topic sentence examples for research paper

Topic sentences and signposts make an essay's claims clear to a reader. Good essays contain both.  Topic sentences   reveal the main point of a paragraph. They show the relationship of each paragraph to the essay's thesis, telegraph the point of a paragraph, and tell your reader what to expect in the paragraph that follows. Topic sentences also establish their relevance right away, making clear why the points they're making are important to the essay's main ideas. They argue rather than report.  Signposts , as their name suggests, prepare the reader for a change in the argument's direction. They show how far the essay's argument has progressed vis-ˆ-vis the claims of the thesis. 

Topic sentences and signposts occupy a middle ground in the writing process. They are neither the first thing a writer needs to address (thesis and the broad strokes of an essay's structure are); nor are they the last (that's when you attend to sentence-level editing and polishing). Topic sentences and signposts deliver an essay's structure and meaning to a reader, so they are useful diagnostic tools to the writer—they let you know if your thesis is arguable—and essential guides to the reader

Forms of Topic Sentences

 Sometimes topic sentences are actually two or even three sentences long. If the first makes a claim, the second might reflect on that claim, explaining it further. Think of these sentences as asking and answering two critical questions: How does the phenomenon you're discussing operate? Why does it operate as it does?

There's no set formula for writing a topic sentence. Rather, you should work to vary the form your topic sentences take. Repeated too often, any method grows wearisome. Here are a few approaches.

Complex sentences.   Topic sentences at the beginning of a paragraph frequently combine with a transition from the previous paragraph. This might be done by writing a sentence that contains both subordinate and independent clauses, as in the example below.

 Although  Young Woman with a Water Pitcher  depicts an unknown, middle-class woman at an ordinary task, the image is more than "realistic"; the painter [Vermeer] has imposed his own order upon it to strengthen it. 

This sentence employs a useful principle of transitions: always move from old to new information.  The subordinate clause (from "although" to "task") recaps information from previous paragraphs; the independent clauses (starting with "the image" and "the painter") introduce the new information—a claim about how the image works ("more than Ôrealistic'") and why it works as it does (Vermeer "strengthens" the image by "imposing order"). 

Questions.   Questions, sometimes in pairs, also make good topic sentences (and signposts).  Consider the following: "Does the promise of stability justify this unchanging hierarchy?" We may fairly assume that the paragraph or section that follows will answer the question. Questions are by definition a form of inquiry, and thus demand an answer. Good essays strive for this forward momentum.

Bridge sentences.   Like questions, "bridge sentences" (the term is John Trimble's) make an excellent substitute for more formal topic sentences. Bridge sentences indicate both what came before and what comes next (they "bridge" paragraphs) without the formal trappings of multiple clauses: "But there is a clue to this puzzle." 

Pivots.   Topic sentences don't always appear at the beginning of a paragraph. When they come in the middle, they indicate that the paragraph will change direction, or "pivot." This strategy is particularly useful for dealing with counter-evidence: a paragraph starts out conceding a point or stating a fact ("Psychologist Sharon Hymer uses the term Ônarcissistic friendship' to describe the early stage of a friendship like the one between Celie and Shug"); after following up on this initial statement with evidence, it then reverses direction and establishes a claim ("Yet ... this narcissistic stage of Celie and Shug's relationship is merely a transitory one. Hymer herself concedes . . . "). The pivot always needs a signal, a word like "but," "yet," or "however," or a longer phrase or sentence that indicates an about-face. It often needs more than one sentence to make its point.

Signposts operate as topic sentences for whole sections in an essay. (In longer essays, sections often contain more than a single paragraph.) They inform a reader that the essay is taking a turn in its argument: delving into a related topic such as a counter-argument, stepping up its claims with a complication, or pausing to give essential historical or scholarly background. Because they reveal the architecture of the essay itself, signposts remind readers of what the essay's stakes are: what it's about, and why it's being written. 

Signposting can be accomplished in a sentence or two at the beginning of a paragraph or in whole paragraphs that serve as transitions between one part of the argument and the next. The following example comes from an essay examining how a painting by Monet,  The Gare Saint-Lazare: Arrival of a Train,  challenges Zola's declarations about Impressionist art. The student writer wonders whether Monet's Impressionism is really as devoted to avoiding "ideas" in favor of direct sense impressions as Zola's claims would seem to suggest. This is the start of the essay's third section:

It is evident in this painting that Monet found his Gare Saint-Lazare motif fascinating at the most fundamental level of the play of light as well as the loftiest level of social relevance.  Arrival of a Train  explores both extremes of expression. At the fundamental extreme, Monet satisfies the Impressionist objective of capturing the full-spectrum effects of light on a scene.

 The writer signposts this section in the first sentence, reminding readers of the stakes of the essay itself with the simultaneous references to sense impression ("play of light") and intellectual content ("social relevance"). The second sentence follows up on this idea, while the third serves as a topic sentence for the paragraph. The paragraph after that starts off with a topic sentence about the "cultural message" of the painting, something that the signposting sentence predicts by not only reminding readers of the essay's stakes but also, and quite clearly, indicating what the section itself will contain. 

Copyright 2000, Elizabeth Abrams, for the Writing Center at Harvard University

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What’s Covered:

• What Is a Topic Sentence?
• 5 Steps to Writing a Good Topic Sentence

Elements of a Good Topic Sentence

Common pitfalls to avoid.

• Where To Get Your Essay Edited For Free

Crafting the perfect essay takes time and dedication. There are so many elements you have to worry about, such as tone, purpose, and correct spelling and grammar. Writing a strong topic sentences is another critical part in writing a cohesive essay. 

