TOPIC SENTENCES
• It informs the reader about the main idea of the paragraph and sets the focus of the
Topic
paragraph.
• It consists of the topic and the directing words.
Sentence
• It is usually the first sentence in the paragraph, but it may come after a transitional
sentence.
Examples:
Returning to college to further my education was the smartest thing I ever did.
The flood caused by the heavy rains did a lot of damage to the strawberry crop.
What Makes a Good Topic Sentence?
• It is usually a one-sentence statement that indicates purpose, subject, or point of a paragraph.
• A topic sentence should be specific.
• It is the controlling idea for the paragraph.
• Keep in mind that Narrative doesn’t necessarily include a topic sentence.
• It helps your reader identify your major ideas.
(From A Commonsense Guide to Grammar and Usage, Fifth Ed. by Larry Beason and Mark Lester published by Bedford/St. Martins 2011)
Common Types of Topic Sentences:
Common Types:
Examples:
The Direct
It explicitly announces the purpose of the paragraph.
Example: The purpose of this paragraph is to explain why colleges should lower
Approach
tuition. (Typically used in technical writing, scientific writing, or speeches.)
The Question
It indicates the paragraph’s purpose by posing a question it will answer.
Example: Why should we debate this issue anyway?
It states the main idea—not the purpose—of the paragraph, usually in just one
The Nutshell
sentence.
Example: Before long, I realized my aunt was sick.
(This is probably the most common type of topic sentence in college writing.)
Addressing the
It anticipates what readers might be wondering about or doubting.
The paragraph provides a response.
Reader
Example: You might be wondering why it is necessary to build a new stadium.
Connecting to the
It makes a clear link with the preceding ideas.
Example: Let me offer one example of this concept.
Previous Paragraph
It calls special attention to a point the paragraph will cover. Readers should
The Alert
understand the importance of the paragraph.
Example: It would be a mistake to assume that students don’t care about racism.
Topic Sentence Checklist
Is your main idea clear?
Is your topic sentence the controlling idea of your paragraph?
Is your topic sentence precise, brief, yet thorough?
If the answer to any of these is yes, then feel free to proceed with your paper.
Bad Topic Sentence
Good Topic Sentence
Ruth Bader Ginsberg was born in 1933.
(Not enough info for reader.)
Ruth Bader Ginsberg, born in 1933, is one of
the most influential Supreme Court judge in
history.
Employment opportunities are important.
(Statement is too broad.)
Employment opportunities are important in
lowering crime rates.
The electric car industry became practical in
the late 1800s.
(Not thorough enough.)
Technological advancements in the late 1800s
ushered in the first truly practical electric
cars.
I am going to explain how electric cars are
better for the environment.
(Not precise enough.)
While electric cars do not eliminate
pollutants, their improved efficiency is a huge
step towards a cleaner future.
Electric cars should be a priority because
they’re better than environment-polluting gas
guzzlers, and in just a few years, air pollution
will become so awful that breathing
comfortably will be impossible.
(Not brief enough.)
Given how much electric cars could
positively impact society, the automotive
industry should make research and funding a
priority.
I am going to discuss the Battle of
Stalingrad.
(It is too vague.)
The Battle of Stalingrad, fought in 1942, was
a turning point in World War II.
