Topic Sentences || Its Types And Important Functions

Topic Sentences

If a thesis is a road map to a paper, then a topic sentence is a guide to a paragraph.  Therefore, you should think of topic sentences as kinds of mini-theses, organizing and enabling the development of each paragraph in a paper. 

Each paragraph should have its own topic sentence and should focus on only one main idea or point.  Every time you move into a new idea, you need a new paragraph and a new topic sentence.

A topic sentence has several important functions:

·         it substantiates or supports an essay’s thesis statement;

·         it unifies the content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; and

·         it advises the reader of the subject to be discussed and how the paragraph will discuss it.

Readers generally look to the first few sentences in a paragraph to determine the subject and perspective of the paragraph. That’s why it’s often best to put the topic sentence at the very beginning of the paragraph. In some cases, however, it’s more effective to place another sentence before the topic sentence—for example, a sentence linking the current paragraph to the previous one, or one providing background information. 

There are two types of topic sentences: obvious and implied. 

You should probably focus on obvious topic sentences.  For most classes, it is best to be straightforward and to state your point as clearly and early as possible.  Remember: the goal of your essay/paragraph is to get your point across in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.  You don’t want to confuse your reader or your instructor. 

Obvious Topic Sentences 

These sentences should come at the beginning of your paragraph, preferably in the first or second sentence (since you want to leave room to effectively transition from one paragraph to the next

Good Example (of a clear, effective, and obvious topic sentence): 

Burnout is a potential problem for hardworking and persevering students to fight. A preliminary step for preventing student burnout is for students to work in moderation.  Students can concentrate on school every day, if they don’t overtax themselves.  One method students can use is to avoid concentrating on a single project for an extended period. For example, if students have to read two books for a midterm history test, they should do other assignments at intervals so that the two books will not get boring.  Another means to moderate a workload is to regulate how many extracurricular projects to take on.  When a workload is manageable, a student’s immunity to burnout is strengthened.

This example shows an effective topic sentence because it has both the subject (burnout) and the treatment (―is a potential problem for hardworking and persevering students to fight).  It also uses specific language (―hardworking and persevering students).  For example, the author didn’t simply say students, he said hardworking and persevering students.  The sentence also specifically states that in the paragraph, the author is going to discuss how to fight burnout.   

Some points to remember… 

1. A topic sentence has a subject and a treatment; the subject is what you intend to write about.  The treatment is what you intend to do with your subject. 

Example:  

Glendora High School    offers a well-balanced academic program.  

          Subject                                                       treatment

The subject does not necessarily come first.  It may come at the end, the middle, or even interrupt the treatment. 

Example:  

Four factors establish   Elvis Presley    as the greatest entertainer of the twentieth century: appearance,

        Treatment                     subject                                                              treatment

singing ability, style, and influence.             

2. A topic sentence should not be a quote.  It should be your own point in your own words.  Use quotes for support. 

3. Make sure to use specific words in your topic sentence – it shouldn’t be ―vague, too broad, or too narrow.

Example of a bad topic sentence: 

Vague (unclear): Public schools are great. 

Better: Public schools do as well academically as private schools, according to statistics.       

The first topic sentence uses vague language (great).  What is great about the schools?  Is it great academically, socially, etc.?  The second topic sentence is much more specific and the reader knows the author is going to discuss how public schools compare to private schools academically. 

4. For essays, your topic sentences need to tie into your thesis (the essay’s main idea).