how to make topic sentence from thesis

Thesis Statement & Topic Sentences

This piece of content has been developed by IvyPanda's editorial team .

No AI was involved in the creation process; only qualified experts contributed.

The information, facts, and sources presented in the text have been carefully checked and verified.

You are free to use it with proper referencing.

A thesis statement in combination with topic sentences is vital for a paper, helping to structure ideas for both the student and the reader. This makes it easier for the writer to lay out thoughts by having an identified general theme for an essay and for each paragraph therein. A thesis statement is an explanation of the overall facts or thoughts to be discussed, while topic sentences have a similar role for each of the paragraphs within the text. Clearly defined thesis and topic sentences are essential for any essay because they help the student to develop ideas in a structured manner while engaging the reader.

Prepare a topic and reference materials

The first step to forming a good thesis should begin with reflection on a topic for the paper. Because this component should persuade the intended audience for the article, the student should have an understanding of the subject in question. Additionally, it is crucial to develop a particular point of view that will guide further writing. Obviously, this also requires an understanding of the topic; therefore, the student should conduct research and gather appropriate materials prior to writing a thesis and topic statements.

Highlight the main idea of the essay

Thesis statement for an essay about the learning habits of individuals might be the following.

“College students can achieve better educational outcomes when structuring their studies and dedicating time to read materials for classes each day.”

From this sentence, it can be summarized that the work will present evidence to convince a reader regarding possible approaches to education that can help achieve success. The statement also presents ideas that can help a student create topic sentences for each paragraph.

Identify the main points discussed in the body of the essay

In this case, a sentence at the beginning of each paragraph would be directed at examining various approaches a student can take to improve the efficacy of studying. A topic sentence for the first paragraph would be as follows.

“Structuring learning materials including books, journals, articles, videos, and others can help enhance the learning process.”

The paragraph itself would discuss the importance of proper structure and ways to choose sources for studies, providing guidance on how to use several references to gain knowledge of a topic.

The second topic sentence could take this form.

“By dedicating time to education each day, a student can better memorize material and enhance the understanding of a subject.”

Therefore, this section of the paper would focus on the benefits that can be achieved through daily effort invested in education. From these examples, it is reasonable to conclude that topic sentences are essential because they convey the ideas that will be discussed in the related paragraphs. It is also vital to ensure that each section is dedicated to a different argument to avoid confusing the reader.

Check this article to get a clear understanding on what is thesis statement and how to write it. Also, you will find a range of online thesis generators to facilitate your studying.

A good understanding of the topic that will be discussed in the paper is vital to writing a good thesis statement and topic sentences. Following the acquisition of this knowledge, it is necessary to develop a central idea that will appeal to the reader and address it by summarizing the main points of the essay. The final step is to write out several components that are related to the thesis and will be examined in the paper. Topic sentences should summarize these factors and provide an understanding of the aspects that will be examined in the associated paragraphs.

• Undergraduate vs. Graduate-Level Writing
• Signal Phrases & Transition Words
• How to Improve Readability of Your Writing
• The Most Common Grammar Mistakes
• Common Writing Mistakes
• How to Write a Discussion Section
• Limitations Section
• How to Write a Conclusion Like a Pro

How to Write a Topic Sentence?

• September 21, 2024

Dr. Marvin L. Smith

A topic sentence is a sentence that clearly states the main idea of a paragraph or section of writing. It’s the sentence that tells readers what the rest of the paragraph is about, setting the stage for the supporting details and examples that follow. 

Think of it as the headline of your paragraph—it grabs the reader’s attention and helps them understand the key point you’re trying to make. 

In this article, I’ll break down what makes a good topic sentence, how to write one , and why it’s essential for effective communication.

Table of Contents

What is a Topic Sentence?

A topic sentence is a clear and concise statement that summarizes the main idea of a paragraph or section of writing. It’s typically the first sentence of a paragraph and serves as a guide for the reader, helping them understand what to expect from the rest of the text.

Why is a Topic Sentence Important?

A well-crafted topic sentence is crucial for effective communication. It:

• Helps readers quickly grasp the main idea of the text
• Sets the tone for the rest of the paragraph or section
• Provides a clear direction for the supporting details and examples
• Enhances the overall clarity and coherence of the writing
• Keeps readers engaged and interested in the content

In short, a topic sentence acts as a roadmap, guiding readers through the text and ensuring they stay on track with the author’s intended message.

