topic sentence versus thesis

• school Campus Bookshelves
• menu_book Bookshelves
• perm_media Learning Objects
• login Login
• how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
• hub Instructor Commons
• Download Page (PDF)
• Download Full Book (PDF)
• Periodic Table
• Physics Constants
• Scientific Calculator
• Reference & Cite
• Tools expand_more
• Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

2.3: Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences

• Last updated
• Save as PDF
• Page ID 170500

Thesis Statement and Topic Sentences

It is important to distinguish between thesis statements and topic sentences. An essay can have only one thesis statement, but it can have three to five topic sentences. While the thesis is the main idea of the whole essay, the topic sentences are the main ideas of the body paragraphs. The thesis statement is always placed at the end of the introduction while the topic sentences appear at the beginning of the body paragraphs. Most importantly, the topic sentences must always support the thesis statement.

The following video, Thesis Statements vs Topic Sentences created by Worldwide Speak is a step by step guide to writing thesis statements and topic sentences.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Research paper
• How to Write Topic Sentences | 4 Steps, Examples & Purpose

How to Write Topic Sentences | 4 Steps, Examples & Purpose

Published on July 21, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on June 5, 2023.

Every paragraph in your paper needs a topic sentence . The topic sentence expresses what the paragraph is about. It should include two key things:

• The  topic of the paragraph
• The central point of the paragraph.

After the topic sentence, you expand on the point zwith evidence and examples.

To build a well-structured argument, you can also use your topic sentences to transition smoothly between paragraphs and show the connections between your points.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

Writing strong topic sentences, topic sentences as transitions between paragraphs, topic sentences that introduce more than one paragraph, where does the topic sentence go, frequently asked questions about topic sentences.

Topic sentences aren’t the first or the last thing you write—you’ll develop them throughout the writing process. To make sure every topic sentence and paragraph serves your argument, follow these steps.

Step 1: Write a thesis statement

The first step to developing your topic sentences is to make sure you have a strong thesis statement . The thesis statement sums up the purpose and argument of the whole paper.

Thesis statement example

Food is an increasingly urgent environmental issue, and to reduce humans’ impact on the planet, it is necessary to change global patterns of food production and consumption.

Step 2: Make an essay outline and draft topic sentences

Next, you should make an outline of your essay’s structure , planning what you want to say in each paragraph and what evidence you’ll use.

At this stage, you can draft a topic sentence that sums up the main point you want to make in each paragraph. The topic sentences should be more specific than the thesis statement, but always clearly related to it.

Topic sentence example

Research has consistently shown that the meat industry has a significant environmental impact .

Step 3: Expand with evidence

The rest of the paragraph should flow logically from the topic sentence, expanding on the point with evidence, examples, or argumentation. This helps keep your paragraphs focused: everything you write should relate to the central idea expressed in the topic sentence.

In our example, you might mention specific research studies and statistics that support your point about the overall impact of the meat industry.

Step 4: Refine your topic sentences

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. You can think of it like a signpost: it should tell the reader which direction your argument is going in.

To make your writing stronger and ensure the connections between your paragraphs are clear and logical, you can also use topic sentences to create smooth transitions. To improve sentence flow even more, you can also utilize the paraphrase tool .

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

As you write each topic sentence, ask yourself: how does this point relate to what you wrote in the preceding paragraph? It’s often helpful to use transition words in your topic sentences to show the connections between your ideas.

Emphasize and expand

If the paragraph goes into more detail or gives another example to make the same point, the topic sentence can use words that imply emphasis or similarity (for example, furthermore , indeed , in fact , also ).

Indeed , cattle farming alone is responsible for a large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions.

Summarize and anticipate

If the paragraph turns to a different aspect of the same subject, the topic sentence can briefly sum up the previous paragraph and anticipate the new information that will appear in this one.

While beef clearly has the most dramatic footprint, other animal products also have serious impacts in terms of emissions, water and land use.

Compare and contrast

If the paragraph makes a comparison or introduces contrasting information, the topic sentence can use words that highlight difference or conflict (for example, in contrast , however , yet , on the other hand ).

However , the environmental costs of dietary choices are not always clear-cut; in some cases, small-scale livestock farming is more sustainable than plant-based food production.

You can also imply contrast or complicate your argument by formulating the topic sentence as a question.

Is veganism the only solution, or are there more sustainable ways of producing meat and dairy?

Sometimes you can use a topic sentence to introduce several paragraphs at once.

All of the examples above address the environmental impact of meat-eating versus veganism. Together, they make up one coherent part of a larger argument, so the first paragraph could use a topic sentence to introduce the whole section.

In countries with high levels of meat consumption, a move towards plant-based diets is the most obvious route to making food more sustainable. Research has consistently shown that the meat industry has significant environmental impacts.

The topic sentence usually goes at the very start of a paragraph, but sometimes it can come later to indicate a change of direction in the paragraph’s argument.

Given this evidence of the meat industry’s impact on the planet, veganism seems like the only environmentally responsible option for consumers. However, the environmental costs of dietary choices are not always clear-cut; in some cases, small-scale livestock farming is more sustainable than plant-based food production.

In this example, the first sentence summarizes the main point that has been made so far. Then the topic sentence indicates that this paragraph will address evidence that complicates or contradicts that point.

In more advanced or creative forms of academic writing , you can play with the placement of topic sentences to build suspense and give your arguments more force. But if in doubt, to keep your research paper clear and focused, the easiest method is to place the topic sentence at the start of the paragraph.

View topic sentences in an example essay

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

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.

Topic sentences help keep your writing focused and guide the reader through your argument.

