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 formal writing, the topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph (although it doesn’t have to be). Every paragraph in the paper needs a topic sentence. The topic sentence expresses what the paragraph is about. It should include two key things:
a. The topic of paragraph
b. The central point of the paragraph.
More
about a Topic Sentence
A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph. Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence. Topic sentences help keep your writing focused and guide the reader through your argument. The topic sentence usually comes at the very start 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. A topic sentence also states the point the writer wishes to make about that subject. 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 Purpose of the Topic Sentence
A topic sentence essentially tells readers what the rest of the paragraph is about. All sentences after it has 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 expound 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. 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. For example, Thinking about the 1990s brings back a lot of memories of me 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 don’t think Sassy magazine exists anymore, but it was one of the most popular magazines for young women in the 1990s.
Thesis Statement: How to write a thesis statement: A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay. It usually comes near the end of your introduction. Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.
What makes a good thesis
statement?
The best thesis statements are
concise, contentious, and coherent.
Concise: A good thesis statement
is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point
clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
Contentious: Your thesis
shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good
thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back
it up.
Particularly in an argumentative
essay, your thesis statement should be something that others might question or disagree
with.
Coherent: Your thesis statement
might mention several aspects of your topic, but they should all add up to a
coherent whole, expressing one main idea. Everything mentioned in your thesis
statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.
Frequently
asked questions about thesis statements
What is a thesis statement?: A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay. Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.
Why do I need a thesis statement?: The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons: The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons: It gives your writing direction and focuses. It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point. Without a clear thesis, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.
How can I come up with a thesis statement?: Follow these three steps to come up with a thesis: Ask a question about your topic. Write your initial answer. Develop your answer and include reasons. For example, the thesis statement generally appears at the end of the essay introduction or research paper introduction. The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.
The supporting sentences of a paragraph develop the main idea you presented in the topic sentence. When writing supporting sentences you should be giving examples, reasons, or descriptions to support your topic sentence. They should not begin a new topic or introduce a new idea.
Unity: It is
achieved by keeping details in the paragraph focused on the central idea.
Coherence: Linking
individual sentences within a paragraph should be done in a logical way; the
paragraph itself should be connected with the rest of the composition by
following the natural progression of thought. Use transitional words and
phrases to ensure the smooth flow of thought.
The types of support are examples, facts, reasons, statistics, details, opinions of experts, visuals, personal statements, etc. However, support should be adequate, relevant, representative, documented, and specific as well.