topic sentence for research paper examples

Topic sentences and signposts make an essay's claims clear to a reader. Good essays contain both. Topic sentences reveal the main point of a paragraph. They show the relationship of each paragraph to the essay's thesis, telegraph the point of a paragraph, and tell your reader what to expect in the paragraph that follows. Topic sentences also establish their relevance right away, making clear why the points they're making are important to the essay's main ideas. They argue rather than report. Signposts , as their name suggests, prepare the reader for a change in the argument's direction. They show how far the essay's argument has progressed vis-ˆ-vis the claims of the thesis.

Topic sentences and signposts occupy a middle ground in the writing process. They are neither the first thing a writer needs to address (thesis and the broad strokes of an essay's structure are); nor are they the last (that's when you attend to sentence-level editing and polishing). Topic sentences and signposts deliver an essay's structure and meaning to a reader, so they are useful diagnostic tools to the writer—they let you know if your thesis is arguable—and essential guides to the reader

Forms of Topic Sentences

Sometimes topic sentences are actually two or even three sentences long. If the first makes a claim, the second might reflect on that claim, explaining it further. Think of these sentences as asking and answering two critical questions: How does the phenomenon you're discussing operate? Why does it operate as it does?

There's no set formula for writing a topic sentence. Rather, you should work to vary the form your topic sentences take. Repeated too often, any method grows wearisome. Here are a few approaches.

Complex sentences. Topic sentences at the beginning of a paragraph frequently combine with a transition from the previous paragraph. This might be done by writing a sentence that contains both subordinate and independent clauses, as in the example below.

Although Young Woman with a Water Pitcher depicts an unknown, middle-class woman at an ordinary task, the image is more than "realistic"; the painter [Vermeer] has imposed his own order upon it to strengthen it.

This sentence employs a useful principle of transitions: always move from old to new information. The subordinate clause (from "although" to "task") recaps information from previous paragraphs; the independent clauses (starting with "the image" and "the painter") introduce the new information—a claim about how the image works ("more than Ôrealistic'") and why it works as it does (Vermeer "strengthens" the image by "imposing order").

Questions. Questions, sometimes in pairs, also make good topic sentences (and signposts). Consider the following: "Does the promise of stability justify this unchanging hierarchy?" We may fairly assume that the paragraph or section that follows will answer the question. Questions are by definition a form of inquiry, and thus demand an answer. Good essays strive for this forward momentum.

Bridge sentences. Like questions, "bridge sentences" (the term is John Trimble's) make an excellent substitute for more formal topic sentences. Bridge sentences indicate both what came before and what comes next (they "bridge" paragraphs) without the formal trappings of multiple clauses: "But there is a clue to this puzzle."

Pivots. Topic sentences don't always appear at the beginning of a paragraph. When they come in the middle, they indicate that the paragraph will change direction, or "pivot." This strategy is particularly useful for dealing with counter-evidence: a paragraph starts out conceding a point or stating a fact ("Psychologist Sharon Hymer uses the term Ônarcissistic friendship' to describe the early stage of a friendship like the one between Celie and Shug"); after following up on this initial statement with evidence, it then reverses direction and establishes a claim ("Yet ... this narcissistic stage of Celie and Shug's relationship is merely a transitory one. Hymer herself concedes . . . "). The pivot always needs a signal, a word like "but," "yet," or "however," or a longer phrase or sentence that indicates an about-face. It often needs more than one sentence to make its point.

Signposts operate as topic sentences for whole sections in an essay. (In longer essays, sections often contain more than a single paragraph.) They inform a reader that the essay is taking a turn in its argument: delving into a related topic such as a counter-argument, stepping up its claims with a complication, or pausing to give essential historical or scholarly background. Because they reveal the architecture of the essay itself, signposts remind readers of what the essay's stakes are: what it's about, and why it's being written.

Signposting can be accomplished in a sentence or two at the beginning of a paragraph or in whole paragraphs that serve as transitions between one part of the argument and the next. The following example comes from an essay examining how a painting by Monet, The Gare Saint-Lazare: Arrival of a Train, challenges Zola's declarations about Impressionist art. The student writer wonders whether Monet's Impressionism is really as devoted to avoiding "ideas" in favor of direct sense impressions as Zola's claims would seem to suggest. This is the start of the essay's third section:

It is evident in this painting that Monet found his Gare Saint-Lazare motif fascinating at the most fundamental level of the play of light as well as the loftiest level of social relevance. Arrival of a Train explores both extremes of expression. At the fundamental extreme, Monet satisfies the Impressionist objective of capturing the full-spectrum effects of light on a scene.

The writer signposts this section in the first sentence, reminding readers of the stakes of the essay itself with the simultaneous references to sense impression ("play of light") and intellectual content ("social relevance"). The second sentence follows up on this idea, while the third serves as a topic sentence for the paragraph. The paragraph after that starts off with a topic sentence about the "cultural message" of the painting, something that the signposting sentence predicts by not only reminding readers of the essay's stakes but also, and quite clearly, indicating what the section itself will contain.

topic sentence for research paper examples

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Creating an Impactful Topic Sentence for Your Research Paper

When it comes to crafting a research paper, the topic sentence is an essential component. Not only does it provide readers with an indication of what your paper will cover, but it can also set the tone for the entire essay and inform them about your opinion on the subject matter. This article offers guidance on how to create an impactful topic sentence that communicates both information and emotion in order to successfully engage readers throughout your research paper. By discussing key components of effective writing such as clarity, structure, and relevance, this guide provides valuable tips for creating powerful opening sentences that will help ensure success when submitting academic work.