In an essay or paper , each paragraph should focus on a single idea. By stating the main idea in the topic sentence, you clarify what the paragraph is about for both yourself and your reader.

The topic sentence usually comes at the very start of the paragraph .

However, sometimes you might start with a transition sentence to summarize what was discussed in previous paragraphs, followed by the topic sentence that expresses the focus of the current paragraph.

Let’s say you’re writing a five-paragraph  essay about the environmental impacts of dietary choices. Here are three examples of topic sentences you could use for each of the three body paragraphs :

• Research has shown that the meat industry has severe environmental impacts.
• However, many plant-based foods are also produced in environmentally damaging ways.
• It’s important to consider not only what type of diet we eat, but where our food comes from and how it is produced.

Each of these sentences expresses one main idea – by listing them in order, we can see the overall structure of the essay at a glance. Each paragraph will expand on the topic sentence with relevant detail, evidence, and arguments.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, June 05). How to Write Topic Sentences | 4 Steps, Examples & Purpose. Scribbr. Retrieved March 28, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-paper/topic-sentences/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, example of a great essay | explanations, tips & tricks, how to write a thesis statement | 4 steps & examples, transition words & phrases | list & examples, what is your plagiarism score.

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.

You can turn a subject into a central idea by focusing. Begin by reviewing what you know about your subject or by looking over notes you have made about it through listing, brainstorming, clustering, freewriting, or other prewriting activities.

With these details fresh in your mind, ask yourself:

What is my purpose in writing about this topic? What main point do I want to make about the topic?

WHAT IS MY PURPOSE?

Let's say you decide to write about high school. You might tell a story about your history class, compare two schools you attended, or argue that high schools should require foreign-language study.

If you want to compare the two high schools you attended, you can include details about their academic programs, athletic teams, students, or teachers. But you probably wouldn't argue that high schools should stay open in summer because doing so would take you outside your declared purpose.

WHAT IS MY MAIN POINT?

The next step in focusing is to decide what to say about your subject. What is the most interesting or important point you want to make about the schools you are comparing? The answer will be your main point, which ties all the details of the essay together.

Again, you turn an abstract subject into a central idea by stating a main point about that subject. If your main point is that entering a new school improved your attitude about education, your central idea might read:

Changing high schools made me a more serious student.

MAKING A POINT ABOUT A SUBJECT

In the box below, main points have been added to subjects to form working topic sentences or thesis statements.

Back to Top

CHECK YOUR WORKING CENTRAL IDEA

After writing a working central idea, check it for qualities that will make it effective as the basis of a paragraph or essay. Ask yourself:

Is my central idea expressed in a complete thought? Is it specific? Does it express an idea that is worth developing in a full-length paragraph or essay? Is it limited enough to discuss in a short piece of writing?

Never confuse a central idea with a simple subject. Central ideas are expressed in complete sentences; subjects are words or phrases. Take these subjects:

The city zoo. Professional athletes. Majoring in foreign languages.

Can you write a paragraph or essay on one of these subjects? Only if you decide on the main point you want to make about it. Try these as working central ideas:

The city zoo is in great need of repairs. Professional athletes are overpaid. Studying foreign languages leads to many career choices.

A CENTRAL IDEA IS SPECIFIC

Make your central idea specific. The key to this step is to focus your main point as precisely as you can. That will give you a clear direction to follow as you develop an essay or paragraph. Take this central idea:

Jogging isn't for everybody.

It is correct, but it leaves questions unanswered. For example, what kind of people should not jog? What ill effects might jogging cause them? Now, try this:

Jogging can be harmful to people who suffer from heart, back, or joint problems.

A CENTRAL IDEA CONTAINS A MAIN POINT THAT IS WORTH DEVELOPING

Make sure your main point is an idea-not just a fact-that is worth developing in a full-length paragraph or essay. Read these two sentences:

The War Memorial is in Ottawa. The War Memorial has been severely vandalized.

The first sentence is a statement of fact; it does not call for discussion. The second lends itself to discussion. For example, you might describe what the vandals did, explain how much repairs will cost, or discuss ways to prevent future problems.

A CENTRAL IDEA IS LIMITED

Essays that beginning college or university students write usually contain approximately five to seven paragraphs of about 50 to 100 words. Therefore, you should limit your working topic sentence or thesis, making it as specific as you can. Otherwise, you won't be able to make your point clearly and completely.

LIMIT THE DISCUSSION TO A MANAGEABLE LENGTH

Let's say you want to convince someone to stop smoking. You might limit yourself to three reasons to stop smoking: the health risks, the costs, and its effects on others.

Here's your working thesis:

Break the habit: otherwise, it will ruin your health, empty your wallet, and annoy your friends.

Your working topic sentences, which will control the three body paragraphs, could be as follows:

Smoking causes cancer, emphysema, and heart disease. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year by quitting. Smoking is offensive to friends and family.

LIMITING YOUR CENTRAL IDEA FURTHER

You begin a rough draft by discussing illnesses caused by smoking. However, you soon realize that you can't cover all three reasons for quitting and still keep the essay short. So you limit yourself to the issue of health risks.

Your thesis statement becomes:

Break the habit: smoking causes heart disease, emphysema, and cancer.

Your topic sentences become:

Smoking weakens the heart and impairs circulation. Smoking is a major cause of emphysema. Smoking has been linked directly to cancer of the mouth and the esophagus.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A TOPIC SENTENCE AND A THESIS

A topic sentence is the sentence that expresses the central idea of a paragraph. A thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the central idea of an essay.

It's a good idea to decide the topic sentence of a paragraph after writing the working version of an essay's thesis. A topic sentence explains one aspect or point in the thesis and, therefore, should always be more specific and limited than a thesis.

