1. Topic Sentences
By the end of this presentation, you should be
able to:
1.Define “topic sentence”
2.Know the function of a topic sentence
3.Write a topic sentence
4.Use transitions with your topic sentences
2. What is a topic sentence?
A topic sentence is a sentence that:
conveys the one main idea of an individual
paragraph and
appears as the first sentence of the
paragraph.
Think of a topic sentence as the thesis for
that one particular paragraph in the essay.
3. The Topic Sentence: 2 functions
When it comes to paragraphs,
“one thing at a time” is useful to
remember.
1. The “one thing” that you will
expand on in a paragraph is
stated in a topic sentence,
2. But you also expand on a point
made in the thesis.
5. Examples
Here is an example of a thesis statement with 3
points and the topic sentences ( 1 per point) that
might follow from it:
Thesis statement: Hiking is an excellent exercise
because it strengthens muscles, offers a
chance to enjoy nature, and relieves stress.
BP I. Hiking provides strenuous workout for many
parts of the body, especially leg and back muscles.
BP II. Whether in the desert or in the woods, hikers
enjoy beautiful scenery and clear air.
BP III. A hike in a beautiful area takes people
completely away from the daily grind of school,
family, and work.
6. How to write a topic sentence:
Step 1
1. Write your preliminary thesis statement.
Vegetarianism is a healthier choice if a person
is considering a new lifestyle because being a
vegetarian is better for one’s physical health,
for animals, and for the environment.
Notice that there are three points: health,
animals, and environment
Each of these points will become one
paragraph for a total of 3 body
paragraphs
7. How to write a topic sentence:
Step 2
Write 3 sentences that expand on the
thesis.
1. First, eating a diet that does not contain
meat is better for one’s physical health in
several ways. (point about health)
2. Along with being better for one’s body, being
vegetarian is also better for animals; with
less demand for meat, there will be less
opportunity for animal cruelty and unfair
farming practices. (animals)
3. Finally, being vegetarian is better for the
environment because it decreases the size of
one’s carbon footprint on this planet.
(environment)
8. How to write a topic sentence:
Step 3
Then check that you can add
details to show or explain each
of these 3 topic sentences.
1. several ways: cardiovascular
health, less risk of cancer, weight
2. animal cruelty in mass farms and
unfair farming practices
3. Explain how fuel emissions is
caused by transportation and can
be lowered. (cause and effect)
9. How to write a topic sentence:
Step 4
Finally, check that you are writing on the
topic assigned: Should people convert
to a vegetarian diet?
Thesis: Vegetarianism is a healthier choice if a
person is considering a new lifestyle because
being a vegetarian is better for one’s physical
health, for animals, and for the environment.
10. Don’t stray away…
• Remember to use the topic sentence as a
way to focus your paragraph.
• If you stray from the topic within your
paragraph, consider beginning another
paragraph that deals with the new topic.
• When you are editing the draft of your
essay, be certain that the topic sentences
accurately reflect the content of each
paragraph.
• Sometimes it helps to write a draft of your
essay, then go back and add topic
sentences to your body paragraphs.
11. A Helpful Trick
• After composing the first
draft of your essay, go back
and highlight your thesis
statement and each of your
topic sentences.
• These sentences together
should completely summarize
(express the main points of)
your entire essay and
function as the “frame”.
• If these sentences do not
express the main points of
your essay, you probably
need to revise your thesis
and/or add topic sentences
to your body paragraphs.
12. Using transitions
Use transition words at the beginning
of each topic sentence to help you
move from one point to the next.
For example:
First, second, third…
Then, next, finally…
In addition to….(to reference point in
previous paragraph)
Note: your paragraphs should develop in
the same order that you list them in your
thesis.
13. Practice
For the following thesis statement, write the
topic sentences that might follow. Be sure to
include the sub-points (what will be covered
in the BP) in the topic sentence.
College students face many academic
challenges, but the most common are related
to managing time, writing essays, and taking
tests.
14. Works Consulted
Adapted from a handout provided by The Writing
Center at Trident Technical College