Purpose of a Topic Sentence

A topic sentence serves as the foundation of a paragraph or essay, playing a crucial role in setting the tone and direction for the rest of the text. Its primary purpose is to:

• Introduce the main idea : A topic sentence clearly states the central argument, claim, or point of the paragraph or essay, giving readers a sense of what to expect.
• Establish the tone : The tone of the topic sentence influences the tone of the entire paragraph or essay, helping to create a specific atmosphere or mood.
• Provide direction : A well-crafted topic sentence guides the reader through the text, indicating what supporting details and examples will follow.
• Create a framework : A topic sentence acts as a framework for the rest of the paragraph or essay, helping to organize ideas and ensure a logical flow of information.

By setting the tone and direction, a topic sentence helps readers:

• Understand the author’s perspective and point of view
• Anticipate the main arguments or claims
• Follow the author’s line of reasoning
• Stay engaged and interested in the content

A strong topic sentence is essential for effective writing, as it helps to create a clear, concise, and compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

Types of Topic Sentences 

Effective topic sentences come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose in engaging readers and conveying the main idea. Here are six common types of topic sentences, along with examples:

1. Simple Statements

Simple statements are the most common type of topic sentence. They clearly and concisely state the main idea, without any embellishments or complexities. 

For example:

“The benefits of regular exercise include improved physical health and mental well-being.”

This topic sentence is straightforward and easy to understand, setting the stage for a paragraph that explores the advantages of regular physical activity.

2. Commands

Commands are topic sentences that instruct or direct the reader to take a specific action or adopt a particular perspective. They’re often used in persuasive or instructional writing. 

“Take a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing exercises and reduce stress.”

This topic sentence is direct and action-oriented, encouraging readers to incorporate deep breathing exercises into their daily routine.

3. Questions (Interrogative)

Questions are topic sentences that encourage readers to think critically and engage with the material. They’re often used in essays that explore complex issues or ideas. 

“What are the long-term consequences of climate change, and how can we work together to mitigate its effects?”

This topic sentence is thought-provoking and engaging, inviting readers to consider the implications of climate change and potential solutions.

4. Complex Sentences

Complex sentences are topic sentences that combine multiple ideas or clauses to create a richer and more nuanced understanding of the main idea. 

“While some argue that standardized testing is necessary for evaluating student performance, others claim that it stifles creativity and critical thinking.”

This topic sentence combines two opposing viewpoints, setting the stage for a paragraph that explores the pros and cons of standardized testing.

5. Transitional Sentences

Transitional sentences are topic sentences that connect ideas between paragraphs or sections, creating a smooth flow of information. 

“Having discussed the benefits of meditation, let’s now explore some practical tips for incorporating it into your daily routine.”

This topic sentence connects the previous discussion on the benefits of meditation to the next section, which provides practical advice for readers.

6. Pivot Sentences

Pivot sentences are topic sentences that shift the focus or direction of the essay, often introducing a new idea or perspective. 

“While we’ve been discussing the individual benefits of recycling, it’s also important to consider the broader environmental implications of our actions.”

This topic sentence pivots from a discussion on individual benefits to a broader exploration of environmental implications, adding depth and complexity to the essay.

Topic Sentence Examples

Here are some topic sentence examples in different contexts:

Argumentative Essay

• “The use of plastic bags should be banned in all supermarkets to reduce pollution and protect the environment.”
• “Standardized testing is not an effective measure of student intelligence and should be abolished in schools.”

Analytical Essay

• “In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the green light symbolizes the elusive American Dream and the corrupting influence of wealth.”
• “The character of Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is a classic example of adolescent angst and rebellion.”

Comparative Essay

• “While both the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy have their strengths and weaknesses, the iPhone is ultimately the better choice for those who value ease of use and security.”
• “The novels of Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters share many similarities in their portrayal of women’s roles in society, but they also have some notable differences.”

Descriptive Essay

• “The city of Paris is a place of breathtaking beauty, with its stunning architecture, charming streets, and vibrant cultural scene.”
• “The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world, with its vast expanse of rugged terrain and majestic vistas.”

Narrative Essay

• “My first day of college was a nerve-wracking experience, but it ultimately turned out to be a transformative moment in my life.”
• “The summer I spent traveling through Europe was a journey of self-discovery and growth, one that I will always treasure.”