REVISE AND REFINE THE CENTRAL IDEA AS YOU WORK

You can revise a central idea whenever you need to. The working version of a topic sentence or thesis statement provides only a starting point and a sense of direction. Don't be afraid to look back to your central ideas and rewrite them often. As a matter of fact, focusing is something you should do throughout the writing process.

Ask Cana: Topic Sentences vs. Thesis Statements

Welcome back to Ask Cana, our most intensive teacher-to-teacher column. Topics are 100% generated by questions from our fellow teachers who are practicing Cana Academy’s distinctive approach to seminar leadership, how to read classic texts, and how to write well and think clearly. We love talking shop with our colleagues. In fact, our entire mission is for you and your students. If you have a question for our master teachers, please send it to [email protected]. This post addresses coaching students on topic and thesis sentences.

Q : Where should students put their topic sentences when writing paragraphs? As students begin to write essays, should they follow the same practices they used when writing paragraphs? Should students be directed to make their topic sentences the first sentence of their paragraphs? In an essay, should each topic sentence be written using the same formula or format?

MFL: These are terrific questions, and the answers are not cut and dried. Topic sentences and thesis statements , while similar in purpose, differ greatly in scope. Therefore, the best location for these governing statements depends upon the development of the paragraph or essay . The following are a few tips to keep in mind when coaching students in this area.

1. First, some terminology : A topic sentence is what a paragraph is about. “It is the one, controlling, unifying idea that governs the content of the paragraph .”* A thesis statement expresses an idea to be developed in an essay. The thesis will stretch over a sufficient number of supporting paragraphs with each supporting paragraph directed by a topic sentence. Topic sentences in essays connect to and develop the thesis statement in combination with the other topic sentences.

The beginner will focus on developing stand-alone paragraphs. Each paragraph will be governed by a topic sentence that is plausible and arguable : It will express a reasonable claim that is supported by textual evidence, and it should address something significant and important.

A thesis statement of an essay, in addition to being arguable and plausible, will be focused and unified . The student should focus on something specific, saying something specific about the claim, scene, or character under consideration. A unified thesis should clearly connect the subject and the claim made regarding the subject; the subject and predicate of the thesis will work together to communicate a logical and coherent claim.

In an essay, each paragraph no longer stands alone; it is a support for the thesis along with the other paragraphs and topic sentences.

2. Good questions are the essential prerequisite for good paragraphs , and brainstorming is the indispensable first step for the student. Topic sentences for paragraphs and thesis statements for essays will emerge organically from productive brainstorming. Even the beginner will benefit from regular training in effective brainstorming.

3. The paragraph is not an essay writ small. In other words, a paragraph is not a miniature form of the essay. Stand-alone paragraphs composed by the beginner are the complete and self-contained development of one idea expressed in the topic sentence.

Paragraphs that are part of the larger argument of an essay are complete in the sense that they develop one topic sentence. However, that topic sentence is one of three to five topic sentences, each reaching back to the thesis of the essay. They must hang together from that one thesis statement and, in turn, link together to support the thesis.

4. The topic sentence for a paragraph should be placed where it makes the most sense. For beginners, it may be best to encourage the placement of the topic sentence at the beginning of a stand-alone paragraph so that they can keep track of their thoughts as they develop the paragraph. This can, however, be a little clunky. As a student’s skills develop, teachers may direct the student to follow the logic of his paragraph, placing the topic sentence where it naturally fits in the developed thought of the paragraph. This approach to the placement of the topic sentence applies to each of the supporting paragraphs in an essay as well.

Thesis sentences will most often occur at the end of an introductory paragraph. The students will need to provide some context for the question that the thesis will address. This question could be the one the teacher has posed or it could be a question that the student develops. In either case, the question should naturally arise as a student writes his introduction. He need not state the question; rather, he should practice developing his introduction in a manner that will imply the question that is answered by his thesis statement. It is this question that focuses the thesis and will be addressed in the essay. Each supporting paragraph will be governed by a topic sentence, which should be positioned logically within the paragraph.

The following are examples of topic sentences taken from the Cana Writing Guide: Thinking Well, Writing Clearly :

What is Gandalf’s role in the quest to recover the Arkenstone? ( The Hobbit ) Gandalf provides the necessary leadership for the quest by assembling the party, providing the map, and intervening in times of crisis. (The details of each of these contributions will be further elaborated upon in the paragraph.)

What character trait does Hazel have that makes him an effective leader of the expedition to find a new warren? ( Watership Down ) Hazel’s sheer determination to save his warren in the face of multiple obstacles and crises makes him the natural leader of the group. (Examples of this determination will be recounted in the paragraph.)

Here are examples of thesis statements followed by their supporting topic sentences. Notice that the topic sentences developing each thesis utilize the same roadmap but are not written in a formulaic manner.

Thesis: Elizabeth finally realizes Darcy’s goodness when she recognizes her own pride and prejudice. ( Pride and Prejudice )

Supports using Reasons: When Elizabeth discerns Wickham’s corrupt nature and how her own vanity has fed on his detraction of Darcy, she is freed from the scoundrel’s deceitful assessment. The praise that Darcy’s long-time Pemberley servant bestows on her master persuades Elizabeth of a goodness in him she did not see before. Finally, she is deeply moved to shame and gratitude by Darcy’s generosity when she learns of the sacrifices he has quietly made on behalf of her family, saving them from public ruin.

