How to Write the Topic Sentence?

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 The Topic Sentence

A topic sentence is an important sentence in a paragraph. It indicates what the paragraph is going to discuss. That's why the topic sentence is helpful to both the writers and the readers. On one hand, it guides the writer to include specific information that relates to the topic. On the other hand, the readers can guess what the paragraph is going to be about. Therefore, the readers are better prepared to understand the paragraph.

It is important to remember three important points about a topic sentence. First, a topic sentence is a complete sentence. It means that it must contain a subject, verb, and usually a compliment.

  • Driving on freeways.    Wrong
  • The importance of gold.   Wrong
Second, a topic sentence must contain both a topic and a controlling idea. It not only names the topic but also limits the topic to a specific area or aspect to be discussed in the paragraph.

  • Driving on the freeways requires skills and alertness.
  • Gold is prized for two important characteristics.
Finally, a topic sentence is the most general sentence in the paragraph because it gives only the main idea.

  1. Example of the general statement:
  • The Arabic origin of English words is not always obvious.
     2.  Example of the too specific statement:

  • The slang expression (meaning 'goodbye') is probably a corruption of the Arabic Salam.
     3.  Example of the too general statement:

  • English is a difficult language to learn
Position of the Topic Sentence
A topic sentence has different positions in the paragraph. It may be the first sentence or the last sentence of the paragraph. However, in a sandwich-style paragraph, the topic sentence represents both the first and the sentences. A sandwich-style paragraph is long, therefore, it helps the readers to better understand it.
Study the following three-paragraph and notice the different positions of the topic sentence in each.
Two Parts of the Topic Sentence
A topic sentence has two main parts: the topic and the controlling idea. The topic names the main idea of the paragraph and the controlling idea make a specific comment about the topic.
Writing the Topic Sentence
When writing the topic sentence, remember the following two points.
  1. A topic sentence is neither too general nor too specific. If it is too general the readers may not be able to guess what the paragraph is going to be about. Conversely, if it is too specific the writer may not be left with anything to write about. For example on page 24
  2. Don't include too many irrelevant ideas in your topic sentence. If you include unrelated ideas then your paragraph will not be unified. Example page 24


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