Topic Sentences

Focus and coherence are obtained in paragraphs by making sure that every sentence of a paragraph bears a clear relationship to the purpose of that particular paragraph.

Typically the main purpose or point of a paragraph is stated in one sentence. This sentence is called the topic sentence, and it is usually placed at the beginning of the paragraph. It sets your reader up for the idea that you will develop in the paragraph. The main point of the topic sentence can be developed in many ways, for example, with sentences: 

• providing evidence for the main point
• giving examples of the main point
• stating logical outcomes from the main point
• applying the main point to a particular case.

The important thing is that both the writer and the reader can easily see the connection between the topic sentence and the other sentences included in the paragraph.