Without a strong topic sentence, you risk losing your reader and perhaps part of your grade. If it’s a college admissions essay, then you need it to be as strong as possible to back up your application. Learn about what steps you should take to write a strong topic sentence.

What Is a Topic Sentence? 

People often confuse a topic sentence with a thesis statement. A thesis statement is typically at the end of your opening paragraph, that dictates the main argument you’ll be making in your essay. 

Throughout your essay, you’ll have multiple topic sentences, as each paragraph should start off with one. This beginning sentence is used to direct the topic of the paragraph and outline the flow of the following sentences. It’s used to help guide your reader and to continue to keep them hooked on your overall essay. Without topic sentences, your essay will be unorganized, lack transitions, and sound very choppy. To write a good topic sentence, there are several steps to take.

Writing a Good Topic Sentence: 5 Steps

Step 1: decide what you’re going to write about..

When you see the essay prompt, you’ll have some time to think through what you want to say and why. You have to decide if it’s a persuasive essay, informative, narrative, or descriptive. Determine your purpose for writing the essay after reading through the prompt. Whether it’s an assignment for school or if it’s to get into college, you need to make sure you have that purpose clearly outlined. 

Step 2: Create a thesis statement.

One of the first things you need to do is create a thesis statement. This is typically a sentence with three points that you’ll back up throughout your essay. 

For example: The Office became a cultural phenomenon because it spurred the careers of many of today’s successful movie stars, it talked about situations that most American workers can relate to, and even 15 years later, offers funny, relevant content that helps to break down prejudices. 

You then use that thesis statement to create an essay around the points you want to make. 

Step 3: Make your essay outline.

Once you have the points you want to make within your thesis statement hammered out, make an outline for your essay. This is where you’ll start to create your topic sentence for each paragraph. You want to clearly state the main idea of that paragraph in the very first sentence. From there, you back up that main idea with facts and reputable sources. Make sure your topic sentence is clear, but does not just announce your topic. 

For example, do not write something like: “In this paragraph, I will discuss why it’s bad that poachers are killing giraffes.”

Instead, write something that clearly states your idea with a reasonable opinion and that gives direction to the paragraph: “Giraffes are a key part of the African ecosystem, so it’s important to enforce regulations against the poachers who are killing them for their body parts.” 

You’d then follow that up with reasons why giraffes are a key part of the African ecosystem and how poachers are destroying their population.

Step 4: Begin writing your essay.

Once you have your thesis statement and you’ve created an outline with supporting paragraphs and their topic sentences, you can begin writing your essay. It’s important to make that outline before just jumping in–a disorganized essay can spell disaster for you as you continue to write, and could result in a poor grade. Many times, teachers will even require you to turn in your outline as part of your overall essay grade. 

Step 5: Proofread and check your resources.

After you’ve written the essay, go back through it with a fine tooth comb. Read through each topic sentence and the paragraphs that follow to ensure that you’ve written clear, solid topic sentences throughout and that the paragraphs with them make sense. During the proofreading phase, you also need to recheck the sources you’re using. Make sure each source is reputable. In other words, do not use sites like Wikipedia where anyone can go in and edit an article to add misinformation. Use sites that:

• Are actual reputable news sources, such as the New York Times , CNN, CBS News
• Have domain names that end in .edu or .gov
• Come from an encyclopedia, such as Encyclopedia Britannica

Using sites that are not reputable could jeopardize the validity of your argument. 

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Now that you know the steps to set yourself up for success when writing a topic sentence, there are certain elements that go into a quality first sentence. Always make sure that your topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph. You don’t want to make your reader hunt for the point you’re trying to make. Check out some key elements of a good topic sentence:

Make sure your topic sentence isn’t too vague.

You need a topic sentence that has some specifics to it. It also needs to hook in your reader in some way with an opinion. A vague sentence makes it harder to write a paragraph that can clearly backs up your thoughts. For example:

DON’T: “In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bingley seems like a nice guy.”

DO: “When Mr. Bingley is first introduced, he comes across as a kind person because he speaks to everyone and doesn’t immediately pass judgment.”

Choose a reasonable opinion.

Your topic sentence should clearly outline whatever point you’re trying to make in the paragraph, but you want to pick a reasonable opinion that you can easily reinforce with facts and statistics. Here’s an example of what you should and should not do:

DON’T: “It’s obvious that Mr. Bingley was a total loser with no backbone.”

DO: “Mr. Bingley could have shown more confidence in his choices and stood up to Mr. Darcy when he found himself in love with Jane Bennet.”

You can then back that up with facts, saying that he was a wealthy Englishman and thus one of the key players in society at the time, which should have given him more confidence. If he’d been more confident, perhaps he would not have left and devastated Jane.

Use your topic sentence as a transition.

Along with telling the reader the point of your next paragraph, your topic sentence should also serve as a transition from the previous paragraph. Without a transition, the essay can feel like it’s choppy and disjointed. For example:

DON’T: “Mr. Bingley is a good man and here’s why.”

DO: “Although Mr. Bingley did break Jane’s heart by leaving, he ended up redeeming himself by returning to Netherfield Hall.”

Keep your topic sentence short.

A long, drawn-out topic sentence can risk losing your reader. Many times, it’s hard to determine the point of a sentence when it goes on for too long. You want a clear, concise sentence that draws in the reader but also leaves some room for you to expand on it in the following paragraph.

DON’T: “Throughout the novel of Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bingley was often quite different from Mr. Darcy as he would treat all people in a friendly manner, considering them all his friends and acquaintances, even agreeing to throw a ball after Elizabeth’s sisters rudely demanded he do so and was gracious to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as well despite their manners.”