1. Introduction to Topic Sentences in Research Papers

2. benefits of writing an impactful topic sentence, 3. steps for crafting a powerful opening statement, 4. examples of effective topic sentences from published literature, 5. strategies for generating interesting ideas as the basis of a strong topic sentence, 6. common pitfalls and challenges associated with developing succinct yet impactful topics 7. summary and conclusion.

A research paper is an academic work of writing, typically composed by a student in college or university. Research papers require both creativity and technical skill to produce quality results. The use of topic sentences in a research paper can help the writer create effective arguments that are supported with evidence from reliable sources.

A topic sentence , also known as a thesis statement, helps organize the flow of ideas within each paragraph and sets up what will be discussed. A well-written topic sentence should provide clear guidance for readers while summarizing your main point in one concise idea. Some example topic sentences might include:

“Teenagers need more sleep than adults to function properly.”
“Exposure to sunlight increases our Vitamin D levels which improves overall health.”

These examples illustrate how different topics may have different approaches based on context and relevance but still provide clear direction regarding their purpose; they serve as guideposts throughout the entire essay by providing structure for further discussion and supporting evidence presented later on in the paper’s body paragraphs.

A Clear Guide to Crafting Topic Sentences As an author, a well-crafted topic sentence is vital for drawing the reader into the text. A good introduction should start with an effective and concise statement that summarizes what follows in the paragraphs ahead. For this reason, it’s important to make sure your topic sentences have impact and set up expectations of what lies ahead for readers. Here are some key benefits of writing compelling topic sentences:

Provide Insight Into Your Argument – The main purpose of a strong thesis statement is to provide insight into your argument or paper as a whole.

For instance, if you were researching US healthcare policy and wanted to look at how doctors influence decisions in Congress, one possible thesis sentence could be: “Doctors can act as influential figures within Congress when debating legislation related to healthcare reform.” This sets up expectations that readers will find evidence in later sections which demonstrates physicians playing an active role on Capitol Hill.

Focus & Structure Writing – Not only do powerful statements help draw readers deeper into your work but they also serve another purpose; helping focus ideas while providing structure throughout the piece.

Having established our example above about medical professionals impacting public policy we know every other paragraph must support this claim by using relevant examples such as recent Congressional hearings where physician activists argued their case before representatives or even direct lobbying attempts targeting members through phone calls or emails. This makes organizing information much easier since each passage has specific goals tied directly back to our primary assertion.

By taking steps now during drafting stages authors can ensure maximum attention from readers by constructing vibrant thesis passages leading them on captivating journeys through content without ever straying off course!

A strong opening statement is the bedrock of any effective research paper. Crafting one can be a daunting task, but breaking it down into steps helps ensure your writing stays focused and clear.

Brainstorm ideas : Begin by brainstorming all relevant aspects to include in your introduction such as an overview of the topic’s importance or relevance, research gaps related to the issue at hand, core concepts associated with your thesis statement.
Write a draft : Once you have gathered enough information for this section use it to construct a comprehensive sentence or two that cover key points from each area discussed above. Be sure they are connected logically without being overly wordy. For example: “The purpose of this study is to examine how cultural influences impact attitudes toward gender roles; focusing on families living in rural areas where traditional values still hold sway”
Revise and edit : As you create further drafts refine language usage by replacing vague words with precise ones making certain everything flows smoothly and correctly communicates what you intended. Additionally ensure grammar rules are followed, evidence supports conclusions made throughout entire document.

Effective Topic Sentences from Published Literature

Well-crafted topic sentences serve as an anchor for the reader and provide a crucial bridge between ideas. In published literature, authors rely on effective topic sentences to build their writing in a logical manner. Here are some examples that illustrate how writers have made use of them:

In Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story “The Third and Final Continent,” she introduces readers to her narrator’s journey from India to America with this powerful sentence: “I left Calcutta in June 1967 – almost two years before I was supposed to join my husband in Boston.”
American author Ernest Hemingway effectively illustrates the themes of his novel The Sun Also Rises with these words at its beginning: “Robert Cohn was once middleweight boxing champion of Princeton. Now he was a member of New York Yacht Club.”

Topic sentences can also be used more abstractly by providing context or offering broader statements about main concepts within works. For example, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Alice Walker uses simple yet profound language when introducing the central theme for her book The Color Purple.

“All my life I had been looking for something,” she writes; “and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was.”

Writers recognize the importance of crafting vivid phrases that capture readers’ attention while setting up meaningful points throughout their work. By studying successful literary pieces, we gain insight into different approaches that make excellent topics sentences so powerful!

Unleashing Creative Potential Creative writing often begins with a strong topic sentence that introduces an idea, concept or point of view. A successful topic sentence should engage the reader and provide a basis for further exploration in the paper. There are several strategies to consider when attempting to generate interesting ideas as the foundation of such a sentence:

Analyze existing topics and material – Examining current research and texts may inspire creative interpretations or applications related to your paper.
Generate random words – Take 10-20 minutes brainstorming unrelated terms associated with your chosen subject matter; these can be used as jumping points for developing concepts.

Many students find success by starting with more general statements about their area of study, then refining them into specific claims that can form effective topic sentences. For example, if you were composing an essay on violence prevention techniques within urban centers, an initial thesis statement might read “Crime has been increasing in our cities.” To make this statement more concrete and provocative, it could be revised to something like “Implementing neighborhood watch programs is essential for addressing rising crime levels in American cities” – which could serve as the basis of your opening paragraph’s main idea. Additionally, focusing on personal experiences can lead to unique angles from which one can address their argumentative stance. Consider taking cues from everyday situations or conversations you’ve had – they may contain hidden gems worth pursuing! By being attentive while researching or engaging others in meaningful dialogue about pertinent issues within your field (or even outside it), new perspectives will emerge giving rise novel ideas from which powerful introductions originate.

