A topic sentence is the opening sentence of a paragraph. Its function is to introduce readers to the paragraph’s key idea or argument and relate that idea to the main essay topic.
Basic Paragraph Structure
To understand how to write a good topic sentence, it is necessary to understand the basic structure of a paragraph. A typical paragraph includes:
1. A Topic Sentence
This is the first sentence that summarizes the main points or arguments being made in a paragraph.
2. Supporting Sentences
The topic sentence is followed by two or three supporting sentences which corroborate the paragraph’s main idea or argument. Supporting sentences:
- Elaborate on the key idea introduced by the topic sentence
- Provide necessary evidence to support the key idea
- Relate the evidence to the topic sentence
3. A Concluding Sentence
The concluding sentence sums up all the points made in the supporting sentences. It is also used as a bridge between two paragraphs to ensure that the transition from one paragraph to the next is smooth and effective.
Note that the concluding sentence of the introductory paragraph of an essay is known as the thesis statement. While the topic sentence introduces readers to the key idea or argument of a paragraph, the thesis statement presents readers with the core idea/argument of the entire paper or essay.
How to Write a Good Topic Sentence
A good topic sentence reels readers in and gets them interested in what the writer has to say in the rest of the paragraph.
Following are some steps to help writers come up with good topic sentences:
Step 1: Create a paragraph outline
Outlining helps decide the key idea a paragraph will contain. Once the gist of the paragraph is clear, the process of introducing it with a good introductory sentence, or topic sentence, becomes easy.
Step 2: Add informative details
An effective topic sentence gives readers an idea about what to expect from the paragraph. Writers can use numbers, facts, questions, etc. while coming up with a topic sentence to rouse readers’ interest and also give them a better understanding of the paragraph’s point of discussion.
Step 3: Ensure a link to consequent sentences
A topic sentence effectively summarizes the main points in a paragraph. Thus, it is important to make sure that the topic sentence relates to the remaining content in the paragraph. The topic sentence should be in line with supporting sentences and also the conclusive sentence at the end of the paragraph.
Step 4: Use suitable transitional words or phrases
Good topic sentences ensure a smooth shift from one paragraph to the next. Using the right transition words or phrases like “although,” “meanwhile,” “on the contrary,” “in spite of,” etc. not only helps avoid abrupt transitions, but also makes reading easy.
Step 5: Refine the language used
An effective topic sentence is not only informative, but also clear and concise. So, if there is any scope to refine the language used in a topic sentence, then it should be done to make sure that there is no ambiguity for readers.
Types of Topic Sentences
There are different types of topic sentences. As for which one works best, writers can choose based on the content of a paragraph and what it aims to convey. A topic sentence can be written either as a simple one liner or as a compound or a complex sentence.
Following are some commonly used topic sentences:
1. Declarative Topic Sentence
This type of topic sentence puts out a declaration either in support of or against the essay topic or prompt.
Example: Social media platforms, like Twitter and Facebook, are a great source of news to people of all ages in America.
2. Informative Topic Sentence
This type of topic sentence presents key information in the form of numbers, key statistics, data, etc.
Example: A recent study found that about two-thirds (65%) of Americans rely on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook for news.
3. Interrogative Topic Sentence
An interrogative topic sentence is a direct or an indirect question used at the beginning of a paragraph to grab readers’ attention. Such questions usually can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Some writers also use rhetorical questions while writing interrogative topic sentences.
Example: Why are Americans increasingly turning to social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook for news?
4. Pivot Topic Sentence
Pivots are used when a writer wants to present a counter argument or differing opinions. A pivot topic sentence is not placed at the beginning of a paragraph. Instead, it follows the opening sentence. And because a pivot topic sentence puts forth dissimilar ideas, it usually starts with words or phrases like “although,” “however,” “despite the fact that,” etc.
Example: Social media platforms, like Twitter and Facebook, have become a preferred source of news to people of all ages in America. Although the reliability of news on social media platforms is questionable, several people still rely on such platforms for updates.
Note: The bold sentence above is the pivot topic sentence.
For topic sentences to be effective, they have to be clear and concise. Besides effectively summarizing paragraphs, good topic sentences successfully string different paragraphs together, making an essay coherent.
