What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence is a sentence that introduces a paragraph by presenting the one topic that will be the focus of that paragraph. 

The structure of a paragraph should imitate the organization of a paper. Just like the thesis statement gives the main idea of the paper at the essay level, the topic sentence gives the main idea at the paragraph level. The rest of the paragraph then supports that topic.

Topic sentences should:

• Be specific and have a narrower focus than your thesis statement.

• Appear in or near the first sentence of the paragraph.
• Introduce the topic of the paragraph.

Additional Resources:

• See the Writing Center’s tips on using topic sentences.
• View the Writing Center's paragraphs page for more tips on effective paragraphs.
• Review the recorded webinar "Writing Effective Academic Paragraphs" for further examples of scholarly paragraph construction.

Further Questions?

Would you like a current or future assignment to be reviewed by the Writing Center?  If so please visit the Writing Center's Paper Review Website and make an appointment with us! 

Do you have other general writing questions? Ask OASIS ! 

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the Form & Style review? E-mail the Dissertation Editors at [email protected].

Want to peruse other writing resources? Go to the Writing Center’s homepage.