Writing Tip: Topic Sentences

Many cultures do not require a topic sentence at the beginning of an academic paragraph, but English writing will always be clearer if it begins with this focus. Students can simply begin with the topic of the writing and an opinion word. At first the topic sentence may be very vague, but it will help the writer to begin, which is usually the hardest step. For example, ‘Chocolate is delicious’ can help writers begin to list reasons why they think this. Once they have a few reasons, they can improve the topic sentence by giving some of the sub-topics: ‘Chocolate is delicious because of its rich and complex tastes.’  

To help students recognize effective topic sentences, give them contrasting topic sentences on topics they are likely to be interested in, such as the following sets:  

1a) [My hometown] is a good place to visit.   

1b) [My hometown] is a good travel destination because of its natural, historical, and cultural sights.  

2a) My university major is [whatever it is] because it will get me a good job.  

2b) My university major is [whatever it is] because it will prepare me for the future in several ways.  

2c) My university major is [whatever it is] because it will teach me specific techniques, introduce me to a professional discipline, and help me to make connections which will prepare me for a professional life. 

Effective topic sentences help the writer to stay on topic and help the readers logically connect the ideas as they read them in the paragraph. Longer writings will have thesis sentences with topic sentences in each paragraph, but writing thesis sentences works the same way.  

Tags: Writing; Topic Sentences