicating both what came before and what will come next in a less formal way.

4. Pivots

The word “pivot” refers to topic sentences that appear in the centre of a paragraph.

Functions of Topic Sentences

A topic sentence has many functions:

  • It substantiates or supports an essay’s thesis statement.
  • It unifies the material of a paragraph and determines the order of the sentences.
  • It informs the reader about the topic to be addressed and how the paragraph will explore it.

The subject and perspective of a paragraph are usually determined by the first few sentences of a paragraph. As a result, it’s usually better to position the topic phrase near the start of the paragraph.

However, placing another sentence before the main sentence is more effective in certain situations—for example, a sentence connecting the current paragraph to the previous one, or a sentence offering background information.

Although most paragraphs should include a topic sentence, there are a few instances where a topic sentence is not required.

If a paragraph continues developing an idea that you introduced (with a topic sentence) in the previous paragraph, or if all the sentences and details in a paragraph clearly refer—perhaps indirectly—to the main point, you might be able to omit a topic sentence in a paragraph that narrates a series of events.

However, a topic sentence should appear in the vast majority of your paragraphs.

What is the Purpose of a Topic Sentence for an Essay?

One of the essay introduction sentences in the first paragraph of writing is its thesis statement. The introduction highlights the piece’s topic and informs the reader about how and why it is important and how you, the writer, have interpreted it.

It is generally seen near the conclusion of the first paragraph. The rest of the essay or paper will be based on this thesis statement. As a result, take your time when developing it.

What is the Purpose of a Topic Sentence for Paragraphs?

Paragraphs are used to separate each essay or paper. Each of the paragraphs introduces a sub-topic of the core problem as well as the thesis statement. And there must be a topic sentence in each of those paragraphs that introduces the content that will be delivered.

The paragraph topic sentences are the most significant of all the essay sentences in the content of a piece of writing. They provide a road map for the reader as to what will be covered in that paragraph.

Conclusion

Since both types of topic sentences are so important, a well-written essay or paper relies heavily on them.

Are you certain that your thesis statements are well-crafted? Are you sure each of your paragraphs includes a topic sentence that fulfils its objective?

If you are unsure, it is a good idea to get your essays and papers reviewed by someone who is more skilled and experienced than you. This is mostly a proofreading and editing issue.

There are excellent proofreading and editing services out there that are associated with professional writing services that you might wish to be using. They may quickly review and polish your thesis statement and paragraph topic sentences to ensure their efficiency. As a result, your entire essay or paper will improve.

-Isabell S.

TrueEditors

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