Thesis: At the heart of Aristotle’s concept of human action lies a man’s voluntary choice. ( Nicomachean Ethics )

Supports using Parts: The best human activity—the highest human good that directs choices—is happiness or, perhaps better said, living well. Goods in life, the things that make up a life well lived, are largely a matter of deliberation: practical, reasonable measuring of what it takes to attain life’s good purposes or ends. In each case where there is a genuine choice—that is, voluntary action—deliberation illuminates the means by which the individual ought to pursue the respective good.

Final thoughts

Teaching students to recognize and write solid topic sentences and thesis statements provides them with the indispensable keystone for writing coherent and unified paragraphs and essays. These fundamental skills will serve them well as they grow to develop deeper and richer thinking and understanding while improving their writing.

Mary Frances Loughran is a master teacher and director of writing for Cana Academy. She has been teaching students and training teachers for thirty-five years. Her latest guide, Leading a Seminar on Plato’s Euthyphro , is available at our Shop .

* Cana Writing Guide: Thinking Well, Writing Clearly , 25.

Difference Between Topic Sentence Vs. Thesis Statement

After being introduced during the K-12 years of a student's education, academic writing is a mainstay in college and higher education. With proper format and technique being a major aspect of academic writing, it is essential for students to understand the differences between a topic sentence and a thesis statement.

Explore this article

• Essay Format
• Topic Sentences
• Thesis Statement
• Differences

1 Essay Format

Before delving into the differences between topic sentences and thesis statements, it is important to first establish the general format for a written essay. For K-12 students, written essays can commonly require the five-paragraph format, which consist of an introduction, three paragraphs that make up the body of the paper and the final paragraph as the conclusion. By understanding this general format of academic writing, it is easier to understand where topic sentences and thesis statements fit into place.

2 Topic Sentences

Topic sentences are used in each major paragraph of an essay paper. The purposes of these sentences are to develop and state the key idea of each paragraph in an effort to define the point of the paragraph. For example, when writing an essay paper on the effects of the Gettysburg Address, one of the paragraphs in the body of the paper could discuss how the audience received President Lincoln's famous speech. The topic sentence for this paragraph could be, "With the brief yet poignant nature of the Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln reminded his audience why the country was fighting so desperately to conserve the Union."

3 Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a single sentence that is used to define the purpose of your paper. Thesis statements inform readers as to the purpose of your paper. After reading your thesis statement, anyone reviewing your paper should be able to determine what your paper is going to prove or argue. For example, a thesis statement for a paper about William Shakespeare's famous play "Romeo and Juliet" could be as follows: "The play 'Romeo and Juliet' demonstrates the incredible power and impatient nature of young love, as the star-crossed lovers' inability to exercise patience or control their passion for one another results in their deaths."

4 Differences

With the purposes of both topic sentences and thesis statements established, the differences between the two are clear. Thesis statements need to be more broad and leave room to expand on further points to support the paper's argument. With the thesis statement in the previous section, a writer could continue explaining his argument about Romeo and Juliet by providing sub-points, demonstrating instances where the pair made hasty choices that had fatal consequences. Topic sentences are more specific in their purpose. For example, with the topic sentence in section two, it is clear that the next paragraph will discuss how President Lincoln used the Gettysburg Address to remind his countrymen about the purpose of the Civil War.

• 1 Indiana University: Paragraphs and Topic Sentences

Related Articles

The Similarities and Differences Between a Paragraph...

Paragraph Writing Skills for Beginners

How to Write a Hook for an Essay

How to Write an Introductory Paragraph in Elementary...

5 Ways to Develop a Paragraph

How to Write a Persuasive Essay

What Is a Narrative Response?

What Is a Lead-in Statement?

How to Build a Thesis for a College Essay

Important Elements in Writing Argument Essays

Abolitionists & the Moral Argument Regarding Slavery

What is a Clincher Statement?

Three Types of History Sources

How to Write an Introduction to a History Essay

How to Write an Introduction Paragraph With Thesis...

How Did Hearst & Pulitzer Use Newspapers to Provoke...

How Did John Jay Interpret the Constitution?

Major Parts of a Term Paper

How to Write a Composition on the Figurative Language...

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

• Accessibility
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Copyright Policy
• Manage Preferences

© 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. See disclaimer .

Thesis Statement or Topic Sentence?

• High School

Occasionally at IEW our customer service team will receive questions about the differences between topic sentences and thesis statements. Hopefully this blog post will dispel any confusion between the two and empower you to help your students assail the essay in style!

Thesis statements summarize the central position of an entire essay and typically appear at the end of the introductory paragraph. Think of them as guideposts for the entire essay. They provide the reader of the essay an idea of the direction it will take. While beginning essay writers will typically write a single-sentence thesis statement, the thesis can be more than one sentence.

Depending upon the type of essay being written, a thesis statement’s emphasis will vary. In an expository essay, an essay that explains or informs, the thesis will narrow what is being explained. Thesis statements in narrative essays, which are essays that relate a story, paint an overall picture of the story that is being described and as such tend to be more personal in nature. Another type of essay, the argumentative essay, features thesis statements that underscore the writer’s opinion. In contrast, persuasive essays employ a somewhat different approach. In a persuasive essay, the thesis statement is oftentimes replaced with a question. This question serves to entice the reader to continue reading the essay in order to learn the writer’s position.

While you can think of thesis statements as guideposts for an entire essay, think of topic sentences as guideposts for individual paragraphs. Topic sentences appear in the body of the essay and are the first sentence in the paragraph. Not only do topic sentences focus the content in the paragraph, they also support the thesis statement made in the introduction.

