topic sentences

Topic Sentence Definition

  • A topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph in which it appears.

  • Other sentences in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence and provide supporting information.

    • Types of supporting information include:

    • Details

    • Examples

Role of Topic Sentences in a Paper

  • All topic sentences in a paper should support the paper's thesis statement.

  • A reader skimming the paper should be able to gain a clear understanding of the paper's main focus just by reading the topic sentences.

Thesis Statement Example

  • Example of a thesis statement:

    • "The advantages of having a hybrid vehicle include financial savings due to more efficient gas usage, reduction of CO₂ emissions, and the energy tax credit given to people who buy this type of vehicle."

Creation of Topic Sentences from a Thesis Statement

  • The thesis statement can be divided into three main topic sentences for the corresponding body paragraphs.

Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 1

  • Example Topic Sentence: "The most rewarding advantage of driving a hybrid vehicle is the financial savings."

    • Supporting Details:

    • Focus on financial savings owners receive from driving a vehicle that gets great gas mileage.

Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 2

  • Example Topic Sentence: "A second advantage to driving a hybrid vehicle is reducing CO₂ emissions."

    • Supporting Details:

    • Discuss the importance of reducing CO₂ emissions.

    • Provide information about the adverse effects of CO₂ on the atmosphere.

Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 3

  • Example Topic Sentence: "An often forgotten advantage of driving a hybrid vehicle is the tax credit owners of such vehicles receive."

    • Supporting Details:

    • Focus on the $3,000 energy tax credit people receive for buying a hybrid vehicle.

Conclusion

  • Successful paragraphs contain topic sentences that encapsulate the main ideas and supporting sentences that enhance the reader's understanding of those ideas, all linking back to the overarching thesis statement.