Persuasive Essay

• “We should all make a conscious effort to reduce our carbon footprint and live more sustainably to protect the planet for future generations.”
• “The benefits of regular exercise far outweigh the costs, and we should all strive to make physical activity a part of our daily routine.”

These are just a few examples of topic sentences in different contexts. Remember that a good topic sentence should be clear, concise, and engaging, and should set the tone for the rest of the essay.

Want to generate a topic sentence for your essay?

Check out our free topic sentence generator (no sign-up required, 100% Free to use)

How to Write a Topic Sentence

Writing a topic sentence is a crucial step in crafting a well-structured and effective essay . 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write a good topic sentence:

Step 1: Develop a Clear Thesis Statement

A clear thesis statement is the foundation for your topic sentences. It sets the tone and direction for your entire essay, providing a roadmap for your readers to follow. A well-crafted thesis statement should be concise, specific, and arguable.

If you’re struggling to come up with a thesis statement, don’t worry! You can use our free thesis statement generator , which uses AI to generate compelling and clear thesis statements. This tool can help you get started and provide inspiration for your own thesis statement.

A good thesis statement should:

• Clearly state the main argument or claim
• Provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay
• Be concise and specific
• Be arguable and open to debate

For example, a clear thesis statement might look like this:

“The benefits of regular exercise, including improved physical health and mental well-being, make it an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.”

With a clear thesis statement in hand, you’ll be well on your way to crafting effective topic sentences that support your main argument.

Step 2: Create an Essay Outline and Draft Topic Sentences

With a clear thesis statement in hand, it’s time to organize your ideas and craft topic sentences that align with your main argument. This is where an essay outline comes in handy.

An essay outline is a roadmap that helps you structure your ideas and ensure that your essay flows logically. It’s a crucial step in the writing process, as it helps you to:

• Organize your ideas and thoughts
• Ensure that your essay has a clear structure and flow
• Develop a clear and concise writing style

If you’re struggling to come up with an essay outline, don’t worry! Blainy’s free essay outline generator can help. It uses AI to generate excellent essay outlines that are tailored to your specific needs.

With your essay outline in hand, it’s time to start drafting topic sentences. 

A good topic sentence should:

• Clearly state the main idea of the paragraph
• Provide evidence to support your thesis statement

If you’re struggling to come up with topic sentences, Blainy’s free topic sentence generator can help. 

By using Blainy’s free essay outline generator and topic sentence generator, you can streamline your writing process and ensure that your essay is well-structured and effective. These tools can help you to:

• Save time and effort
• Improve the quality of your writing
• Ensure that your essay is well-organized and easy to follow

With Blainy’s tools, you can focus on what matters most – developing your ideas and crafting a compelling argument.

Step 3: Expand with Evidence

Now that you have a clear topic sentence, it’s time to support it with relevant examples and data. This is where you provide evidence to back up your claim and make your argument more convincing.

Evidence is essential in academic writing because it helps to:

• Build credibility and trust with your readers
• Support your argument and make it more convincing
• Demonstrate your understanding of the topic and your ability to think critically

There are many types of evidence you can use to support your topic sentence, including:

• Statistics and data
• Research findings
• Expert opinions
• Real-life examples
• Historical events

To find relevant research articles to support your topic sentence, you can follow the steps outlined in our article on how to find relevant research articles . This will help you to locate credible sources and ensure that your evidence is up-to-date and relevant.

When incorporating evidence into your writing, make sure to:

• Use clear and concise language
• Provide context and explain the significance of the evidence
• Use proper citation and referencing to credit the original source
• Use evidence to support your argument, rather than simply presenting it as fact

Step 4: Refine and Improve Your Topic Sentences

Now that you have a solid draft of your topic sentences, it’s time to refine and improve them. This step is crucial in ensuring that your topic sentences are clear, concise, and impactful.

When revising your topic sentences, ask yourself:

• Is the sentence clear and easy to understand?
• Is the language concise and free of jargon?
• Does the sentence effectively convey the main idea of the paragraph?

When editing your topic sentences, look for ways to:

• Simplify complex sentences
• Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases
• Use active voice instead of passive voice

Grammatical errors can undermine the credibility of your writing and distract from your message. To ensure that your topic sentences are error-free, you can use Blainy’s free grammar checker . This tool can help you identify and correct grammatical mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement errors, tense inconsistencies, and punctuation errors.