Developing Succinct yet Impactful Topics

Organizing a research paper can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing topics. It is important to create concise yet impactful statements that capture the essence of your ideas. A few common pitfalls and challenges associated with this task include:

Choosing too broad of a topic – Selecting a statement that covers an expansive field often makes it difficult for readers to grasp its significance.
Overcomplicating language – It’s essential to remember that you are writing for general audiences and not specialized experts in the field.

Fortunately, there are some steps researchers can take towards avoiding these issues. For starters, they should narrow down their focus by conducting preliminary studies or interviews related to potential subject matter. Once honed in on a specific angle or viewpoint within their chosen concept, authors must then craft carefully composed sentences encapsulating all aspects of what needs discussing.

In terms of language use, writers should aim for conciseness without sacrificing clarity. An example could read something along the lines of “This essay delves into how mobile technology affects social relationships” as opposed to “The influence which portable computing devices have upon interpersonal connections will be explored”. When incorporating facts from sources into one’s own work, phrases such as “accordingly,” “consequently” and so forth may help make these points succinct while still presenting them effectively.

By adhering closely both to straightforward sentence structures and clear concepts throughout their paper development process researchers will find themselves able arrive at strong focal points like “How does climate change increase risk factors?” or “What measures have been taken against cybercrime?”

An impactful topic sentence can be the key to engaging an audience and effectively communicating the purpose of a research paper. To create an effective topic sentence, students should consider their own interests as well as how that interest relates to other subject material in order to structure their paper accordingly. As evidenced by this article, crafting a meaningful thesis statement is paramount for making your writing resonate with readers; if done properly it will result in higher grades and more successful academic endeavors overall.

How to write a topic sentence

April 16, 2022

Clarity and structure come first when writing an essay. Think of topic sentences as the guiding lights that show you the way through the essay . They are usually the first sentence of paragraph , and act as the road map for both your readers and you as the writer.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the crucial role of topic sentences in essays. They not only set the tone, provide direction, and connect your argument as a whole, but they also introduce the key points.

Purpose of a topic sentence

A topic sentence serves two essential purpose:

Informing readers: It informs readers about the content of the paragraph.
Connecting paragraphs: It connects paragraphs smoothly, facilitating a coherent flow of ideas in the text.

These two core purpose ensure that readers of your essay can quickly understand your main points and follow your argument.

Topic sentence vs. thesis statement

Both thesis statements and topic sentences help readers comprehend your research paper’s structure and main arguments. However, they differ in several ways.

Topic sentence vs. thesis statement example

Introduction

Body paragraph

The ketogenic diet has been shown to assist people in regulating their blood sugar levels. Topic sentence, which is the first sentence of your body paragraph ....(body paragraph continues)

The thesis statement should be in the first paragraph, and topic sentences should be at the start of each body paragraph.
There will be only one thesis statement in each research paper; however, the number of topic sentences will be determined by the number of body paragraphs.
The topic sentence informs your reader about the topic of the paragraph. A body paragraph should be assigned to each argument in your thesis.

Steps on writing a topic sentence

Topic sentences are developed throughout the writing process . Follow these steps to ensure that each topic sentence and paragraph supports your thesis statement.

Step 1 – Create a thesis statement

Make sure you have a solid thesis statement before you start writing your topic sentences. The thesis statement summarizes the paper’s goal and argument.

Thesis statement example

....(introduction starts) ....(introduction continues) ....(introduction continues) By regulating blood sugar, lowering refined food intake, and restricting excessive protein intake, the ketogenic diet may help to reduce the prevalence of illness. Thesis statement, which is usually the last sentence of your introduction

Step 2 – Create an outline and start writing topic sentences

Next, sketch out the outline of your paper, including what you’ll say in each paragraph and what evidence you’ll use.

essay outline infographic (740 × 540 px) 3

The topic sentences should be more precise than the thesis statement, but they should always be connected to it.

Topic sentence example

Step 3 – enrich your arguments with evidence.

The rest of the paragraph should follow the topic sentence and build on it with facts, examples, or reasoning.

Everything you write should be related to the topic sentence’s main idea. In other words, you can reference some research papers and statistics to back up your claim regarding the benefits of the ketogenic diet.

Evidence example

....(body paragraph starts) Compared to a low-fat diet, a ketogenic diet was related to reduced HbA1c levels, a measure of long-term blood sugar management, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Westman et al., 2008). Evidence, which is usually the second sentence of your body paragraph ....(body paragraph continues)

Step 4 – Polish your topic sentences

Most topic sentences start as simple statements, but it’s important to edit them as you write to ensure they align with the content of each paragraph.

A good topic sentence is detailed enough to offer a clear idea of what to expect from the paragraph but it should not be so detailed to reveal everything.

Types and examples of topic sentences

It’s helpful to understand the many forms of a topic sentence before writing one. We’ll go through the different categories and give some examples of topic sentences.

Simple statement

The most basic form of a topic sentence is this one, in which the author makes a broad assertion upon which the rest of the paragraph elaborates.

Simple statement topic sentence example

There are several reasons why India has the worst pollution levels in the world. Simple statement topic sentence ....(body paragraph continues)

Question form (Interrogative)

As long as you don’t steer away from the subject, starting a paragraph with a question is a wonderful approach to get the reader engaged and involved.

Question form topic sentence example

How many countries have plans in place to deal with rising sea levels? Question form topic sentence ....(body paragraph continues)

Complex form

You might want to utilize a complex topic sentence if you have a complicated topic with numerous concepts. Even though they are still considered “statements,” they include more than one primary point.

