How to start a topic sentence. 30 Examples of Topic Sentences (by grade level) • webapi.bu.edu 2022-10-16

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A topic sentence is a crucial element of any paragraph in an academic or formal piece of writing. It serves as the main idea or focus of the paragraph and helps to guide the reader through the rest of the paragraph. Starting a topic sentence can be intimidating, especially if you are not sure how to effectively introduce your main idea. However, with some careful planning and attention to detail, you can craft an effective and engaging topic sentence that sets the stage for a successful paragraph.

Here are some tips on how to start a topic sentence:

  1. Identify the main idea of the paragraph: The first step in crafting a strong topic sentence is to determine the main idea or focus of the paragraph. Consider what you want to say and how it relates to the overall argument or purpose of the essay. This will help you to narrow down your focus and ensure that your topic sentence is clear and concise.

  2. Make it specific: A good topic sentence should be specific and focused, rather than broad and general. Avoid using vague or ambiguous language, and instead choose specific and concrete words and phrases that clearly convey your main idea.

  3. Use transitional words and phrases: Transitional words and phrases can help to smoothly introduce your topic sentence and provide context for the rest of the paragraph. Some examples of transitional words and phrases include "first," "second," "however," "in contrast," and "moreover."

  4. Begin with a strong verb: The verb in your topic sentence should be strong and active, rather than passive or weak. This will help to make your topic sentence more engaging and attention-grabbing.

  5. Consider the tone and style of your essay: The tone and style of your topic sentence should match the tone and style of the rest of your essay. For example, if your essay is formal and academic, your topic sentence should be formal and clear, whereas if your essay is more casual and conversational, your topic sentence can be more relaxed and informal.

Overall, starting a topic sentence is all about clarity, specificity, and focus. By following these tips and paying attention to the overall tone and style of your essay, you can craft an effective and engaging topic sentence that sets the stage for a successful paragraph.

Topic Sentence Examples for Better Writing

how to start a topic sentence

Related: 5 reasons why writing skills are essential for every job 2. It tells the audience what you're going to talk about and why it matters to them. Better: The last five years spent working as a project manager at AlexLand allowed me to acquire the qualifications you are seeking for your position. Egypt is a great place to visit. Examples of Topic Sentences for Elementary School Students Elementary students often write simple topic sentences that focus solely on the main idea of the paragraph. Great: As a project manager at AlexLand, I acquired the qualifications you are seeking. It is essential to keep it short and get straight to the point without any extra unneeded information.

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How do you write a topic sentence for middle school?

how to start a topic sentence

Why is it important to have a topic sentence? In good academic and professional writing, there are no surprises. There is a lot of unnecessary information to get through. Reference your outline to craft each paragraph and the topic sentence of individual points and sub-points. Topic Sentence Examples Topic Sentence: There are many reasons why pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world. How can I start a topic sentence? It says that he invented a number of new words that are now part of the standard Paragraphs are usually divided into three parts: the subject line, which states the main idea of the paragraph; the theme sentence; and the supporting sentences.

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How to Teach Topic Sentences Using Models

how to start a topic sentence

You can think of it like a signpost: it should tell the reader which direction your argument is going in. How to Write a Topic Sentence? However, it can also be the first sentence of a longer piece such as an essay or article. For example, the topic sentence of this paragraph is "Shakespeare developed his own language. What are some good topic sentence starters? Read on for tips on how to write a great topic sentence and for topic sentence examples. A subject sentence should highlight a paragraph's core theme, letting the reader know what the paragraph will be about.

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How Do You Start a Topic Sentence?

how to start a topic sentence

. Before we start the basics of grammar in English, what is grammar? They might even discover that writing is fun! Read on for examples of okay, better, and great topic sentences. Diversifying them leads to reader intrigue and attention. The topic sentence, also known as the focus sentence, is the first sentence in a paragraph that summarizes the main idea of that paragraph. When I was a child, I lived in a house that had a strange atmosphere. When choosing your topic sentence about a character, make a list of the characteristics that you have become aware of while reading about this character.