Grammar is essential in academic writing because it helps to establish credibility and trust with your readers.

Finally, refine your topic sentences to make them more impactful.

Ask yourself:

• Does the sentence grab the reader’s attention?
• Does the sentence leave a lasting impression on the reader? 

Topic Sentence vs Thesis Statement

While both topic sentences and thesis statements play crucial roles in academic writing, they serve distinct purposes. A thesis statement is a broad, overarching argument that guides the entire essay, whereas a topic sentence is a specific, focused statement that supports the thesis by introducing a particular idea or claim. In other words, the thesis statement provides the overall direction, and the topic sentence provides the specific route to get there.

Advanced Techniques for Topic Sentences

Once you’ve mastered the basics of topic sentences, it’s time to take your writing to the next level with advanced techniques. These strategies will help you to create a cohesive and engaging narrative that flows smoothly from one idea to the next.

Using Topic Sentences as Transitions

Topic sentences can be used to connect ideas between paragraphs or sections, creating a seamless transition from one idea to the next. 

This technique helps to:

• Link related ideas together
• Show the relationship between different ideas
• Create a cohesive and logical flow of ideas

To use topic sentences as transitions, try using words or phrases like “however,” “in addition,” or “meanwhile” to connect your ideas.

Introducing Multiple Paragraphs with a Single Topic Sentence

In some cases, you may want to use a single topic sentence to introduce multiple ideas or paragraphs. 

This technique is useful when:

• You want to provide an overview of a complex topic
• You need to introduce multiple related ideas
• You want to create a sense of continuity between paragraphs

To use a single topic sentence to introduce multiple paragraphs, try using a broad or general statement that encompasses multiple ideas. Then, use subsequent paragraphs to elaborate on each idea.

Emphasizing, Expanding, Summarizing, and Anticipating

Topic sentences can be used to create a cohesive and engaging narrative by:

• Emphasizing key points or ideas
• Expanding on previous ideas or introducing new ones
• Summarizing complex information or main points
• Anticipating counterarguments or future developments

To make these techniques easier, you can use Blainy’s free paragraph expander and summarizer tools. 

These tools can help you to:

• Expand on your ideas and create more detailed paragraphs
• Summarize complex information and main points
• Create a cohesive and engaging narrative

Wrapping it up

With a solid understanding of topic sentences, you’re now equipped to take your writing to the next level. By crafting clear, concise, and impactful topic sentences, you’ll be able to guide your readers through your writing with ease and confidence. 

A good topic sentence is the foundation of a well-written paragraph, and with practice, you’ll be able to create effective topic sentences that engage and inform your audience. 

If you need help getting started, try using Blainy’s free Topic Sentence Generator to easily write good topic sentences. 

Happy writing!

What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence is a clear and concise statement that introduces the main idea of a paragraph or section, guiding the reader through the rest of the content.

How to write a topic sentence?

To write a topic sentence, identify the main idea of your paragraph, and craft a sentence that clearly and concisely expresses that idea, using simple language and avoiding unnecessary details.

How long should a topic sentence be?

A topic sentence should be brief, typically no more than 1-2 sentences, and ideally around 10-15 words in length.

How do I start a topic sentence?

Start a topic sentence with a clear and concise phrase that introduces the main idea, using words like “however,” “in addition,” or “meanwhile” to connect to the previous idea.

What words can you use for a topic sentence?

Use transition words like “however,” “in addition,” “meanwhile,” and phrases like “one way to,” “another reason is,” or “for example” to start a topic sentence and connect to the previous idea.

About the Author:

Leave a comment cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

How to Fix and Prevent Run-on Sentences

Research Gaps: How to Identify, Types, and Examples Explained

Is Using ChatGPT Cheating?

Blainy vs. ChatGPT

FANBOYS: Coordinating Conjunctions

Research Findings Guide: Examples, Types, and Structuring Tips

Academic writing made brilliantly simple, always.

Limited time offers 🎁🎉.

Black Friday Sale

Cyber Monday Sale

Discover More

50+ Free AI Tools 

Feature Updates

✉ [email protected]

✆ +971 50 760 0820

📍190 Hackett Inlet, Eastern Region, Dubai, UAE.

