A topic sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph. Sometimes referred to as a focus sentence, a topic sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph and sets its tone. It gives the reader insight into what the paragraph is about because it summarizes the information in the paragraph. Usually, it is the first sentence in a paragraph, although it doesn’t have to be.
Here are six types of topic sentences:
1. Simple statement
This is the most basic type of topic sentence. The author makes a general statement and in the body of the paragraph writes examples and explanations to support it.
Example: The summers I spent at the my grandparents farmhouse gave me some of the best memories of my childhood.
2. List Statements
List statement tells the reader exactly what the paragraph will be about by listing the three main ideas.
Example: My favourite sports include skating, soccer, and mountain climbing.
3. Two Nouns and Two Commas
This topic sentence starts with a noun (person, place, or thing), describes the noun, and then makes a statement about the noun.
Example: Montreal Canadiens, the Canada-based NHL, is the greatest team in the history of hockey..
4. Power Number Statements
Power number statements do not tell the reader all of the main ideas, but use number words (few, many, a number of, three) to present the general topic.
Example: There are several things you can do to manage your every day stress.
5. Hook the Reader
his topic sentence grabs the readers attention by making a statement that is provoking, controversial, or interesting.
Example: Computers and cellphones should be banned at school!
6. Occasion Position
This topic sentence starts with an occasion and uses words like whenever, when, although, or even though, and then end with the writer’s position on the topic.
Example: Even though writing an essay is a lot of work, you learn a lot from the process.