Complex form topic sentence example

While the Internet has provided many new opportunities for organizations, companies must now consider updating their cybersecurity systems more than ever before. Complex form topic sentence ....(body paragraph continues)

Transitional form

While all topic sentences must deal with transitions to some extent, they can also be simply transitional in some circumstances. These are most effective when the topic shifts dramatically, as they bring attention to the transition (also see transition words and phrases ).

Transitional form topic sentence example

If a random apple had not fallen upon the head of a young Isaac Newton, the world would not be the way it is today. Transitional form topic sentence ....(body paragraph continues)

Pique the reader’s attention with a hook

A “hook,” or anything that makes people want to read more, is frequently included in good topic sentences. While some are more frequent than others, there are a number of techniques to entice your readers:

Surprising findings

Despite the massive turnout, only 1% of the teams were able to finish the first task.

Mysterious questions

What eventually persuaded the senator to change his mind?

Emotional appeal

Find a balance between general and specific.

Learning how much to include and how much to leave for the rest of the paragraph is one of the most difficult aspects of creating topic sentences. You should:

Explain just enough so that the reader understands what the paragraph is about and, perhaps, becomes intrigued.
You can save everything else for the supporting sentences.”

Clarity is the most crucial aspect of topic sentences. Even if you pique the reader’s interest and make them want to read more, it won’t matter if they don’t understand what they’re reading. Make use of common academic words , active and passive voice , and verb tenses to be more clear.

Reminders and helpful hints

Use an interesting hook in your topic sentence to keep your reader interested.
Make sure your topic sentence connects each new paragraph to your essay’s main point.
Try turning your topic sentence into a question to make your writing more interesting.
Use your topic sentence to smoothly connect one paragraph to the next.

The use of topic sentences is crucial in academic writing. They help organize your ideas, enhance reader comprehension, and keep your readers interested.

Learning to create effective topic sentences is important for every academic project, including research papers , essays , and other writing assignments. So keep these in mind as you write to make your writing compelling and clear.

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What’s Covered:

What Is a Topic Sentence?
5 Steps to Writing a Good Topic Sentence

Elements of a Good Topic Sentence

Common pitfalls to avoid.

Where To Get Your Essay Edited For Free

Crafting the perfect essay takes time and dedication. There are so many elements you have to worry about, such as tone, purpose, and correct spelling and grammar. Writing a strong topic sentences is another critical part in writing a cohesive essay.

Without a strong topic sentence, you risk losing your reader and perhaps part of your grade. If it’s a college admissions essay, then you need it to be as strong as possible to back up your application. Learn about what steps you should take to write a strong topic sentence.

What Is a Topic Sentence?

People often confuse a topic sentence with a thesis statement. A thesis statement is typically at the end of your opening paragraph, that dictates the main argument you’ll be making in your essay.

Throughout your essay, you’ll have multiple topic sentences, as each paragraph should start off with one. This beginning sentence is used to direct the topic of the paragraph and outline the flow of the following sentences. It’s used to help guide your reader and to continue to keep them hooked on your overall essay. Without topic sentences, your essay will be unorganized, lack transitions, and sound very choppy. To write a good topic sentence, there are several steps to take.

Writing a Good Topic Sentence: 5 Steps

Step 1: decide what you’re going to write about..

When you see the essay prompt, you’ll have some time to think through what you want to say and why. You have to decide if it’s a persuasive essay, informative, narrative, or descriptive. Determine your purpose for writing the essay after reading through the prompt. Whether it’s an assignment for school or if it’s to get into college, you need to make sure you have that purpose clearly outlined.

Step 2: Create a thesis statement.

One of the first things you need to do is create a thesis statement. This is typically a sentence with three points that you’ll back up throughout your essay.

For example: The Office became a cultural phenomenon because it spurred the careers of many of today’s successful movie stars, it talked about situations that most American workers can relate to, and even 15 years later, offers funny, relevant content that helps to break down prejudices.

You then use that thesis statement to create an essay around the points you want to make.

Step 3: Make your essay outline.

Once you have the points you want to make within your thesis statement hammered out, make an outline for your essay. This is where you’ll start to create your topic sentence for each paragraph. You want to clearly state the main idea of that paragraph in the very first sentence. From there, you back up that main idea with facts and reputable sources. Make sure your topic sentence is clear, but does not just announce your topic.

For example, do not write something like: “In this paragraph, I will discuss why it’s bad that poachers are killing giraffes.”

Instead, write something that clearly states your idea with a reasonable opinion and that gives direction to the paragraph: “Giraffes are a key part of the African ecosystem, so it’s important to enforce regulations against the poachers who are killing them for their body parts.”

You’d then follow that up with reasons why giraffes are a key part of the African ecosystem and how poachers are destroying their population.

Step 4: Begin writing your essay.

Once you have your thesis statement and you’ve created an outline with supporting paragraphs and their topic sentences, you can begin writing your essay. It’s important to make that outline before just jumping in–a disorganized essay can spell disaster for you as you continue to write, and could result in a poor grade. Many times, teachers will even require you to turn in your outline as part of your overall essay grade.

Step 5: Proofread and check your resources.

After you’ve written the essay, go back through it with a fine tooth comb. Read through each topic sentence and the paragraphs that follow to ensure that you’ve written clear, solid topic sentences throughout and that the paragraphs with them make sense. During the proofreading phase, you also need to recheck the sources you’re using. Make sure each source is reputable. In other words, do not use sites like Wikipedia where anyone can go in and edit an article to add misinformation. Use sites that:

Are actual reputable news sources, such as the New York Times , CNN, CBS News
Have domain names that end in .edu or .gov
Come from an encyclopedia, such as Encyclopedia Britannica

Using sites that are not reputable could jeopardize the validity of your argument.

