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How to write a topic sentence

Before we learn how to write a topic sentence we must first understand what we mean by ‘topic sentence. What is confusing to many writers is the different terminology that is used, which may be taken to mean ‘topic sentence.’ For example: key sentence, opening sentence, sentence beginning, etc.

Definition of ‘topic sentence’

A ‘topic sentence’ is the thesis, main idea, or the subject a writer will write about.

Since we want this main idea to be the focus of our writing, then it makes sense that this main idea or thesis be written in the strongest and most distinguishable way possible.

Example of a written assignment

Texas Governor Perry proposed and the Legislature approved legislation to grant college tuition aid to children of illegal immigrants. Is Governor Perry’s financial aid law a model for other border states to follow?  

Often the assignments aren’t quite clear in stating the thesis or the main idea. What the writer must do is to spend a few minutes analyzing the assignment until the thesis is discerned.

In the example above we can see that the first sentence simply introduces the topic. In the second sentence we find the main idea, which is disguised in the form of a question.

Writing the topic sentence

Good writers will first introduce the thesis or main idea. And then they will state the thesis. So, for all practical purposes our first paragraph should contain as a minimum two sentences: one to introduce the thesis, and the second one to contain the thesis itself.

Having passed a law that grants tuition aid to children of illegal immigrants Governor Perry and the Texas Legislature are now in the spotlight, the immigration problem being now a national problem. Governor Perry’s law might have seemed a good idea at the time, but now it seems that it goes against the core values of many Americans; such law must be repealed since it isn’t a good model for any state to follow.

The first sentence —in italics— merely repeated the wording of the assignment. Since this rewording is but a repetition, it must be neutral; that is, free of opinion.

The second sentence —in bold— stated the thesis or main idea. This is our topic, our main idea, our subject that we are going to argue either in favor or against it. By stating the thesis in a clear and forceful way we let the reader know which side we are on. The statement of the thesis, then, must contain the writer’s opinion.

Guidelines to remember in stating the thesis

• Stake a position
• Offer your opinion
• Provide a clear answer
• Use one sentence if possible, but not more than two, and no big words.

Conclusion

Although many writers simply state the thesis in the first sentence, dispensing with the introduction of it, I recommend that students follow the above model.

Not only does the introduction of the thesis warms up the readers into the subject, but it also guides their thoughts into what comes next: the thesis, which to be powerful must be opinionated.