So what might thesis statements and topic sentences look in a real-life example? Let’s consider a narrative essay prompt that asks the writer to describe someone who challenged him or her to work hard. A thesis statement might look something like this: “My gym teacher, Mr. Hernandez, never stopped encouraging me to do ‘hard things’ in high school.” This thesis statement helps the reader prepare to read some of the ways that Mr. Hernandez encouraged the writer. The topic sentences would support the thesis. Consider the following potential topic sentences:

• Mr. Hernandez encouraged me to enroll in an honors English class my senior year in high school.
• When he learned of an opportunity to help a family who had fallen on hard times, Mr. Hernandez reached out to me to help organize a clothing drive.
• Once I began to apply to colleges, Mr. Hernandez encouraged me to apply to a selective college and even offered to write a reference letter on my behalf.

These topic sentences all support the thesis of the paper by showing how Mr. Hernandez supported the writer of the essay. In the conclusion of the essay, the writer would reiterate the topics one more time before finishing the paper by emphasizing the most important point that underscores the thesis. That point might be something like this:

Mr. Hernandez saw something in me that I didn’t recognize in myself. He helped me to grow in confidence and take on challenges I would never have considered on my own. I’m excited to say that this next fall I’ll be attending ____________ University as an honors student majoring in English. And I even received an academic scholarship thanks in part to his letter of recommendation. I am so thankful he took the time to help me on my path!

• Search Website
• Office Directory
• Employee Directory
• Learning Commons

Topic Sentences

What is a topic sentence.

• A statement at the beginning of each body paragraph
• Indicates the topic of the entire paragraph
• In a short essay, it reflects one of the main points of the thesis statement (link to thesis statement handout)

Main Point + Details

An effective topic sentence expands on a main thesis point by including details and explanation. It has two organizational purposes:

• Relate back to the thesis statement
• Summarize the paragraph

An effective topic sentence is like a mini-thesis statement for each paragraph.

Example Thesis: Health-conscious individuals should consider substituting strawberries for desserts because strawberries are healthy , sweet , and versatile .   Topic of Body Paragraph 1: Strawberries are healthy   Topic of Body Paragraph 2: Strawberries are sweet   Topic of Body Paragraph 3: Strawberries are versatile

Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 1: Strawberries are a healthy substitute for desserts because they have a much lower carbohydrate count and are rich in nutrients and fiber.  

Notice that the topic sentence includes the first main point of the thesis statement, but it expands on the idea with further details. Now the paragraph can elaborate further on these details, and it should relate back to the main argument – that strawberries can be substituted for desserts.

The second body paragraph would start with a topic sentence about the second main point: strawberries are sweet . The third body paragraph would start with a topic sentence about the third main point: strawberries are versatile .

Longer Essays

Not all papers will have a three point thesis statement. If this is the case, the topic sentence may not contain a word-for-word point stated in the thesis statement.

Example Thesis statement: The literary techniques used by Leo Tolstoy in The Death of Ivan Ilych unveil an extraordinary sense of depth within the novella that is imperative to truly understanding Tolstoy’s ideas.

Example Topic Sentence: When Leo Tolstoy employs the technique of symbolism, inanimate objects like Ivan’s golden pocket watch and the drapes on his windows convey hidden meanings that further clarify important themes in the story.

From DBU Writing Center  http://www3.dbu.edu/uwc/documents/TopicSentencesAug15.pdf

Writing Topic Sentences — Purpose, Structure, and Examples

What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence in academic writing identifies how a body paragraph relates to the overall purpose of an essay stated in the thesis statement . Topic sentences are usually at the beginning of a paragraph and identify the paragraph’s controlling idea.

While an essay’s thesis statement identifies the point of the essay in its entirety, the topic sentence has a much narrower focus, as it relates only to the paragraph in which it is located.

What is the purpose of a topic sentence?

The purpose of a topic sentence is to inform the reader of the main idea of the paragraph and how it connects to the overall objective of the essay. An effective topic sentence accomplishes one or more of the following:

Makes a claim

Supports other claims made in the paper

Identifies the purpose of the rest of the paragraph

Relates the paragraph to the purpose of the paper

Precedes information that defends a claim

How to write a topic sentence

To write a topic sentence, incorporate the following guidelines:

Determine the thesis of the essay.

Identify the main supports that help prove the thesis.

Use each main support to structure a topic sentence for each paragraph.

Compose a sentence that answers the following questions:

What will the paragraph prove?

How does the paragraph connect to the thesis?

Where is the topic sentence in a paragraph?

Topic sentences can be placed at the beginning or end of a paragraph.

Although it does not need to be the first sentence, the topic sentence should be placed at the beginning of the paragraph so the reader can quickly identify the purpose of the paragraph.

While not a common placement for a topic sentence, some writers use topic sentences at the end of a paragraph. Writers who choose this method want the reader to deduce the main point of the paragraph by presenting the evidence first.

Topic sentence examples

The following list identifies topic sentences based on the provided thesis statements for five-paragraph essays:

Thesis Statement: Capital punishment should be banned because it is inhumane, unconstitutional, and ineffective at deterring crime.

Support Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: The inhumane nature of the death penalty proves it should be abolished.

Support Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Capital punishment should be outlawed because it violates the Constitution.

Support Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Because the death penalty does not effectively deter criminal behavior, states should not continue to use it.

Thesis Statement: College athletes should be financially compensated because they sacrifice their minds and bodies, cannot hold an outside job, and increase the school’s revenue.

Support Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: Student athletes should be paid for their performance because of sports’ impact on their minds and bodies.

Support Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Because most college athletes cannot play their sport and hold a job, colleges should give them a living wage.

Support Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Student-athletes’ ability to increase their college’s revenue proves they should be awarded financial compensation.

Thesis Statement: Using alternative energy sources can help lessen the impact of global climate change.

