Scribd
Upload
14 views2 pages

Effective Topic Sentence Examples

This document discusses topic sentences and provides guidance on how to write effective topic sentences. It defines a topic sentence as usually being the first sentence of a paragraph that indicates the main idea or purpose. It should be specific, act as the controlling idea, and help the reader understand the major points. Different types of topic sentences are described such as the direct approach, question format, or connecting to the previous paragraph. Examples of good and bad topic sentences are also provided. The document concludes with a checklist for writing a clear, precise yet thorough topic sentence.

Uploaded by

Alex Gomez
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
14 views2 pages

Effective Topic Sentence Examples

This document discusses topic sentences and provides guidance on how to write effective topic sentences. It defines a topic sentence as usually being the first sentence of a paragraph that indicates the main idea or purpose. It should be specific, act as the controlling idea, and help the reader understand the major points. Different types of topic sentences are described such as the direct approach, question format, or connecting to the previous paragraph. Examples of good and bad topic sentences are also provided. The document concludes with a checklist for writing a clear, precise yet thorough topic sentence.

Uploaded by

Alex Gomez
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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:


It explicitly announces the purpose of the paragraph.
The Direct Example: The purpose of this paragraph is to explain why colleges should lower
Approach tuition. (Typically used in technical writing, scientific writing, or speeches.)

It indicates the paragraph’s purpose by posing a question it will answer.


The Question Example: Why should we debate this issue anyway?

It states the main idea—not the purpose—of the paragraph, usually in just one
sentence.
The Nutshell Example: Before long, I realized my aunt was sick.
(This is probably the most common type of topic sentence in college writing.)

It anticipates what readers might be wondering about or doubting.


Addressing the The paragraph provides a response.
Reader Example: You might be wondering why it is necessary to build a new stadium.

It makes a clear link with the preceding ideas.


Connecting to the
Previous Paragraph Example: Let me offer one example of this concept.

It calls special attention to a point the paragraph will cover. Readers should
understand the importance of the paragraph.
The Alert Example: It would be a mistake to assume that students don’t care about racism.
Bad Topic Sentence Good Topic Sentence
Ruth Bader Ginsberg, born in 1933, is one of
Ruth Bader Ginsberg was born in 1933.
the most influential Supreme Court judge in
(Not enough info for reader.)
history.

Employment opportunities are important. Employment opportunities are important in


(Statement is too broad.) lowering crime rates.

The electric car industry became practical in Technological advancements in the late 1800s
the late 1800s. ushered in the first truly practical electric
(Not thorough enough.) cars.

I am going to explain how electric cars are While electric cars do not eliminate
better for the environment. pollutants, their improved efficiency is a huge
(Not precise enough.) step towards a cleaner future.

Electric cars should be a priority because


they’re better than environment-polluting gas Given how much electric cars could
guzzlers, and in just a few years, air pollution positively impact society, the automotive
will become so awful that breathing industry should make research and funding a
comfortably will be impossible. priority.
(Not brief enough.)

I am going to discuss the Battle of


The Battle of Stalingrad, fought in 1942, was
Stalingrad.
a turning point in World War II.
(It is too vague.)

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.

You might also like