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Now that you know the steps to set yourself up for success when writing a topic sentence, there are certain elements that go into a quality first sentence. Always make sure that your topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph. You don’t want to make your reader hunt for the point you’re trying to make. Check out some key elements of a good topic sentence:

Make sure your topic sentence isn’t too vague.

You need a topic sentence that has some specifics to it. It also needs to hook in your reader in some way with an opinion. A vague sentence makes it harder to write a paragraph that can clearly backs up your thoughts. For example:

DON’T: “In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bingley seems like a nice guy.”

DO: “When Mr. Bingley is first introduced, he comes across as a kind person because he speaks to everyone and doesn’t immediately pass judgment.”

Choose a reasonable opinion.

Your topic sentence should clearly outline whatever point you’re trying to make in the paragraph, but you want to pick a reasonable opinion that you can easily reinforce with facts and statistics. Here’s an example of what you should and should not do:

DON’T: “It’s obvious that Mr. Bingley was a total loser with no backbone.”

DO: “Mr. Bingley could have shown more confidence in his choices and stood up to Mr. Darcy when he found himself in love with Jane Bennet.”

You can then back that up with facts, saying that he was a wealthy Englishman and thus one of the key players in society at the time, which should have given him more confidence. If he’d been more confident, perhaps he would not have left and devastated Jane.

Use your topic sentence as a transition.

Along with telling the reader the point of your next paragraph, your topic sentence should also serve as a transition from the previous paragraph. Without a transition, the essay can feel like it’s choppy and disjointed. For example:

DON’T: “Mr. Bingley is a good man and here’s why.”

DO: “Although Mr. Bingley did break Jane’s heart by leaving, he ended up redeeming himself by returning to Netherfield Hall.”

Keep your topic sentence short.

A long, drawn-out topic sentence can risk losing your reader. Many times, it’s hard to determine the point of a sentence when it goes on for too long. You want a clear, concise sentence that draws in the reader but also leaves some room for you to expand on it in the following paragraph.

DON’T: “Throughout the novel of Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bingley was often quite different from Mr. Darcy as he would treat all people in a friendly manner, considering them all his friends and acquaintances, even agreeing to throw a ball after Elizabeth’s sisters rudely demanded he do so and was gracious to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as well despite their manners.”

DO: “Overall, Mr. Bingley served as a foil to Mr. Darcy throughout the story by treating everyone around him equally with dignity and grace.”

Writing an essay can be overwhelming at times, but so long as you avoid some of these common pitfalls, it can be easier to get it done on time.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

If your teacher assigns you an essay or tells you that you have an essay test coming up, don’t wait until the day before to do anything about it. You have to plan or study and you need to give yourself time to do that. If you know it takes you a while to write something, then start planning it as soon as you get the assignment.

Don’t forget to write an outline.

Along with planning, make sure you have that outline written up and planned out well. It will serve as your guideline for writing the essay. Without it, you’ll face the risk of a disorganized essay that does not clearly illustrate your point.

Ask for help if you need it.

This may be the most important pitfall to avoid. If you get in over your head while writing, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask a friend to review the essay or ask your teacher for guidance.

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Meaning of topic sentence

The topic sentence is basically unique sentences that act as a guideline for both reader and writer. It provides the idea of information in the content. It is the first sentence of the paragraph. The topic sentences represent the scope and objective of the paragraph .

A topic sentence is a sentence that provides an overview of the main idea that you are developing in your paragraph or article. Organizing paragraphs with a topic sentence can help to create coherent writing and guide the reader through your paper. A good topic sentence should be clear, have a precise thesis, and not be redundant with any other statement made in your essay.

For example : If you are writing about the pollution, the pollution in Xyz town increased because of the rising population. The topic sentence for this Paragraph will be “pollution”.

Procedure for writing topic sentences

1. writing a thesis statement.

It is an initial phase in relation to drafting topic sentences. At this stage, you are required to ensure that the thesis statement which you have designed is quite strong. It means that the thesis statement should represent the objective and argument in the research paper.

2. Designing an outline of the essay

It is a phase where you need to prepare or design the paragraph structure in research . In addition to this, you are required to develop a plan for all the facts that you will include in the paragraph. The topic sentences should be developed in relation to paragraphs.

3. Expanding with evidence

While writing the main body paragraphs of the essay you need to ensure that it flows in a logical manner that is according to the topic sentence then after that there could be an expansion in points along with the evidence supporting arguments.

4. Refinement of the topic sentence

Reviewing the topic sentences which you have designed is very much essential in order to make sure that the content of the paragraph matches with the topic sentence.

Techniques of writing topic sentences in a research paper.

Here are some techniques which you can apply for writing topic sentences these are:

1. A design statement for presenting the idea

As the topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph, therefore, the sentence should clearly represent the information included in the paragraph. While drafting a topic sentence you are required to make sure that it indicates your purpose clearly.

For instance , in a paragraph, you are describing the way globalization has influence marketing activities of companies’ for that paragraph the topic sentence should be the influence of globalization on marketing.”

2. Maintain a balance between general and specific

It means that the topic sentence which you have to design should be related to the paragraph or to the thesis statement of your research paper. The thesis statement should not be too narrow or broad.

Include hooks: One of the crucial roles of the topic sentence is to develop an interest in reading in the reader. In simpler words, the main function of the topic sentence is to capture the attention of the reader.

Read Also: How to Write a Hook for Research Paper

3. Write short and sweet

You should keep the topic sentence short as it is the strategy that will help you in representing your intention clearly.

