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. Why are topic sentences important? Topic sentences help keep your writing focused and guide the reader through your argument.
It is unquestionably the most important sentence in the paragraph. The topic sentence generally is composed of two parts: (a) the topic itself and (b) the controlling idea.
A strong topic sentence should be placed at or near the beginning of a paragraph. In addition, this sentence should focus on a specific issue, avoid the use of direct quotations, and leave room for support and analysis within the body of the paragraph. Read on to learn more about creating an effective 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.
Topic sentences usually start out as simple statements. But it's important to revise them as you write, making sure they match the content of each paragraph. A good topic sentence is specific enough to give a clear sense of what to expect from the paragraph, but general enough that it doesn't give everything away.
Topic sentences belong at the beginning or end of the paragraph and must make the reader understand the point of the paragraph better. The topic sentence being at the beginning of the paragraph makes it easier for the reader to understand what the paragraph will be about.
Sentences are divided into four categories: simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences. Definition A simple sentence contains one independent clause.
There are four types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Each sentence is defined by the use of independent and dependent clauses, conjunctions, and subordinators.
Characteristics of good topic sentences
Signals the topic and more focused ideas within the paragraph. Presents an idea or ideas that are clear and easy to understand. Provides unity to the paragraph (clarifies how all supporting ideas relate). Links to the purpose or thesis of your paper.
Three essential types of sentence are declarative sentences (which are statements), interrogative sentences (which are questions), and imperative sentences (which are orders).
We've divided these examples into seven types and have bolded the key structural language that you may wish to use when constructing your own topic sentences. Please note that in the following examples, we use brackets to identify the [thesis] and the (main ideas) and bold to indicate the structural language.
A topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about. For example, maybe your paragraph is about how dogs and wolves are alike and different. This would be a good topic sentence: Though dogs and wolves look alike, they have important differences.
Transition sentences are the sentences that show the relationship between two or more ideas. Think of them as bridges, tunnels, and merges that connect different sections of your work, with specific words and phrases acting as road signs.
1. The thesis statement covers the entire argument/the primary point of the paper. 2. The topic sentences give the main point(s) of individual body paragraphs and, in turn, support a part of the argument/primary point of the thesis.
They are: (1) S + V + sC, (2) S + V, (3) S + V + dO, (4) S + V + iO + dO, and (5) S + V + dO + oC. However, the meaning of some sentences written with some verbs such as “live” and “put” according to the two patterns S +V and S + V + dO of the five basic patterns shown above turn out to be incomplete.
The five-sentence elements are subject, verb, object, complement, and adjunct (SVOCA).
Examples of Complex Sentences
Because he was late again, he would be docked a day's pay. While I am a passionate basketball fan, I prefer football. Although she was considered smart, she failed all her exams. Whenever it rains, I like to wear my blue coat.
A complex sentence is an independent clause (a sentence that can stand on its own) with 1 or more dependent clauses added (dependent clauses can't stand on their own as a sentence).
An example of a compound sentence is, 'This house is too expensive, and that house is too small. ' This sentence is a compound sentence because it has two independent clauses, 'This house is too expensive' and 'that house is too small' separated by a comma and the conjunction 'and. '
Transitions generally come at the beginning or end of a paragraph and can do the following: Alert readers of connections to, or further evidence for, the thesis. Function as the topic sentence of paragraphs. Guide readers through an argument.
In general, paragraphs consist of three parts: the topic sentence, body sentences, and the concluding or the bridge sentence to the next paragraph or section.
They are cues that help the reader interpret your ideas. Transitional words or phrases help carry your thoughts forward from one sentence to another and one paragraph to another. Finally, transitional words link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.