DO: “Overall, Mr. Bingley served as a foil to Mr. Darcy throughout the story by treating everyone around him equally with dignity and grace.”

Writing an essay can be overwhelming at times, but so long as you avoid some of these common pitfalls, it can be easier to get it done on time. 

Don’t wait until the last minute.

If your teacher assigns you an essay or tells you that you have an essay test coming up, don’t wait until the day before to do anything about it. You have to plan or study and you need to give yourself time to do that. If you know it takes you a while to write something, then start planning it as soon as you get the assignment.

Don’t forget to write an outline.

Along with planning, make sure you have that outline written up and planned out well. It will serve as your guideline for writing the essay. Without it, you’ll face the risk of a disorganized essay that does not clearly illustrate your point.

Ask for help if you need it.

This may be the most important pitfall to avoid. If you get in over your head while writing, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask a friend to review the essay or ask your teacher for guidance. 

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Paragraphs: Topic Sentences

Topic sentences video playlist.

Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. There may be some examples of writing that have not been updated to APA 7 guidelines.

• Academic Paragraphs: Introduction to Paragraphs and the MEAL Plan (video transcript)
• Academic Paragraphs: Examples of the MEAL Plan (video transcript)

The best way to understand the role of the topic sentence in paragraph development is to imagine that any given paragraph is a miniature essay that has its own thesis, support, and conclusion. The parts of a paragraph easily correspond to the parts of an essay:

Just as an effective essay starts off with an introduction that presents the paper's thesis statement and indicates the specific claim or argument that the essay will develop, each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that indicates the focus of that paragraph, alerting the reader to the particular subtopic that the paragraph will provide evidence to support.

A strong topic sentence should be placed at or near the beginning of a paragraph. In addition, this sentence should focus on a specific issue, avoid the use of direct quotations, and leave room for support and analysis within the body of the paragraph. Read on to learn more about creating an effective topic sentence.

The topic sentence does not have to be the first sentence in the paragraph; however, it should come early in the paragraph in order to orient the reader to the paragraph's focus right away. Occasionally a writer may place a transition sentence before the topic sentence, to create continuity between topics.

Topic Sentence to begin paragraph:

In the novel Sula , Morrison uses the physical bonds of female friendship to propel her characters into self-awareness.

Transition Sentence + Topic Sentence to begin paragraph:

However, Morrison does not only use the emotional and spiritual bonds between her female characters to initiate their coming-of-age. In addition, the author uses the physical bonds of female friendship to propel her adolescent protagonists into self-awareness.

Specificity

Your topic sentence should be more narrowly focused than your thesis sentence, and you will want to make sure the claim you are making can be supported, argued, and analyzed within the body of your paragraph.

Example: In the novel Sula , Morrison uses the physical bonds of female friendship to propel her characters into self-awareness.

In this topic sentence, the essayist is arguing that physical bonds of friendship, specifically, make the female characters more self-aware. Because this idea can be refuted or supported by readers (based on how successfully the essayist persuades his or her readers with examples and analysis from the novel), and because the claim is narrow enough to address within a single paragraph, the above sentence is a successful topic sentence.

Direct Quotations (Are Best Avoided)

Although it might be tempting to begin a paragraph with a compelling quotation, as a general rule, topic sentences should state the main idea of the paragraph in your own words. Direct quotations have a place later in the paragraph, where they may be incorporated to support the topic sentence.

Needs Improvement: As Morrison (1982) conveyed, the girls' "friendship let them use each other to grow on…they found in each other's eyes the intimacy they were looking for" (p. 52).

Better: In the novel Sula , Morrison uses the physical bonds of female friendship to propel her characters into self-awareness. Pointing to the connection of eyes meeting and bodies growing together, Morrison makes coming-of-age an interactive physical process between the adolescent protagonists. Specifically, Morrison describes how Sula and Nel have used "each other to grow on…they found in each other's eyes the intimacy they were looking for" (p. 52).

In this second paragraph, the topic sentence appears first, immediately orienting readers to the main focus (or topic) of the paragraph. The quotation is used later in the paragraph as a form of evidence or support for the topic sentence.

If you are finding it challenging to create effective topic sentences, you might consider outlining before beginning to write a paper. The points and subpoints of an outline can then become the topic sentences for the paper's paragraphs.

Additionally, because the topic sentence functions similarly at the paragraph level to the thesis at the essay level, you may also find it helpful to check out our thesis statement construction information. Our resource on paragraphs has helpful information about the scope of a paragraph, as well.

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How To Write An Essay

Topic Sentence

Learn How to Write a Topic Sentence that Stands Out

Published on: Jan 13, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

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As a student, you have probably heard the term "topic sentence" thrown around a lot in your English or writing classes. But do you really understand what it means and how important it is for effective writing?

Well, many students struggle with crafting strong topic sentences that effectively convey their ideas. They may find themselves unsure of how to make their topic sentence stand out in a sea of other ideas.

In this blog, we will explore the art of writing a great topic sentence, with examples and tips to help you enhance your skills. By the end of this blog, you will have a better understanding of how to craft a topic sentence that will make your writing clear, concise, and engaging.

So let’s get started!

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What is a Topic Sentence?

A topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph in an essay that introduces the main idea or topic of that paragraph. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, letting them know what to expect in the upcoming paragraph. 

Purpose of Topic Sentence

The purpose of a topic sentence is to clearly and concisely convey the main point of the paragraph to the reader. 

It helps to guide the reader through the essay, making it easier for them to follow the overall argument or narrative.