Support Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: Through the widespread use of solar power, countries can limit the environmental impact of other energy sources.

Support Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Utilizing more wind turbines as a power source can help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Support Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Using geothermal power will effectively decrease the world's reliance on fossil fuels.

Difference Between Thesis Statement and Topic Sentence

A perfect data arrangement, catchy hook, compelling content, and excellent formatting are the basic requirements for any academic paper. However, these are not all the structural parts that may influence the quality of the text.

Although the magnitude of the thesis statement and topic sentence are frequently underestimated, these are the items that can either contribute to the relevance of the paper or affect the final result. 

No matter if you are an experienced writer or a complete amateur, you should pay due attention to these items. At this point, it is essential to mention that the vast majority of learners are unaware of key peculiarities and specifications on these essay parts, considering them to be interchangeable. 

So, what is the difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement? This is a prominent question you should ask before you start creating any college-level text. Remember that the key objective of both items is to draw the reader’s attention to the core idea of the text. Nonetheless, the thesis statement emphasizes the key specks of the whole paper, while the topic sentence is used to reveal the quirks of a particular paragraph. 

Basic Definitions: Thesis Statement and Topic Sentence in Detail

While the general idea behind these two definitions is clear from the previous point, it is essential to dive deeper into the characteristics of the items to use them more efficiently. 

The thesis statement is the fundamental stand the writer takes. It incorporated the generalized idea of the essay, including the author’s perspective of the topic and the key points included in the text. Striving to make this part influential, the learner should fixate on the topic, limit it, and narrow it down, presenting only the most significant and appealing info. The scope of this essay part will depend mainly on the length, goal of the writing, and the prospective audience. 

As for the topic sentence, it resembles the thesis but has a much narrower meaning. As the name implies, it introduced the principal theme but is restricted to a particular passage. As you read the topic sentence, you will get detailed info about the essence of the passage, its objectives, and conclusions. Here are the prime specifications of the topic sentence:

• it contains the dominating idea of the passage;
• it is short and concise, but informative and influential;
• it is presented as a first sentence in the paragraph;
• it is descriptive and argumentative;
• it is a declarative sentence that contains relevant and valid information only. 

Core Similarities of the Paper Parts

Before you deal with the critical discrepancies of the topic sentence and thesis statement, you should pay due attention to their similarities. It will help you succeed with academic essay writing and achieve the desired goal. Look through the list of core features that make these items alike:

• they are full sentences that communicate a coherent idea;
• they should show and describe the content;
• they should be neither too broad nor too narrow. 

Thesis Statement vs Topic Sentence: Discrepancy to Mind

When the definitions, specifications, and objectives of the thesis statement and topic sentence are acknowledged, the dissimilarities between these items become obvious. However, if you have failed to grasp the core idea, you have another chance to discover the three peculiarities that make the items different. First of all, it is critical to mention the position, information, and function that can make a significant difference. 

All these points should mandatorily be taken into consideration if the learner strives to make the essay highly appreciated. Double-check your awareness of the sentence place and essence, which may become critical for the success of your work.  

Abbie McCoy

Outline of Issue Brief

The Criminalization of Women People Following the Overturn of Roe v. Wade and the implications that it has on Mothers to be. 

In September of 2023, 34-year-old Brittany Watts was 22 weeks pregnant when her pregnancy was deemed non-viable. This news was already horrible to live with but the event following her miscarriage would become even more shocking. Her miscarriage happened while she was in her home, she would later find out that she would be facing criminal charges in the state of Ohio for her actions.

Now, Brittany did dispose of the fetus herself because it was already deemed nonviable. Her miscarriage took place in her own bathroom of her own home. She was arrested two weeks later on charges of felony abuse of a corpse for how how she handled the remains. A woman who wrote the book, Roe: The History of a National Obsession,  Mary Ziegler spoke out about this specific case. She said on PBS, “So, essentially, I think what prosecutors are faulting Brittany Watts for is not grieving in the way they thought was appropriate following her miscarriage.” She was then asked if there are any laws in Ohio or anywhere else around this term and how you should handle a miscarriage or report that a miscarriage occurred. Mary responded with, ” No. I mean, so if you are pregnant and you’re looking for guidance about what to do when you experience a miscarriage, the only information you’re likely to find is what you should do to protect your own health, essentially when you should seek medical attention, when you may be experiencing complications versus when you can handle whatever’s happening at home.” This would strongly suggest that Brittany handled the situation in the way that she was supposed to and had no reason to seek any other medical care for a fetus that was not even viable.

This interview points out that there are no clear instructions on what to do when you experience a miscarriage at home. It is unfair that she is being prosecuted for something that has never been clearly stated on what to do when this particular situation occurs. She also mentions that in the way of the Constitution a fetus is not viewed as a rights holding person but we treat it like one for the sake of “abusing a corpse.”

Mary states, “We treat is as a person for the purposes of fetal homicide law, or wrongful death law, or intestacy law, to sort of put incremental pressure on a conservative Supreme Court to move toward the recognition of personhood.” Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade it has sort of opened up more of a discussion for cases such as this one in criminalizing pregnant persons. The overturn of Roe v. Wade was a devastating step back for women regardless of pro-choice or pro-life there is a sense of comfort that women have in knowing that they at least get the choice and that was stripped away. Now even if someone doesn’t handle their miscarriage in the exact way that the law expects them to they will be prosecuted and even face around a year in jail. Miscarrying a child is a hard experience as is, why must we put in rules and regulations for what it is supposed to look like for everyone, and if there are rules about how a miscarriage is supposed to be handled it at least needs to be clearly stated in order for someone to follow it correctly.

