Although it might be tempting to begin a paragraph with a compelling quotation, as a general rule, topic sentences should state the main idea of the paragraph in your own words.
The topic sentence is typically the first sentence of a paragraph, and it introduces the subject of a paragraph by laying out a controlling idea or particular point of view on the topic. The rest of the paragraph will include supporting sentences with examples and evidence to support the main point.
The topic sentence must clearly state your purpose for that paragraph. If you have more than one paragraph, the topic sentence must be a single sentence (subject + verb = sentence) that both presents your topic for the paragraph and builds on the ideas you have presented already.
There are usually three basic elements: (1) a topic, (2) a topic sentence, and (3) supporting details. The topic sentence states the main, or controlling, idea.
The Basic Rule: Keep One Idea to One Paragraph
The basic rule of thumb with paragraphing is to keep one idea to one paragraph. If you begin to transition into a new idea, it belongs in a new paragraph. There are some simple ways to tell if you are on the same topic or a new one.
Rule 1: Answer the question that is asked. Rule 2: Write your answer in your own words. Rule 3: Think about the content of your essay, being sure to demonstrate good social scientific skills. Rule 4: Think about the structure of your essay, being sure to demonstrate good writing skills and observing any word limit.
Paragraphs should also have a specific structure. Each needs to have a topic sentence to introduce the main idea of the paragraph, supporting sentences to describe the evidence and examples, and a closing sentence to provide an end to the paragraph.
The topic sentence generally is composed of two parts: (a) the topic itself and (b) the controlling idea. Writing effective topic sentences, however, involves more than merely stating the subject of the paragraph. A good topic sentence is specific and well focused, guiding the entire paragraph.
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.
This essay discusses … … is explored … … is defined … The definition of … will be given … is briefly outlined … … is explored … The issue focused on …. … is demonstrated ... … is included … In this essay ….. … is explained … … are identified …
Start with a “topic sentence” Give 1-2 sentences of supporting evidence for (or against) your argument. Next, write a sentence analysing this evidence with respect to your argument or topic sentence. Finally, conclude by explaining the significance of this stance, or providing a transition to the next paragraph.
The topic sentence is the sentence in the paragraph that gives the reader not only the general topic, but also the main idea, or what the paragraph is trying to say about the topic. The other sentences in the paragraph provide supporting facts.
The 2-3-1 principle (which can also be the 1-3-2 principle) means you should lead with the second most important piece of information, end with the main point, and bury the rest of the stuff in the middle.
Donald Murray used to preach the 2-3-1 rule of emphasis. Place the least emphatic words in the middle. The second most important go at the beginning. The most important nails the meaning at the end.
Avoid using a quotation as a topic sentence. Your topic sentences should be in your voice. They should reflect your ideas. Avoid starting a paragraph with a sentence that summarizes an event; this is a simple statement of fact rather than an analytical statement.
The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph because it gives an overview of the sentences to follow. The supporting sentences after the topic sentence help to develop the main idea. These sentences give specific details related to the topic sentence.
A topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about. For example, maybe your paragraph is about how dogs and wolves are alike and different. This would be a good topic sentence: Though dogs and wolves look alike, they have important differences.
Characteristics of good topic sentences
Signals the topic and more focused ideas within the paragraph. Presents an idea or ideas that are clear and easy to understand. Provides unity to the paragraph (clarifies how all supporting ideas relate). Links to the purpose or thesis of your paper.
Use three words that work together to convey a single concept. This is called a hendiatris and is especially useful for advertising slogans and speechwriting. Think, “Veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered) and “Friends, romans, countrymen,” both from William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.
Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires certain defendants to cooperate in saving unnecessary expenses of serving a summons and complaint.
Length of a paragraph
Academic paragraphs are usually between 200 and 300 words long (they vary more than this but it is a useful guide). The important thing is that they should be long enough to contain all the above material. Only move onto a new paragraph if you are making a new point.
Most of us grew up with the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you). The “Platinum Rule” is a common business buzzword. The Platinum Rule states that instead of treating people the way you want to be treated, you should invest time in discovering how they want to be treated.