4. Provide a justifiable opinion

You can include your opinion as a topic sentence; you can do this in a situation if you are planning to include your perspective in the paragraph.

5. Utilize the topic sentence as a transition

you should select such a topic sentence that provides the reader idea about the information in the previous and next paragraphs.

Note: If in a paragraph you are making a comparison between two things then in such case you need to use such words which highlight the distinguishing. If in a paragraph you are explaining various aspects on the similar subject then you should ensure that the topic sentence provides a summary of the existing paragraph along with new information.

Parts of topic sentences

The three important parts of the topic statement are :

Limited topic
Attitude, opinion, or feeling

Importance of topic sentences in a research paper

It enables the reader to have an idea about the things which have been covered in a specific paragraph.
It also provides readers ease in addressing the important points.
The topic sentence in the research paper is very much essential as it supports the thesis statement.
It also enables readers to maintain their concentration on important points.
A topic sentence is important as it helps in clarifying the objective of writing a particular paragraph.
An effective topic sentence enables you to avoid miscommunication and confusion.

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What are Topic Sentences? A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Published by Alaxendra Bets at August 18th, 2021 , Revised On August 22, 2023

“Topic sentences briefly describe what each paragraph of an essay will explore and discuss. You can consider topic sentences as the heading or the headline for the paragraph.”

Topic sentences help to;

Establish the focus of the paragraph
Demonstrate how the content of the paragraph relates to the overall thesis statement .
The transition from one paragraph to another

How to Write Topic Sentences

Topic sentences are written and rewritten throughout the essay writing process to make sure your essay is coherent and has a smooth and logical progression of ideas. However, before you can get to write topic sentences, you will be required to develop a strong and logical thesis statement that provides the paper’s purpose.

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Example Thesis Statement

Increasing consumption of processed food items has led to several environmental issues over the last decade or so. To save the planet from the disastrous consequences of increasing processed food production, it is vitally important to review and renew the existing production and consumption forms.

Once you have developed the thesis statement, you must prepare an outline to structure your essay correctly. Each paragraph in the outline will start with a topic sentence that will enable you to remember what you want to say and provide evidence you will use to support your arguments within that particular paragraph.

It should be noted that each topic sentence will introduce the focal theme of the corresponding paragraph and demonstrate how it relates to the thesis statement.

Example Topic Sentence

Studies have revealed that the meat industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution.

The remaining paragraph can progress logically from this statement to include arguments and evidence.

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Using Topic Sentences for Transitioning

Topic sentences are often used for transitioning between paragraphs in the paper. This means you can make use of transition words to give more weight and meaning to the statement. Here is a question that you should ask yourself;

How does the topic sentence that you created relates to the arguments and evidence presented in the previous paragraph?

Your topic sentence will be based on any of the following three strategies depending on the correlation between the paragraphs;

Highlight and Emphasize

You might consider making use of transitional words such as moreover, in fact, indeed, furthermore, as mentioned, indeed, certainly, although, however – where you want to expand and emphasize on the point you made in the preceding paragraph to add more weight and detail to your argument.

Also Read: How to Use Transitions in Essay

Certainly, water and land have been significantly affected by the ever-increasing quantities of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from cattle farms.

Condense and Anticipate

You can choose to present additional evidence in the new topic statement and briefly describe the preceding paragraph’s theme if you aim to discuss a different aspect of the same subject matter in the new paragraph.

Although cattle farming is believed to be the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, other forms of farming such as poultry farming are also having a damaging effect on our environment.

Making Comparison

If you must compare or contrast information in the new paragraph, your topic sentence should use appropriate transition words to highlight the comparison. For example, you can use transition words such as “on the other hand,” “in comparison,” and “however.”

On the other hand, it is not always easy to establish the exact cost associated with our dietary choices. For example, it is possible that the environmental impact of a specific plant-based food production house could be considerably greater than a small scale cattle farm.

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Introducing Multiple Paragraphs with a Single Topic Sentence

It is possible to use a single topic sentence to introduce several paragraphs at once. For example, if you see the above examples in a broader picture, you will realise that all of them belong to one larger argument: excessive meat consumption is causing severe environmental issues, and veganism is the choice that could potentially address the situation.

Making the food industry sustainable is a challenge that can be overcome by introducing plan based food products. This means that your first topic sentence can introduce several paragraphs.

Where to Place Topic Sentences?

It is common to have the topic sentence as the first statement of the paragraph, but this may not always be the case, and you may choose to place it in the middle or at the very end, which generally suggests a change of opinion.

Veganism appears to be the only sustainable option for the food industry, considering the evidence confirming the impact of cattle farming on the environment. On the other hand, it is not always easy to establish the exact cost associated with our dietary choices. For example, it is possible that the environmental impact of a specific plant-based food production house could be considerably greater than a small scale cattle farm.

The first statement in the above example emphasizes the focal point. The topic sentence will briefly describe whether the corresponding paragraph will provide the argument in support or against the main point.

However, as indicated before, you are always free to choose where to place the topic sentences to give more weight and strength to your arguments. But if in doubt, it would be best to start the paragraph with the topic sentence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a topic sentence example.

Here’s a topic sentence example: “Increased access to technology has revolutionized communication, leading to significant changes in how people interact and share information in the modern digital age.”

Learn How to Write a Topic Sentence that Stands Out

Published on: Jan 13, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

What is a Topic Sentence?

A topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph in an essay that introduces the main idea or topic of that paragraph. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, letting them know what to expect in the upcoming paragraph.

Purpose of Topic Sentence

The purpose of a topic sentence is to clearly and concisely convey the main point of the paragraph to the reader.