After my introduction/thesis I want to give some more examples of how women today are being negatively effected by the externalities of the overturn of Roe V. Wade. I will talk more about the issues it causes and what can be done to help these women and what policy/ change can be made so that there are no more stories like Brittany’s.

Then my conclusion will wrap it up.

1 thought on “ Outline of Issue Brief ”

1 Identify and discuss the organizational pattern (or the closest one to it) from the Arranging a Policy Speech Keyword. Is this a good structure for the topic and policy arguments? Make some comments or suggestions.

The organizational pattern that I believe you are using is the problem/cause/solution pattern and for your topic I think this structure fits very well. Talking about the problem at the beginning and providing some more examples of how women today are affected by Roe v Wade is a great start to the piece. Followed by the causes such as how the laws on how one would deal with a fetus after a miscarriage are not set in stone will help show how this is a pressing matter that needs to be discussed more and changes made. Lastly providing a possible solution will help tie the whole piece together and would make the piece very effective.

2. Do the topic sentences point back to the thesis and/or make the argumentative claim for the paragraph? Give one strong example or one example of a sentence that could be improved.

I think you did a good job so far with your topic sentences and for the most part, they point back to the thesis well. The only change I would make is maybe add a sentence before the second paragraph where you talk about Brittany disposing of the fetus or maybe combine the first and second paragraphs since they have similar topics. I also think maybe making a new paragraph when you start to talk about Mary Ziegler could work well. But overall, the rest of the piece is great!!

3. How is the evidence working as of now? Do we need more research? Where in the paper would more evidence (and what kinds of evidence) be helpful?

So far, I think the evidence is working well. I like the fact that you started with a real story of how a mother was being charged since this shows the importance of the issue. I also think that the other evidence from professionals helps the piece and as you said you will be providing more stories like Brittany’s, and I think that will make a great piece when it is all finished.

4. How are the infographs working? If there are no infographs yet, please provide ideas for them.

So far you do not have infographics, (I don’t either lolz) but your topic has the possibility of many different infographics which is great. One possible graph you could make is the abortion laws in each state or maybe a graph that shows how many women are being charged/jailed for similar acts as Brittany.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Thesis Statements Vs Topic Sentences

Jul 26, 2014

250 likes | 661 Views

Thesis Statements Vs Topic Sentences. Thesis Statement. The thesis statement concisely expresses your main idea to your audience and is supported by the body of the essay. Your thesis statement should do more than state a fact; rather, it should make an assertion based on your own ideas.

Share Presentation

• humorous television
• sentence topic sentence
• american family
• strong topic sentences
• solar system

Presentation Transcript

Thesis Statement • The thesis statement concisely expresses your main idea to your audience and is supported by the body of the essay. Your thesis statement should do more than state a fact; rather, it should make an assertion based on your own ideas.  Bad: iPods are devices that transport and play music. Good: iPods are the best source for transporting and playing music not only because they are compact and user-friendly but also because they store large amounts of music.

EXAMPLES OF THESIS STATEMENTS • Example: The writers of Family Guy use irreverent humor to satirize pop culture, comment on the stereotypical American family, and explore controversial themes. • Example: The irreverent humor used in Family Guy is not used simply to shock, but to comment on deeper societal issues.

How to Develop a Thesis Statement Think deeper! After writing a thesis statement, ask yourself, “So what?” Example:Family Guy is a humorous television show. (So what?) Revision:Family Guy is entertaining because of its controversial humor. (So what?) Revision: The irreverent humor used in Family Guy is not used simply to shock, but to comment on deeper societal issues.

Other Ways to Expand Your Thesis Statement Say why Say why your audience should care Say how Make specific comparisons Make an evaluation Consider the consequences

Topic Sentences • Just as the thesis statement tells the main argument of your essay, topic sentences state the main idea of individual body paragraphs and directly relate to your thesis. • Topic sentences provide support for your argument and direction for your reader.

Consider the following analogies to help understand the importance of strong topic sentences.

Solar System Analogy Just as the sun is the center of the solar system and orbited by the planets, topic sentences revolve around your thesis statement, the center of your argument. Topic Sentence Topic Sentence Sun Topic Sentence Topic Sentence

Roof and Pillar Analogy The thesis statement covers the overall argument/primary point of the paper and is supported by the topic sentences, which give the main points and evidence of the paper. Thesis Statement Topic Sentence Topic Sentence Topic Sentence

Topic Sentence Examples • To survive at Camp Green Lake the campers in Tent D must take several precautions. • There are several advantages to being the leader of Camp D. • The Texas desert contains many types of dangerous creatures.

Choose the Best Topic Sentence The following slides have 2 sentences on each. Determine which is the best topic sentence.

Choose the Best Topic Sentence • __________ Texas has 267,000 square miles. • __________ Texas is so big that you can find many things to do. • TopicSentence

Choose the Best Topic Sentence • __________ A bully is a boy or girl who acts mean or hurtful to others. • __________ Bullies sometimes hit, kick, or push to hurt people. • Topic Sentence

Choose the Best Topic Sentence • __________ Heavy downpours on Earth's deserts can drastically change the landscape of these regions. • __________ Ground-hugging shrubs and short woody trees survive better in the desert than evergreen trees. • Topic Sentence

• More by User

Thesis Statements

Thesis Statements. The Foundation of All Good Writing. Thesis Statement. The thesis statement sums up the entire essay in one complete sentence. If it is not a complete sentence, it’s not a thesis statement. Formula for a thesis statement: Topic + main point about topic.

