A key sentence in an article

A key sentence in a general informal paragraph tells what the paragraph is all about it may be found at the beginning of the paragraph, in the middle, or at the end of the paragraph.

All the sentences in a paragraph then, in one way or another, are related to the key sentence

In most well-written articles, the key sentence is usually the first sentence of the article. It states the subject, the topic, or theme of the article. It also attempts to draw in the readers and keep them reading.

Although ‘key sentences’ also appear outside the introduction, most readers and writers call them by a different name: transitions, echoes, or emphatic keys.

A key sentence in an essay

An essay, in general, consists of three parts: introduction, development, and conclusion. In a five-paragraph essay the first paragraph will be the introduction, the next three the development, and the last one the conclusion.

The introduction of a well-written essay will (1) introduce the thesis, and (2) state the thesis.

Most good writers will introduce the thesis with a ‘key sentence.’ So in effect, the key sentence will be the first sentence of the introduction. Let’s illustrate by assume that you’ve been given the following writing assignment:

Bristol Palin —a single teenage mother— has been chosen as the spokesperson for an anti-teen pregnancy campaign. Explain how you feel about it.

Teenage pregnancy is a problem that erodes the

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moral fiber of our nation, and both the government and the public sector should do their best to combat it. However, to choose Bristol Palin as spokesperson to combat the scourge is not only disingenuous but offensive; a repentant sinner makes not a virtuous speaker.

The first sentence is the ‘key sentence’ —highlighted in italics— that introduces the topic or thesis of the essay. That is why often the key sentence is also called the ‘topic sentence.’ And while most English teachers would like you state the topic with only one sentence, students should feel free to write more than one key sentence.

The transitional word ‘however,’ signals the beginning of the thesis, which in this instance takes the form of a negative. That is, the writer will be arguing against the subject or agent Bristol Palin.

While the ‘key sentence’ or topic sentence is neutral (since it is only a restatement of the assignment), the thesis should be opinionated—arguing for or against.

The noun key and its many meanings

The dictionary meaning of the noun ‘key’ is that of a small instrument made of shaped metal which is inserted into a lock and turned to open or close it. But over the years, the noun has taken on many other meanings, some of which are cited below:

• The encryption key secures communications.

• Pressing keys on the keyboard will change the screen.
• The primary keys are important in music composition.
• The tab key.
• Key role within the administration.
• The ignition key.
• Cursor keys.
• Key element in the president’s speech.
• Key stakeholders.

Let’s make it clear that just because the noun ‘key’ is used in a sentence, it doesn’t make it a ‘key sentence.’