Topic sentences introduce the main point of a paragraph and can also serve as transition devices. They should be specific and clear, but not all paragraphs require them. They are useful in analytical and creative writing, and can help writers plan the order and flow of ideas.
A topic sentence opens a paragraph and indicates or suggests what the body of the paragraph will be about. To maintain clarity, topic sentences should be specific and to the point, providing a clear introduction to the analysis or description that follows. Topic sentences can also be used as transition devices, helping the author move from information in previous paragraphs to a new or extended point. While topic sentences aren’t always necessary, they are often used in analytical and creative writing.
The topic sentence serves as the opening statement of a paragraph. Placing the main point in the first sentence allows the reader to quickly understand what the body will be covering in detail. Using the topic sentence as a short statement of the body of the paragraph can also benefit the writer: in timed essay writing, one strategy is to sketch each paragraph’s topic sentence before starting the essay, as this allows the writer starting writing with an existing plan for the order and flow of ideas he will present.
Specificity is important for crafting a good thematic sentence. Too broad an opening line can leave the reader confused as to what specific points are being made. For example, the sentence “Unwanted pets may end up in shelters for many reasons, but there are few good solutions for them” might be considered too broad, since it is not clear whether the paragraph will discuss the many reasons why pets are in shelters , or the scarcity of solutions to the problem. A more specific thematic sentence, such as “Unwanted pets end up in shelters for many reasons, including illness, loss of family income, and abandonment,” helps set up the body of the paragraph by briefly explaining what will be discussed.
In addition to providing specificity, topic sentences can also serve as a means of transitioning into a new statement. If a writer wanted to use the information in the previous paragraph to further a point, they could include an opening clause referencing the relevant material. For example, using the last example, the next paragraph on pets in shelters might begin: “With so many reasons pets end up in shelters, it’s easy to see why overcrowding at local shelters is a problem.” Referring to the last paragraph, the writer can then build on the knowledge already gained to establish a new point or extend an existing argument.
Not all paragraphs use or require topic sentences. Paragraphs that list steps or actions, such as in cooking recipes, often don’t need a thematic sentence for clarity. In creative writing, many professionals avoid this form of writing altogether, considering it too formal and restrictive for a natural flow of ideas. However, they are often required in essays, term papers, and other forms of required writing exercises. In general, however, a topic sentence is best used when it helps clarify ideas or arguments for the writer or intended audience.
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