It helps to guide the reader through the essay, making it easier for them to follow the overall argument or narrative.

Features of a Good Topic Sentence

A good topic sentence has a few key features. Letâs take a look:

Expresses the main idea of the paragraph or essay clearly and concisely.
Is specific and focused , avoiding vague or overly general statements.
Introduces the main point and is typically located at the beginning of the paragraph or essay.
Presents a claim or position that is arguable or debatable, which the rest of the paragraph or essay will support.
Can be a complete sentence or a concise phrase that effectively conveys the main idea.
Is relevant to the thesis statement and overall topic of the essay.
Engages the reader by creating interest and highlighting the significance of the topic.
Is well-written and avoids grammar and spelling errors.
Provides a roadmap for the rest of the paragraph or essay by indicating what will be covered.
Encourages coherence and unity in the writing by linking the paragraph or essay to the broader topic.

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Types of Topic Sentences

There are several different types of topic sentences that can be used in writing to introduce the reader through a paragraph or essay.

Simple Statement Topic Sentence This is the most common type of topic sentence, which straightforwardly states the main point or idea of the paragraph or essay.

Example: The rise of social media has revolutionized the way people communicate with each other.

Complex Topic Sentence This type of topic sentence is more nuanced and may require some explanation or elaboration to fully understand.

Example: While the rise of social media has had many positive effects on communication, it has also led to concerns about privacy and online harassment.

Pivot Topic Sentence A pivot topic sentence begins by connecting the current paragraph or idea to the previous one, before pivoting to introduce a new point or idea.

Example: Building on the idea of social media's impact on communication, it is important to consider how it has also affected business and marketing strategies.

Question Topic Sentence A question topic sentence poses a question that the rest of the paragraph or essay will answer or explore.

Example: How has social media changed the way businesses interact with customers and advertise their products?

Command Topic Sentence This type of topic sentence gives a directive or instruction, often used in persuasive or argumentative essays.

Example: Support local businesses by shopping at independently owned stores instead of large chains.

How to Write a Topic Sentence?

Here are a few instructions to help you write a good topic sentence.

Step#1 Clearly State The Main Idea

A topic sentence is the first paragraph of the paragraph. It must clearly explain the particular subject that would be discussed in the paragraph. This should be stated in very clear language so that the reader can easily understand the idea.

Also, it should include a bit of your personal opinion and also the main idea.

Step#2 Hook Your Reader

Grab your reader's attention with an intriguing topic sentence. It would excite and make the reader curious about the content and convince them to read the particular part.

Look out for some amazing hook examples and see what fits your essay type.

Use a meaningful and relevant question or a fact as a topic sentence of the paragraph. Make sure that you have identified your audience and are developing everything accordingly.

Step#3 Keep It Short and Precise

The paragraph topic sentence must be expressive enough that a reader understands your point of view effortlessly. This is only possible if you keep everything to the point, short, and meaningful.

Choose the words in such a way that they help you express your idea in an ideal way. Avoid using complex sentences and use independent clauses.

A topic sentence acts as a link between a paragraph and the main thesis statement. It should be specific and connected to the overall essay. Keeping it short and precise helps maintain the paragraph's flow and its relevance to the rest of the writing.

Step#4 Give A Reasonable Opinion

The body paragraph explains a topic sentence. This is why it is important that you should write this sentence in such a way that it can be explained in the paragraph. If you are mentioning a fact in the topic statement, make sure that you have authentic evidence to support it.

While the topic sentence is an integral part of the paragraph, it should stand out and possess a distinctiveness that sets it apart from the other sentences. This can be achieved by employing transition words and establishing connections between sentences.

Step#5 Use The Topic Sentence As A Transition

The topic sentences that serve as transition sentences can be considered a guide for the readers. This way, they can help the reader to move through the essay in a flow.

Write this sentence in such a way that it creates a gateway between the previous paragraph and the rest of the essay. Moreover, it will also help keep the essay organized, and the reader understands the point of a paragraph.

Step#6 Look For Some Good Examples

Examples can help you learn a thing in a better way. If you are new to writing topic sentences, it can help to look at some examples. Find some great examples of topic sentences relevant to your essay topic.

Difference Between Topic Sentence and Thesis Sentence

Here's a table outlining the differences between a topic sentence and a thesis statement:

Good Topic Sentence Examples

Here are ten examples of good topic sentences:

"Despite the advancements in technology, traditional forms of communication are still essential in today's society."
"The theme of power is prevalent throughout Shakespeare's play, Macbeth."
"In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the impact of climate change on our planet."
"The legalization of marijuana has been a topic of debate for many years." "Education is the key to success in life."
"The rise of social media has greatly impacted the way we communicate with one another."
"The effects of childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on mental health."
"The concept of justice is explored in depth in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird."
"Eating a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health."
"The Industrial Revolution had a profound effect on the world as we know it today."

The Bottom Line!

An opening sentence is crucial to grab your reader's attention and set the tone for your piece of writing. The topic sentence introduces the controlling idea and acts as an important sentence in the essay outline.

Effective topic sentences are necessary for a well-structured and organized essay. It's an integral part of the writing process that should not be overlooked.

Make sure to spend time crafting a compelling topic sentence that clearly conveys your main point and guides your readers throughout your essay. You can even take ideas from an AI essay generator to get started.

However, if you find yourself struggling to write a good opening sentence, don't worry! CollegeEssay.org is here to help you with all your writing needs. We have the best online essay writing service providing top-quality essays that are sure to impress your professors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a topic sentence.