Terms & Condition

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2024 Blainy

Home | Literary Movements   | Timeline   |  American Authors | American Literature Sites | Bibliographies | Site Updates

• Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences
• Key to Comments
• Analytical Research Paper Checklist
• Test-Yourself Quiz on Commonly Confused Words
• Citing Sources
• Formatting Guidelines for Papers
• General Grading Criteria

Thesis Statements

A thesis statement defines the scope and purpose of the paper. It needs to meet three criteria: 1. It must be arguable rather than a statement of fact. It should also say something original about the topic.     Bad thesis: Lily Bart experiences the constraints of many social conventions in The House of Mirth . [Of course she does. What does she do with these social conventions, and how does she respond to them? What's your argument about this idea?]     Better thesis: Lily Bart seeks to escape from the social conventions of her class in The House of Mirth , but her competing desires for a place in Selden's "republic of the spirit" and in the social world of New York cause her to gamble away her chances for a place in either world. [You could then mention the specific scenes that you will discuss.] 2. It must be limited enough so that the paper develops in some depth.     Bad thesis: Lily Bart and Clare Kendry are alike in some ways, but different in many others. [What ways?]     Better thesis: Lily Bart and Clare Kendry share a desire to "pass" in their respective social worlds, but their need to take risks and to reject those worlds leads to their destruction. 3. It must be unified so that the paper does not stray from the topic.     Bad thesis: Lily Bart gambles with her future, and Lawrence Selden is only a spectator rather than a hero of The House of Mirth . [Note: This is really the beginning of two different thesis statements.]     Better thesis: In The House of Mirth, Lawrence Selden is a spectator who prefers to watch and judge Lily than to help her. By failing to assist her on three separate occasions, he is revealed as less a hero of the novel than as the man responsible for Lily's downfall. [Note: Sometimes thesis statements are more than one sentence long.] 4. Statements such as "In this essay I will discuss " or "I will compare two stories in this paper" or "I was interested in Marji's relationship with God, so I thought I would talk about it in this essay" are not thesis statements and are unnecessary, since mentioning the stories in the introduction already tells the reader this. Topic Sentences Good topic sentences can improve an essay's readability and organization. They usually meet the following criteria: 1. First sentence. A topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph, not the last sentence of the previous paragraph. 2. Link to thesis . Topic sentences use keywords or phrases from the thesis to indicate which part of the thesis will be discussed. 3. Introduce the subject of the paragraph. They tell the reader what concept will be discussed and provide an introduction to the paragraph. 4. Link to the previous paragraph. They link the subject of the present paragraph to that of the previous paragraph. 5. Indicate the progression of the essay. Topic sentences may also signal to the reader where the essay has been and where it is headed through signposting words such as "first," "second," or "finally." Good topic sentences typically DON'T begin with the following. 1. A quotation from a critic or from the piece of fiction you're discussing. The topic sentence should relate to your points and tell the reader what the subject of the paragraph will be. Beginning the paragraph with someone else's words doesn't allow you to provide this information for the reader. 2. A piece of information that tells the reader something more about the plot of the story. When you're writing about a piece of literature, it's easy to fall into the habit of telling the plot of the story and then adding a sentence of analysis, but such an approach leaves the reader wondering what the point of the paragraph is supposed to be; it also doesn't leave you sufficient room to analyze the story fully. These "narrative" topic sentences don't provide enough information about your analysis and the points you're making.

Weak "narrative" topic sentence: Lily Bart next travels to Bellomont, where she meets Lawrence Selden again. Stronger "topic-based" topic sentence: A second example of Lily's gambling on her marriage chances occurs at Bellomont, where she ignores Percy Gryce in favor of Selden. [Note that this tells your reader that it's the second paragraph in a series of paragraph relating to the thesis, which in this case would be a thesis related to Lily's gambling on her marriage chances.]

3. A sentence that explains your response or reaction to the work, or that describes why you're talking about a particular part of it, rather than why the paragraph is important to your analysis. 

Weak "reaction" topic sentence: I felt that Lily should have known that Bertha Dorset was her enemy. Stronger "topic-based" topic sentence: Bertha Dorset is first established as Lily's antagonist in the train scene, when she interrupts Lily's conversation with Percy Gryce and reveals that Lily smokes.