Features of a Good Topic Sentence

A good topic sentence has a few key features. Let’s take a look: 

• Expresses the main idea of the paragraph or essay clearly and concisely.
• Is specific and focused , avoiding vague or overly general statements.
• Introduces the main point and is typically located at the beginning of the paragraph or essay.
• Presents a claim or position that is arguable or debatable, which the rest of the paragraph or essay will support.
• Can be a complete sentence or a concise phrase that effectively conveys the main idea.
• Is relevant to the thesis statement and overall topic of the essay.
• Engages the reader by creating interest and highlighting the significance of the topic.
• Is well-written and avoids grammar and spelling errors.
• Provides a roadmap for the rest of the paragraph or essay by indicating what will be covered.
• Encourages coherence and unity in the writing by linking the paragraph or essay to the broader topic.

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Types of Topic Sentences

There are several different types of topic sentences that can be used in writing to introduce the reader through a paragraph or essay.

Simple Statement Topic Sentence This is the most common type of topic sentence, which straightforwardly states the main point or idea of the paragraph or essay.

Example: The rise of social media has revolutionized the way people communicate with each other.

Complex Topic Sentence This type of topic sentence is more nuanced and may require some explanation or elaboration to fully understand.

Example: While the rise of social media has had many positive effects on communication, it has also led to concerns about privacy and online harassment.

Pivot Topic Sentence A pivot topic sentence begins by connecting the current paragraph or idea to the previous one, before pivoting to introduce a new point or idea.

Example: Building on the idea of social media's impact on communication, it is important to consider how it has also affected business and marketing strategies.

Question Topic Sentence A question topic sentence poses a question that the rest of the paragraph or essay will answer or explore.

Example: How has social media changed the way businesses interact with customers and advertise their products?

Command Topic Sentence This type of topic sentence gives a directive or instruction, often used in persuasive or argumentative essays.

Example: Support local businesses by shopping at independently owned stores instead of large chains.

How to Write a Topic Sentence?

Here are a few instructions to help you write a good topic sentence. 

Step#1 Clearly State The Main Idea

A topic sentence is the first paragraph of the paragraph. It must clearly explain the particular subject that would be discussed in the paragraph. This should be stated in very clear language so that the reader can easily understand the idea. 

Also, it should include a bit of your personal opinion and also the main idea. 

Step#2 Hook Your Reader

Grab your reader's attention with an intriguing topic sentence. It would excite and make the reader curious about the content and convince them to read the particular part. 

Look out for some amazing hook examples and see what fits your essay type. 

Use a meaningful and relevant question or a fact as a topic sentence of the paragraph. Make sure that you have identified your audience and are developing everything accordingly. 

Step#3 Keep It Short and Precise

The paragraph topic sentence must be expressive enough that a reader understands your point of view effortlessly. This is only possible if you keep everything to the point, short, and meaningful. 

Choose the words in such a way that they help you express your idea in an ideal way. Avoid using complex sentences and use independent clauses.  

A topic sentence acts as a link between a paragraph and the main thesis statement. It should be specific and connected to the overall essay. Keeping it short and precise helps maintain the paragraph's flow and its relevance to the rest of the writing.

Step#4 Give A Reasonable Opinion

The body paragraph explains a topic sentence. This is why it is important that you should write this sentence in such a way that it can be explained in the paragraph.  If you are mentioning a fact in the topic statement, make sure that you have authentic evidence to support it. 

While the topic sentence is an integral part of the paragraph, it should stand out and possess a distinctiveness that sets it apart from the other sentences. This can be achieved by employing transition words and establishing connections between sentences.

Step#5 Use The Topic Sentence As A Transition

The topic sentences that serve as transition sentences can be considered a guide for the readers. This way, they can help the reader to move through the essay in a flow. 

Write this sentence in such a way that it creates a gateway between the previous paragraph and the rest of the essay. Moreover, it will also help keep the essay organized, and the reader understands the point of a paragraph.

Step#6 Look For Some Good Examples

Examples can help you learn a thing in a better way. If you are new to writing topic sentences, it can help to look at some examples. Find some great examples of topic sentences relevant to your essay topic.

Difference Between Topic Sentence and Thesis Sentence

Here's a table outlining the differences between a topic sentence and a thesis statement:

Good Topic Sentence Examples

Here are ten examples of good topic sentences:

•  "Despite the advancements in technology, traditional forms of communication are still essential in today's society."
• "The theme of power is prevalent throughout Shakespeare's play, Macbeth."
• "In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the impact of climate change on our planet."
• "The legalization of marijuana has been a topic of debate for many years." "Education is the key to success in life."
• "The rise of social media has greatly impacted the way we communicate with one another."
• "The effects of childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on mental health."
• "The concept of justice is explored in depth in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird."
• "Eating a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health."
• "The Industrial Revolution had a profound effect on the world as we know it today."

The Bottom Line!

An opening sentence is crucial to grab your reader's attention and set the tone for your piece of writing. The topic sentence introduces the controlling idea and acts as an important sentence in the essay outline. 

Effective topic sentences are necessary for a well-structured and organized essay. It's an integral part of the writing process that should not be overlooked. 

Make sure to spend time crafting a compelling topic sentence that clearly conveys your main point and guides your readers throughout your essay. You can even take ideas from an AI essay generator to get started.

However, if you find yourself struggling to write a good opening sentence, don't worry! CollegeEssay.org is here to help you with all your writing needs. We have the best online essay writing service providing top-quality essays that are sure to impress your professors.

So, why wait? Contact our essay writing service now and take the first step toward academic success!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a topic sentence.

A topic sentence can be multiple sentences long. The first sets the context for your ideas, while the second provides more depth on what you are saying beyond just stating it outright.

