Topic Sentences
A topic sentence is a sentence occurring at the beginning of a paragraph that informs the reader of the focus, purpose, and contents of that paragraph (and perhaps one or more paragraphs following). When used well, topic sentences focus the reader’s attention and clarify the organizational structure of a document.
Often, when authors create technical documents, they don’t consciously think about each paragraph’s contents and logic. Instead, many authors focus on getting words onto the page, and they figure out what they mean while they’re writing. Sometimes the results can seem disjointed. Accordingly, authors should go back and insert topic sentences that can help readers understand where they are going, what’s coming up next, where they’ve just been, and how what they are reading connects to the document as a whole.
Types of Topic Sentences
Different topic sentences achieve different purposes. Therefore, when drafting and revising, consider what you want each paragraph to accomplish for a reader. Use that information along with the examples below to determine which structure is ideal for a particular paragraph or section.
Example
Plagiarism can result in many unpleasant consequences. (This topic sentence indicates that the rest of the paragraph will then delineate these consequences.)
Overview topic sentence. This type of topic sentence names all the subtopics in the upcoming material. Use one if you want to specify all the subtopics you will address.
Example
Plagiarism may occur in any number of ways; however, the most prevalent forms are incorrect in-text citation of sources, failure to include quotation marks around exact wording taken from another source, and failure to include correct and complete works-cited entries for all sources used. (This topic sentence gives an overview of several common types of plagiarism. The rest of the paragraph will then describe each of these in detail and provide an example of each.)
Thesis-statement topic sentence. This type of topic sentence makes an assertion—an argument or claim—that the rest of the paragraph must support. Use one if your section proves a point and includes multiple supporting statements.
Example
Plagiarism has resulted in the demise of more than one writer’s professional credibility. (The topic sentence makes an argument that the rest of the paragraph will then develop and support.)
Topic definition. This type of topic sentence names the term being defined, identifies the class it belongs to, and describes its distinguishing characteristics. It must contain highly specific information. Use one if your section introduces an unfamiliar term.
Example
Self-plagiarism is a type of academic dishonesty that involves the reuse of a writer’s own work that was completed for another class. (This topic sentence names the term, identifies the larger category to which it belongs, and then describes it. The rest of the paragraph will go on to discuss this term and give a specific example to illustrate it.)
Topic mention. This type of topic sentence simply names or reminds the readers about the general subject at hand. It does not forecast what will be said about the subject. Use one to refocus a discussion after a digression or to pull back to the more general topic after you have narrowed the discussion to address specific details about one aspect of the topic. This type of topic sentence serves as a transition between paragraphs. It is often then followed by a second topic sentence that falls into one of the categories described above and focuses the content of the rest of the paragraph.
Example
As we’ve seen throughout this document, plagiarism is a serious concern for writers. (The rest of the paragraph would address plagiarism in some way, but not necessarily expand on it being a “serious concern.”)
No topic sentence. Sometimes (very rarely in technical and professional writing), you may not need or want a topic sentence. If your materials contain a story that leads to a point or are part of a popular science or technology writing project, a traditional topic sentence up front may be inappropriate.
In addition to clear topic sentences, another crucial way to ensure your sequence of information and your pattern of organization are clearly conveyed to your audience is to make sure you have exceptionally clear transitional sentences and phrases.
