How to Write a Topic Sentence | Scribbr 🎓

Summary

In this video, Jessica from Scribbr explains the importance of topic sentences in essay writing. She highlights how topic sentences act as headlines, indicating the main focus of each paragraph. Key components of a topic sentence include the topic and central point, and these should align with the thesis statement to maintain essay focus. Jessica also covers where topic sentences go—usually at the beginning of paragraphs—and how they can be used to transition smoothly between points, with examples of transitions and comparisons. The video encourages viewers to apply what they've learned and offers further resources on thesis statements.

Takeaways

• 😀 Topic sentences are essential for every paragraph in your essay as they set the stage for the content that follows.
• 😀 A topic sentence consists of two parts: the topic (subject of the paragraph) and the central point (main argument).
• 😀 Keep topic sentences short and direct to the point, while making sure they relate to the thesis statement of your essay.
• 😀 Each topic sentence should expand on and support your thesis statement, helping to keep your essay focused.
• 😀 Topic sentences help maintain essay structure by ensuring each paragraph addresses a specific part of your argument.
• 😀 The topic sentence typically appears at the beginning of the paragraph to clearly introduce the main idea.
• 😀 You can use topic sentences to smoothly transition between paragraphs and link ideas together.
• 😀 When shifting to a new aspect of a topic, a topic sentence can sum up previous information and introduce what comes next.
• 😀 For comparing and contrasting, topic sentences can signal changes in perspective using phrases like 'however' or 'on the other hand.'
• 😀 The effectiveness of a topic sentence is enhanced by its ability to forecast what the paragraph will discuss, making the essay more cohesive.
• 😀 Be sure to practice writing topic sentences that both focus the paragraph and align with the overall argument of your essay.

Q & A

What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence is a sentence that indicates what a paragraph is about. It functions as a headline for the paragraph, containing the topic and the central point of the paragraph.

What are the two components that make up a topic sentence?

The two components of a topic sentence are the topic, which is the subject of the paragraph, and the central point, which is the main idea or argument related to the topic.

How should a topic sentence be structured?

A topic sentence should be short, clear, and straight to the point. It should efficiently convey both the topic and the central point of the paragraph.

What role does a topic sentence play in an essay?

The topic sentence helps keep the essay focused by supporting the essay's central argument or thesis statement. It guides the content of the paragraph and maintains relevance to the overall thesis.

How should topic sentences relate to the thesis statement?

Every topic sentence should expand on the thesis statement by presenting a new aspect of the thesis, ensuring that each paragraph elaborates on this central argument with evidence and examples.

Where is the topic sentence usually placed in a paragraph?

The topic sentence is typically placed at the very start of a paragraph to introduce the subject and central point of that section.

Can topic sentences be used to transition between paragraphs?

Yes, topic sentences can be used to smoothly transition between paragraphs, helping to show the connection between different points in the essay.

How can a topic sentence function as a transition between paragraphs?

A topic sentence can sum up the previous paragraph's content and preview the new information that will be discussed in the next paragraph, thus acting as a bridge between ideas.

What are some examples of transitional words used in topic sentences?

Transitional words like 'yet' or 'on the other hand' can be used in topic sentences to highlight contrasts or shifts in the discussion.

Why is it important to ensure topic sentences support the thesis statement?

It's important because topic sentences that support the thesis statement help maintain the focus of the essay and ensure that each paragraph contributes to the overall argument or message of the paper.