532 views • 12 slides

Thesis Statements, Topic Sentences and Analysis

Thesis Statements, Topic Sentences and Analysis. Common Openings. To what extent How much, to what degree, what quantity Assess Determine degree of accuracy of a given statement Analyze Separate, breakdown into parts, show relationships Evaluate

1.67k views • 38 slides

Prompts, Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences

Prompts, Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences. Or: All I wanted to know about writing but was afraid to ask. A ‘prompt’ is basically an order . That is, it is an instruction for you to do something . For writing tasks, your prompt will usually be given on a sheet of paper. Examples:

408 views • 20 slides

Crafting Thesis Statements and Utilizing Topic Sentences

Crafting Thesis Statements and Utilizing Topic Sentences. Duane Theobald [email protected] . Thesis Statements. What do you already know about thesis statements?. Introduction to Thesis Statements . A thesis statement:

329 views • 15 slides

Thesis Statement and Topic Sentences

Thesis Statement and Topic Sentences. History Paper. Thesis Statement. This is the backbone of your paper. It appears in the introductory paragraph. It includes 1.) the topic 2.) the time or era 3.) your claim. 1.) the topic , 2.) the time or era, and 3.) your claim

366 views • 16 slides

Thesis Statements . Concept Attainment. In the face of truth, one must fight to uphold one’s ideals in order to remain true to oneself . Don’t judge a book by its cover .

143 views • 4 slides

Thesis Statements. Definition of a Thesis Statement How to Construct a Strong Thesis Statement How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One . What is a Thesis Statement?. What is a thesis statement? Most important sentence in your paper

628 views • 30 slides

Crafting Thesis Statements and Utilizing Topic Sentences. UWC Writing Workshop Fall 2013. Thesis Statements. What do you already know about thesis statements?. Introduction to Thesis Statements . A thesis statement:

527 views • 16 slides

Thesis Statements!

Thesis Statements!. A Guide. Step One: Find Your Claims. Look in your Conclusion: Circle your main claims about Hamlet as a man Circle what you said Hamlet’s fatal flaw is Circle who is the better choice for King, Hamlet or Fortenbras , and why These are the broad pieces for your thesis

126 views • 4 slides

Thesis Statements. THESIS STATEMENTS. In your first paragraph Does not always have to be the first sentence. Could be the last sentence of first paragraph. General statement about what you’re writing. AN UMBRELLA – “Covers” the whole paper. 1. Ask a Question. Example-

233 views • 13 slides

Thesis and Topic Sentences

Thesis and Topic Sentences. f or The Wave. What is a thesis? Why do teachers always say it’s so important?. A thesis is your ONE-SENTENCE answer to the prompt. It is the MOST IMPORTANT sentence in your paper because without it, NO ONE knows what you will be PROVING .

254 views • 13 slides

Crafting Thesis Statements and Utilizing Topic Sentences. UWC Writing Workshop Spring 2014. Thesis Statements. What do you already know about thesis statements?. Introduction to Thesis Statements . A thesis statement:

351 views • 16 slides

THESIS STATEMENTS

THESIS STATEMENTS. Discussion. What is a thesis statement ? What is the purpose of a thesis statement?. THESIS STATEMENTS. To create a thesis you first think of a topic. Now take that topic and give it two opinions…FOR or AGAINST Which side do you land on?

268 views • 8 slides

Creating Thesis-Based Topic Sentences

Creating Thesis-Based Topic Sentences. Pre-AP English II. Sample Thesis Statement. In Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse , the author uses thought-provoking symbols, sharp diction, and complex syntax to prove complexity constructs simplicity . . Deconstructed Thesis.

197 views • 6 slides

Thesis & Topic Sentences

Thesis & Topic Sentences. Things Fall Apart. ESSAY OUTLINE. INTRODUCTION BODY PARAGRAPH 1 BODY PARAGRAPH 2 BODY PARAGRAPH 3 CONCLUSION. Introduction. Thesis What + Why What is the answer to the prompt? Why do you know it?

487 views • 11 slides

Strong Vs. Weak Thesis Statements

Strong Vs. Weak Thesis Statements. Advanced Composition. How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One. 1. A strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand.

491 views • 5 slides

Practice with thesis statements and topic sentences.

Practice with thesis statements and topic sentences. Why do you need to grasp these concepts? A working thesis statement and strong topic sentences are necessary. They hold the essay together…. Tragic hero topic: compare and contrast. There is room for improvement:. Acceptable:. Thesis-

678 views • 8 slides

Thesis Statements!. A thesis is the main idea of your paper. It is contained in a thesis statement. So, just what the heck IS a thesis statement , anyway?. A thesis statement is a sentence that answers these questions for your readers:

309 views • 16 slides

Thesis statements

Thesis statements. Thesis statement. A thesis statement is the central message of your paper; it is the main idea and should reflect the paper’s content. Thesis statement. The thesis statement usually creates the strongest impression when it is the first or last sentence in the

459 views • 30 slides

Introductions, Thesis Statements, Conclusions, Topic Sentences, and Quote Introductions

Introductions, Thesis Statements, Conclusions, Topic Sentences, and Quote Introductions. (and other tips for writing your paper). Introduction. Begin with a general statement. Mention titles of works of literature and authors’ names Give a brief (no more than a sentence) overview of the story

640 views • 27 slides

Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences

Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences. Topic Sentences (The First Sentence of Each Body Paragraph ).

645 views • 6 slides

thesis statements, topic sentences, and transitions

thesis statements, topic sentences, and transitions. Amanda Karim Writing Lab TA. Thesis Statements. A thesis statement is one sentence that briefly states your main point. A thesis statement must answer two questions for the reader: What is your topic?

255 views • 11 slides