Topic

A topic sentence is a sentence that captures the meaning of the entire paragraph or group of sentences. It tells what the passage is mainly about.

First, try to find a topic sentence in the paragraph or section of the text to use as a topic sentence. If you cannot find one, then write your own topic sentence by combining important ideas from several sentences. In the following example, the underlined sentence forms a good topic sentence for this passage:

The Egyptian civilization was one of the most important cultures of the ancient world. This civilization flourished along the rich banks and delta of the Nile River for many centuries, from 3200 B.C. until the Roman conquest in 30 B.C. ...

Topic Sentence

What is the topic sentence? 

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do? 

It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write one? 

Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Placement of the Topic Sentence

Topic Sentence at the Beginning and the End of the Paragraph

Traditionally the topic sentence is the first sentence of the paragraph. In this lead position, it functions to introduce the examples or details which will explain the controlling idea. If the paragraph is meant as a freestanding unit of discourse and not part of a larger whole, the topic sentence, or rather the ideas it contains, are frequently restated at...