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What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence states the main point of a paragraph: it serves as a mini-thesis for the paragraph. You might think of it as a signpost for your readers—or a headline—something that alerts them to the most important, interpretive points in your essay. When read in sequence, your essay’s topic sentences will provide a sketch of the essay’s argument. Thus topics sentences help protect your readers from confusion by guiding them through the argument. But topic sentences can also help you to improve your essay by making it easier for you to recognize gaps or weaknesses in your argument.

Where do topic sentences go?

Topic sentences usually appear at the very beginning of paragraphs. In the following example from Anatomy of Criticism , Northrop Frye establishes the figure of the tragic hero as someone more than human, but less than divine. He backs up his claim with examples of characters from literature, religion and mythology whose tragic stature is a function of their ability to mediate between their fellow human beings and a power that transcends the merely human:

The tragic hero is typically on top of the wheel of fortune, half-way between human society on the ground and the something greater in the sky. Prometheus, Adam, and Christ hang between heaven and earth, between a world of paradisal freedom and a world of bondage. Tragic heroes are so much the highest points in their human landscape that they seem the inevitable conductors of the power about them, great trees more likely to be struck by lightning than a clump of grass. Conductors may of course be instruments as well as victims of the divine lightning: Milton’s Samson destroys the Philistine temple with himself, and Hamlet nearly exterminates the Danish court in his own fall.

The structure of Frye’s paragraph is simple yet powerful: the topic sentence makes an abstract point, and the rest of the paragraph elaborates on that point using concrete examples as evidence.

Does a topic sentence have to be at the beginning of a paragraph?

No, though this is usually the most logical place for it. Sometimes a transitional sentence or two will come before a topic sentence:

We found in comedy that the term bomolochos or buffoon need not be restricted to farce, but could be extended to cover comic characters who are primarily entertainers, with the function of increasing or focusing the comic mood. The corresponding contrasting type is the suppliant, the character, often female, who presents a picture of unmitigated helplessness and destitution. Such a figure is pathetic, and pathos, though it seems a gentler and more relaxed mood than tragedy, is even more terrifying. Its basis is the exclusion of an individual from the group; hence it attacks the deepest fear in ourselves that we possess—a fear much deeper than the relatively cosy and sociable bogey of hell. In the suppliant pity and terror are brought to the highest possible pitch of intensity, and the awful consequences of rejecting the suppliant for all concerned is a central theme of Greek tragedy.

The context for this passage is an extended discussion of the characteristics of tragedy. In this paragraph, Frye begins by drawing a parallel between the figure of the buffoon in comedy and that of the suppliant in tragedy. His discussion of the buffoon occurred in a earlier section of the chapter, a section devoted to comedy. The first sentence of the current paragraph is transitional: it prepares the way for the topic sentence. The delayed topic sentence contributes to the coherence of Frye’s discussion by drawing an explicit connection between key ideas in the book. In essays, the connection is usually between the last paragraph and the current one.

Sometimes writers save a topic sentence for the end of a paragraph. You may, for example, occasionally find that giving away your point at the beginning of a paragraph does not allow you to build your argument toward an effective climax.

How do I come up with a topic sentence? And what makes a good one?

Ask yourself what’s going on in your paragraph. Why have you chosen to include the information you have? Why is the paragraph important in the context of your argument? What point are you trying to make?

Relating your topic sentences to your thesis can help strengthen the coherence of your essay. If you include a thesis statement in your introduction, then think of incorporating a keyword from that statement into the topic sentence. But you need not be overly explicit when you echo the thesis statement. Better to be subtle rather than heavy-handed. Do not forget that your topic sentence should do more than just establish a connection between your paragraph and your thesis. Use a topic sentence to show how your paragraph contributes to the development of your argument by moving it that one extra step forward. If your topic sentence merely restates your thesis, then either your paragraph is redundant or your topic sentence needs to be reformulated. If several of your topic sentences restate your thesis, even if they do so in different words, then your essay is probably repetitive.

Does every paragraph need one?

No, but most do. Sometimes a paragraph helps to develop the same point as in the previous paragraph, and so a new topic sentence would be redundant. And sometimes the evidence in your paragraph makes your point so effectively that your topic sentence can remain implicit. But if you are in doubt, it’s best to use one.

• Topic Sentences in Research Paper – Meaning, Parts, Importance, Procedure and Techniques

Published 16 October, 2023

The topic sentence is one of the most important sentences in a research paper. It states your main idea and sets up everything that follows. A good topic sentence will be specific, clear, and relevant to your thesis statement. This post will teach you how to write a great topic sentence for any research paper!

Meaning of topic sentence

The topic sentence is basically unique sentences that act as a guideline for both reader and writer. It provides the idea of information in the content. It is the first sentence of the paragraph. The topic sentences represent the scope and objective of the paragraph .

A topic sentence is a sentence that provides an overview of the main idea that you are developing in your paragraph or article. Organizing paragraphs with a topic sentence can help to create coherent writing and guide the reader through your paper. A good topic sentence should be clear, have a precise thesis, and not be redundant with any other statement made in your essay.

For example : If you are writing about the pollution, the pollution in Xyz town increased because of the rising population. The topic sentence for this Paragraph will be “pollution”.

Procedure for writing topic sentences

1. writing a thesis statement.

It is an initial phase in relation to drafting topic sentences.  At this stage, you are required to ensure that the thesis statement which you have designed is quite strong. It means that the thesis statement should represent the objective and argument in the research paper.