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How to write a topic sentence (with examples and tips)

how to start a topic sentence

. This concept is supported by the rest of the paragraph which explains that animals are good at predicting weather changes and moving into areas where it is safe to live. It can get repetitive and dull after just a few sentences. You can always start your topic sentence with words that highlight a difference; However, On the other hand, Yet, While, and more. How to Write a Topic Sentence How to Write a Topic Sentence The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph that summarizes the main idea of that paragraph. It can also guide the direction of your writing and provide a context for readers.

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7 Ways to Start a Sentence and How they Add Clarity

how to start a topic sentence

What is a good example of a topic sentence? As they progress throughout elementary school, into middle school, and go onto high school, they build upon the skills that they have learned, and they realize that the topic sentence sets the stage for all of their writing. The great sentence is short, clear, and to the point. Details of whom he is competing against are also relevant and whether the choice of Ralph will drive the plot of the story, improve the story, change the pace of the story, change Ralph's life forever and so on, all of which contribute to a good paragraph with an appropriate topic sentence. Topic sentence examples To give you an idea of how to transform a topic sentence from okay to great, here are some examples: Okay : Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809. Your readers may find more value in your work by reading something knew that they haven't learned before.

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How to Write a Topic Sentence

how to start a topic sentence

Be aware that English can be a complex language, and there are often exceptions to every rule. Keep reading for the two main parts of a topic sentence as well as topic sentence examples in different subjects. A topic sentence also expresses the writer's point of opinion on the topic, presenting your attitude, feeling, idea, opinion, or point of view about the topic. Transitional Adverb Adverbs can always be put at the beginning of sentences because they are movable. Think about the overall topic for your writing. The topic sentence should still provide the reader with the basic 'answer' to the question being posed. Once you identify those pieces, you can combine them into a sentence, such as: Scholars and foodies have studied the history of tea for many years to discover why people value its health properties and good taste.

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Examples of Topic Sentences That Make the Purpose Clear

how to start a topic sentence

In the compound sentence, the coordinating conjunction 'but' links to complete ideas. Create an outline of your piece to identify the main idea of your topic. Every sentence that follows the topic sentence must support the overall theme and a well-developed and effective topic sentence will allow the paragraph to practically write itself. Adverb Clause Since it is one of the common clauses, put adverb clauses at the start of sentences to add detail or forecast the topic or theme of the sentence. The topic sentence should convey a concept that will unite the rest of the paragraph while also tying it back to the paper's primary point. A topic sentence using this text structure can focus the reader on the cause s , the effect s , or both. Keeping this in mind, transitional adverbs when placed at the start of sentences usually suggest changes in topic or consequences of the previous topic, so use them sparingly and carefully.

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How do you write a topic sentence for a character?

how to start a topic sentence

Dogs make good pets for several reasons. The topic sentence of a paragraph must be broad enough to express the paragraph's overall purpose and theme. Remember, you are using the topic sentence to introduce a point you are trying to make or your opinion. Create the first sentence in each supporting paragraph Write a sentence that begins each supporting paragraph by introducing the new point or sub-point for that section. Identify the main point in your piece of writing Using the primary topic of your writing, decide what aspects are the most important for your reader to know. A topic sentence in each paragraph of an Lord of The Flies and, as this question is about a character, is writing a paragraph about Ralph. Learning how to write effective topic sentences can help you present your main idea and supporting information clearly to your audience.

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30 Examples of Topic Sentences (by grade level) • webapi.bu.edu

how to start a topic sentence

The subject line usually appears at the beginning of the paragraph and the theme sentence can be found near the end. What makes a weak topic sentence? Writing a Good Topic Sentence From the time young students begin to learn to write their own sentences, they start to understand that every paragraph has a structure. What is an example of a topic sentence? You can always start your topic sentence with words that highlight a difference; However, On the other hand, Yet, While, and more. It can get repetitive and dull after just a few sentences. The writer can then add some description of Ralph and follow this with the reasons why Ralph is the best choice and how he came to be nominated in the first place. It's important to know the main points and sub-points that you plan to include in the body paragraphs.

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