Writing Topic Sentences

What is a Topic Sentence?

The topic sentence introduces the reader to exactly what you are writing about in your paragraph or essay.

The topic sentence is clear and concise. Topic sentences can occur anywhere in the

introductory paragraph, but they are often placed at the beginning of the paragraph.

Topic sentences are interesting and attention grabbing.

Your topic sentence is like a first impression on a blind date. You need to wow your reader, grab his or her attention, and make them want to keep reading.

Never begin with words like, “I am going to

write about…” Or

“This paragraph will be about…”.

YAWN—BORING!!!

Subject = Texting while drivingExample Topic Sentences

~ Texting while driving is extremely dangerous and should be against the law in all 50 states. (assertion)

~Texting while driving is like driving with a blind fold over your eyes. (bold statement)

~Was the “LOL” that you texted worth the life of the little girl you ran over while you were looking at your phone? (question)

Subject = StressExample Topic Sentences

~Stress can have many effects on your body and life. (statement)

~Do you have little appetite? It’s possible stress is to blame. (question)

~The word stress comes from Latin meaning to draw tight. (definition)

~According to Bruce McEwen, “While it is a myth that stress can turn hair gray,

stress can cause hair loss.” (quote and startling statement)

~The effects of stress can multiply like the number of ants drawn to spilled sugar.

(creative)