2. Designing an outline of the essay

It is a phase where you need to prepare or design the paragraph structure in research . In addition to this, you are required to develop a plan for all the facts that you will include in the paragraph. The topic sentences should be developed in relation to paragraphs.

3. Expanding with evidence

While writing the main body paragraphs of the essay you need to ensure that it flows in a logical manner that is according to the topic sentence then after that there could be an expansion in points along with the evidence supporting arguments.

4. Refinement of the topic sentence

Reviewing the topic sentences which you have designed is very much essential in order to make sure that the content of the paragraph matches with the topic sentence.

Read Also: Research Process Guide

Techniques of writing topic sentences in a research paper.

Here are some techniques which you can apply for writing topic sentences these are:

1. A design statement for presenting the idea

As the topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph, therefore, the sentence should clearly represent the information included in the paragraph. While drafting a topic sentence you are required to make sure that it indicates your purpose clearly.

For instance , in a paragraph, you are describing the way globalization has influence marketing activities of companies’ for that paragraph the topic sentence should be the influence of globalization on marketing.”

2. Maintain a balance between general and specific

It means that the topic sentence which you have to design should be related to the paragraph or to the thesis statement of your research paper. The thesis statement should not be too narrow or broad.

Include hooks: One of the crucial roles of the topic sentence is to develop an interest in reading in the reader. In simpler words, the main function of the topic sentence is to capture the attention of the reader.

Read Also: How to Write a Hook for Research Paper

3. Write short and sweet

You should keep the topic sentence short as it is the strategy that will help you in representing your intention clearly.

4. Provide a justifiable opinion

You can include your opinion as a topic sentence; you can do this in a situation if you are planning to include your perspective in the paragraph.

5. Utilize the topic sentence as a transition

you should select such a topic sentence that provides the reader idea about the information in the previous and next paragraphs.

Note: If in a paragraph you are making a comparison between two things then in such case you need to use such words which highlight the distinguishing.  If in a paragraph you are explaining various aspects on the similar subject then you should ensure that the topic sentence provides a summary of the existing paragraph along with new information.

Parts of topic sentences

The three important parts of the topic statement are :

• Limited topic
• Attitude, opinion, or feeling

Importance of topic sentences in a research paper

• It enables the reader to have an idea about the things which have been covered in a specific paragraph.
• It also provides readers ease in addressing the important points.
• The topic sentence in the research paper is very much essential as it supports the thesis statement.
• It also enables readers to maintain their concentration on important points.
• A topic sentence is important as it helps in clarifying the objective of writing a particular paragraph.
• An effective topic sentence enables you to avoid miscommunication and confusion.

       Read Also: Topic Selection for Research

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Writing Topic Sentences — Purpose, Structure, and Examples

What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence in academic writing identifies how a body paragraph relates to the overall purpose of an essay stated in the thesis statement . Topic sentences are usually at the beginning of a paragraph and identify the paragraph’s controlling idea.

While an essay’s thesis statement identifies the point of the essay in its entirety, the topic sentence has a much narrower focus, as it relates only to the paragraph in which it is located.

What is the purpose of a topic sentence?

The purpose of a topic sentence is to inform the reader of the main idea of the paragraph and how it connects to the overall objective of the essay. An effective topic sentence accomplishes one or more of the following:

Makes a claim

Supports other claims made in the paper

Identifies the purpose of the rest of the paragraph

Relates the paragraph to the purpose of the paper

Precedes information that defends a claim

How to write a topic sentence

To write a topic sentence, incorporate the following guidelines:

Determine the thesis of the essay.

Identify the main supports that help prove the thesis.

Use each main support to structure a topic sentence for each paragraph.

Compose a sentence that answers the following questions:

What will the paragraph prove?

How does the paragraph connect to the thesis?

Where is the topic sentence in a paragraph?

Topic sentences can be placed at the beginning or end of a paragraph.

Although it does not need to be the first sentence, the topic sentence should be placed at the beginning of the paragraph so the reader can quickly identify the purpose of the paragraph.

While not a common placement for a topic sentence, some writers use topic sentences at the end of a paragraph. Writers who choose this method want the reader to deduce the main point of the paragraph by presenting the evidence first.

Topic sentence examples

The following list identifies topic sentences based on the provided thesis statements for five-paragraph essays:

Thesis Statement: Capital punishment should be banned because it is inhumane, unconstitutional, and ineffective at deterring crime.

Support Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: The inhumane nature of the death penalty proves it should be abolished.

Support Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Capital punishment should be outlawed because it violates the Constitution.

Support Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Because the death penalty does not effectively deter criminal behavior, states should not continue to use it.

Thesis Statement: College athletes should be financially compensated because they sacrifice their minds and bodies, cannot hold an outside job, and increase the school’s revenue.

Support Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: Student athletes should be paid for their performance because of sports’ impact on their minds and bodies.

Support Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Because most college athletes cannot play their sport and hold a job, colleges should give them a living wage.

Support Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Student-athletes’ ability to increase their college’s revenue proves they should be awarded financial compensation.

Thesis Statement: Using alternative energy sources can help lessen the impact of global climate change.

Support Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: Through the widespread use of solar power, countries can limit the environmental impact of other energy sources.

Support Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Utilizing more wind turbines as a power source can help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Support Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Using geothermal power will effectively decrease the world's reliance on fossil fuels.

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Mastering Topic Sentences: Research Paper Examples

The ability to effectively construct topic sentences is a crucial part of producing high-quality academic writing. By mastering the skill of creating strong and compelling topic sentences, students are better able to engage readers in their papers and communicate clear points for discussion. This article will discuss the importance of constructing effective topic sentences, providing examples from research papers that demonstrate successful techniques for developing this important element in any written work. Furthermore, best practices regarding structure and organization when crafting these statements will be explored so that writers may further hone their skillset in generating powerful compositions.

I. Introduction to Mastering Topic Sentences: Research Paper Examples

Ii. the significance of topic sentences in writing.

• III. Structuring the Main Idea of a Paragraph with A Clear and Effective Topic Sentence

IV. Examining Different Styles for Developing Quality Topics Sentences for Research Papers

V. strategies for writing compelling, memorable topic sentences in academic papers, vi. crafting appropriate and varied lengths for uniquely constructed argumentative research essays, vii. best practices for incorporating good topic sentence into an analysis or discussion.

What Are Topic Sentences? Topic sentences are an essential component of a well-structured research paper. They indicate the purpose of each paragraph and provide readers with a clear, concise idea about what the material is discussing. In short, topic sentences allow for better organization within any given essay or article.

Research papers typically require writers to establish their own ideas in relation to existing knowledge. To do this effectively requires crafting multiple strong topic sentences that serve as arguments throughout the work. Each sentence should summarize key points while providing context for further discussion on specific topics related to your subject area.

To illustrate how powerful topic sentences can be when used correctly, let’s take a look at some example topics:

• “The Effect of Social Media on Youth”
• “Gendered Expectations Within Education Systems”

For both examples listed above, appropriate topic sentence research paper examples could include statements such as:

• “Social media use has had profound effects on youth development.”

Each statement provides readers with enough information to understand its core argument while leaving room for additional exploration in later paragraphs.

The use of topic sentences is an effective way to communicate the main idea of a written piece. These statements provide readers with guidance on what topics will be discussed in the following paragraphs and help structure the overall composition.

At their core, well-crafted topic sentences are succinct yet informative. They clearly capture the purpose of a section or paragraph without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail; instead, they focus attention on specific ideas that support larger concepts found within a document’s thesis statement. For example:

• “Women’s suffrage has been shown to improve social equality around the world.”
• “Evidence suggests that school choice policies have increased academic achievement for students from low-income families.”

These examples outline two distinct topics that could each serve as potential research paper subjects; thus, topic sentences are essential components when constructing any type of persuasive writing assignment. By giving readers an overview before diving into more complex arguments, these statements allow authors to effectively convey points without losing their audience’s interest or patience.

Research paper topics sentences have the potential to make or break a project. Writing quality topic sentences is an art form, and many authors struggle with crafting them correctly. Examining different approaches to developing strong research paper topics can be helpful in improving one’s ability to write concisely yet effectively.

• Thesis-Based Statements: Summarizing a thesis statement within a single sentence helps focus readers on the main point of your research, such as “Home schooling offers numerous educational advantages over traditional education.”
• “What If?” Questions: Asking questions about possible outcomes can help introduce the reader into considering new ideas that are related to your subject matter; for example, “What if there were no textbooks in classrooms? What kind of impact would this have?”

Reflection – Based Statements : Sharing personal opinions gives insight into how you view or analyze certain aspects of an issue , which often sparks curiosity among others ; e . g . , “My experience suggests that standardized tests are unfair representations of academic proficiency .” Quotation – based statements : Citing quotations from influential sources provides credibility while conveying important messages ; like , ” Martin Luther King Jr . famously proclaimed ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’”.

Structuring Around Main Ideas It is essential for a research paper to have topic sentences that are compelling and memorable. This will enable readers to stay focused on the main points of your argument throughout the essay, while also engaging them with interesting ideas or perspectives. To write effective topic sentences in an academic paper, it can be helpful to think of each sentence as summarizing one key point from your overall argument: what’s the big idea here? If you can break down your entire research into succinct statements encapsulating its major elements, then these become good starting points for constructing impressive sentences that guide readers along. For instance:

• “Understanding how relationships between social media usage and self-esteem may affect adolescent behavior requires knowledge about both topics.”

This statement establishes two distinct topics – social media usage & self-esteem – which need exploring in order to develop insight into relevant behavior patterns among adolescents. It thereby provides an immediate hook for readers’ attention by introducing a complex problem requiring further investigation; something people should want to read more about!

Using Clear Signposting Language In addition, using clear signposting language such as “firstly,” “secondly,” etc., when writing multiple consecutive topic sentences helps maintain focus on individual themes while allowing transitions between sections to feel smooth – ideal if you don’t wish there to be too much interruption mid-flow (as this could throw off some readers). Such language works especially well in longer papers where numerous ideas are addressed sequentially over several paragraphs but require linking together so they appear part of a unified whole; e.g.:

• “Firstly, considering recent evidence regarding cultural differences in attitudes toward mental health care is necessary before examining treatment outcomes across different ethnic groups.”

By beginning with precise signaling words like ‘firstly’, this sentence indicates right away that subsequent related arguments must follow afterwards – thus providing structure & organization at first glance itself!

The length of an argumentative research essay can vary widely, depending on the scope of the topic and instructions from instructors. To craft a uniquely constructed argumentative research paper that is appropriate for its given assignment, it’s important to understand some basic guidelines.

• Focus On Quality Of Argument:

When assigning or crafting a unique argumentative research essay, focus should be placed upon establishing clear arguments with evidence-based support rather than attempting to achieve maximum word count at any cost. In this way, quality trumps quantity as valid evidence and logical reasoning take priority over extra words or examples which may not add much value in relation to the main points being argued.

• Accommodate The Necessary Scope Of Topic:

Getting Started Before crafting a topic sentence, it is important to understand its purpose. A topic sentence helps introduce the main idea of the paragraph and sets the tone for what follows. When used properly in an analysis or discussion paper, a good topic sentence provides context for readers that supports further exploration of ideas presented within each body paragraph.

For example: In this research paper examining how different colors are associated with human emotion, an effective opening statement might be “Color has always been thought to have psychological implications on those who view them; however, little academic evidence exists until recently.”

Constructing Strong Topic Sentences

The best practice when writing strong topic sentences is making sure they communicate concisely while still capturing essential elements of your argument. Furthermore, constructing clearly defined topics allows you to explore deeper into multiple components as opposed to generalizing ideas by using broad statements.

• Include key words from your thesis.
• Avoid having more than one major point per sentence.

Finally though there are no absolute rules surrounding how exactly your research paper should read at any given time don’t forget –– make sure your language remains clear throughout so others can follow along easily!

English: This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the importance of topic sentences in research paper writing, as well as several examples to provide readers with guidance on how they can improve their skills when it comes to creating strong and meaningful thesis statements. Crafting clear and impactful topic sentences is an essential skill for any student hoping to produce successful written work. Through practice and dedication, we can all master this critical element of academic composition.

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Topic Sentence

Every paragraph should include a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the paragraph. A topic sentence also states the point the writer wishes to make about that subject. Generally, the topic sentence appears at the beginning of the paragraph. It is often the paragraph’s very first sentence. A paragraph’s topic sentence must be general enough to express the paragraph’s overall subject. However, it should be specific enough that the reader can understand the paragraph’s main subject and point.

• The topic sentence should identify the main idea and point of the paragraph. To choose an appropriate topic sentence, read the paragraph and think about its main idea and point.
• The supporting details in the paragraph (the sentences other than the topic sentence) will develop or explain the topic sentence. Read all the supporting details in the paragraph and think about the ideas they discuss.
• The topic sentence should not be too general or too specific. When considering the options, look for a topic sentence that is general enough to show the paragraph’s main idea instead of just one of its details. The answer should be specific enough that the reader understands the main idea of the paragraph.

More About the Topic Sentence

A topic sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph. Sometimes referred to as a focus sentence, the topic sentence helps organize the paragraph by summarizing the information in the paragraph. In academic writing, the topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph (although it does not have to be).

Purpose of the Topic Sentence

A topic sentence essentially tells readers about the rest of the paragraph. All sentences after it have to give more information about that sentence, prove it by offering facts about it, or describe it in more detail. For example, if the topic sentence concerns the types of endangered species that live in the ocean, then every sentence after that needs to expands on that subject.

Topic sentences also need to relate back to the thesis of the essay. The thesis statement is like a road map that will tell the reader or listener where you are going with this information or how you are treating it.

Topic Sentences and Controlling Ideas

Every topic sentence will have a topic and a controlling idea. The controlling idea shows the direction the paragraph will take.

Examples of a Topic Sentence

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."

Topic Sentence: To be an effective CEO requires certain characteristics.

The topic is "To be an effective CEO" and the controlling idea is "certain characteristics."

Topic Sentence: There are many possible contributing factors to global warming.

The topic is "global warming" and the controlling idea is "contributing factors."

Topic Sentence: Fortune hunters encounter many difficulties when exploring a shipwreck.

The topic is "exploring a shipwreck" and the controlling idea is "many difficulties."

Topic Sentence: Dogs make wonderful pets because they help you to live longer.

The topic is "dogs make wonderful pets" and the controlling idea is "because they help you

to live longer."

Topic Sentence: Crime in poverty-stricken areas occurs because of a systemic discrimination.

The topic is "crime in poverty stricken areas" and the controlling idea is "systemic discrimination."

Topic Sentence: Teen pregnancy may be prevented by improved education.

The topic is "teen pregnancy may be prevented" and the controlling idea is "improved education."

Topic Sentence: Cooking requires a number of different skills.

The topic is "cooking" and the controlling idea is "many different skills."

Topic Sentence: It is important to be ready before buying a house.

The topic is "buying a house" and the controlling idea is “it is important to be ready."

Topic Sentence: Graduating from high school is important for many different reasons.

The topic is "graduating from high school" and the controlling idea is "many different reasons."

Topic Sentence: Having a first child is difficult because of the significant adjustments in your life.

The topic is "having a first child" and the controlling idea is "significant adjustments in your life."

Topic Sentence: Remodeling a kitchen successfully requires research and a good eye.

The topic is "remodeling a kitchen" and the controlling idea is "requires research and a good eye."

Topic Sentence Exercise

Write a topic sentence for the following paragraph. During the 1990s, I really enjoyed watching Friends on television every Thursday night. I really wanted Rachel’s haircut—I think every girl wanted Rachel’s haircut back then! Rachel’s haircut went really well with the Guess Jeans that were so popular in the 1990s. I remember all the advertisements for Guess and Calvin Klein Jeans that were in each month’s Sassy magazine. I do not think Sassy magazine exists anymore, but it was one of the most popular magazines for young women in the 1990s.

Topic Sentences Exercise Answer

The bold sentence is one possible topic sentence for the example paragraph.

Note: This is just one possible topic sentence—you may have thought of others that are also appropriate.

Thinking about the 1990s brings back fond memories for me about fashion and popular culture. During the 1990s, I really enjoyed watching Friends on television every Thursday night. I really wanted Rachel’s haircut—I think every girl wanted Rachel’s haircut back then! Rachel’s haircut went really well with the Guess Jeans that were so popular in the 1990s. I remember all the advertisements for Guess and Calvin Klein Jeans that were in each month’s Sassy magazine. I do not think Sassy magazine exists anymore, but it was one of the most popular magazines for young women in the 1990s.

*Source: Purdue OWL