A topic sentence can be multiple sentences long. The first sets the context for your ideas, while the second provides more depth on what you are saying beyond just stating it outright.

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Topic Sentences

Writing for yourself vs. writing for others.

Writing for publication can be challenging for a number of reasons. One difficultly you might face when writing for publication can be transitioning from writing for yourself to writing for readers . While it might be a surprise, writing for yourself and writing for others are very different categories. You need to understand the differences between the two before you can write great publishable papers. But to understand the difference between writing for yourself and writing for others, you’ll need to know a little bit about the stages of high-level writing process.

Writing as Discovery

Writing is NOT a linear process; it is a recursive process that requires you to double back to actually discover what you think about a topic. Again this might be quite a surprise. A common metaphor that less inexperienced writers use to think about writing is that writing is merely recording the ideas in your head. This is not true. Beginning graduate-level writers often incorrectly imagine that there is a platonic idea of a paper floating in their heads, and that writing is merely the act of transferring this platonic idea to the page. Again, this is not accurate.

Composition research tells us that as we write, we actually discover what we think. By putting our ideas on paper and reflecting on them, we are able to determine whether we actually hold one stance or another. Responding to counterarguments, contemplating the implications of our findings, and amassing evidence for our claims are activities that can best be reflected on through writing. For example, sometimes making the case of a counterargument that goes against your own claim will convince you and cause you to change your own position, just as the evidence you actually find may lead you to modify your conclusion. Thus, experienced writers know that each draft brings them closer to discovering what they really understand about a topic—something they couldn’t have known before starting.

Uncovering your stance on a topic can be a frustrating and humbling process, but it also allows us as writers to discover larger conclusions and ideas that we couldn’t have realized without the aid of writing. In a sense it allows us to become more expansive versions of ourselves.

Writing to Communicate an Argument

Now that we know that writing actually enables us to figure out our thoughts, we can start to think about how to best approach communicating those thoughts to others. Whereas early drafts of an essay are written in a way that helps the author understand what he/she/they think about the topic, later drafts need to be written in a way that helps readers understand and follow each step of a carefully constructed argument. Put differently, while the early drafts are exploratory in nature, later stages of revision have to consider the information a reader needs to have at hand in order to understand how you achieved your important insights.

One of the key ways to transform an early exploratory draft into a draft tailored to the needs of your readers is by working on your topic sentences. A good topic sentence begins a paragraph in a way that clearly indicates the main analytical purpose of the paragraph.

To understand their importance of a strong topic sentence, we’ll need to think about the purpose of a genre of academic writing like the journal article. At the graduate level, most journal articles are going to be fundamentally argumentative: they are designed to pose a question that has vexed scholars and remained unsolved. Scholars then conduct research that reveals a possible answer to the question. Your manuscripts will inherently argue for the hypothesis that you test through your research.

Once you understand the inherently argumentative nature of manuscripts, you will see that in order to persuade someone of the soundness of your argument, they must know what the argument is .

The function of your topic sentences is to make clear to readers, at the outset, what purpose or idea guides a given paragraph. It is only when readers understand what the paragraph is trying to argue that they are put in a position to judge for themselves whether or not the evidence and/or logical reasoning in that paragraph is convincing to them.

A clear topic sentences will make it easy for your readers to follow the train of thinking that led you to your good idea and, ultimately, to be persuaded by it.

Example of Topic Sentences Working Well

Take a look at the following paragraph:

In the early 1940s, the house band at Minton’s Playhouse played tunes at breakneck speeds to weed out unprepared musicians. The band frequently reharmonized jazz standards, by replacing the original chords with similar chords that shared notes. Often the band would change the key after every chorus and even increase the tempo after each key change. All but the most skilled musicians who sat in with the house band would be left behind by the radical deviations from standard jazz tempo, harmonies, and keys. The result of the house band’s unique style was that the musicians who played at Minton’s developed a new musical vocabulary for jazz: one that moved away from danceability to showcase the speed, rhythmic complexity, harmonic inventiveness, and soloing ability of the performers. The new style was called bebop.

While the individual sentences are intelligible, as readers, we can’t determine why the author is giving us all this information about jazz musicians in the 1940s. It’s only at the end of the paragraph that we start to see that the changes the author describes resulted in the birth of a new musical style.

Now with a topic sentence, we’ll see that the same paragraph starts to snap into place more easily:

The birth of bebop is another example of competitions between musicians leading to the birth of new musical style. In the early 1940s, the house band at Minton’s Playhouse played tunes at breakneck speeds to weed out unprepared musicians. The band frequently reharmonized jazz standards, by replacing the original chords with similar chords that shared notes. Often the band would change the key after every chorus and even increase the tempo after each key change. All but the most skilled musicians who sat in with the house band would be left behind by the radical deviations from standard jazz tempo, harmonies, and keys. The result of the house band’s unique style was that the musicians who played at Minton’s developed a new musical vocabulary for jazz: one that moved away from danceability to showcase the speed, rhythmic complexity, harmonic inventiveness, and soloing ability of the performers. The new style was called bebop.

We can now clearly see what the author wants us to understand about the topic. Now we can make sense of why the author gives us the facts about the musicians: to show how a new style grew into being.

The Four Major Types of Topic Sentences

While the examples might make it look easy to write excellent topic sentences, it can be tricky. Sometimes it can be very hard to consider the one clear idea that each paragraph has. However, there are some guideposts you can follow. GC Writing Center Director Dave Hershinow groups topic sentences into four major categories:

Topic sentences that provide evidence to back up your central claim
Topic sentences that respond to potential counterarguments
Topic sentences that acknowledge complications or limitations in your central claim
Topic sentences that point out further implications of your research

If we look again at the sample paragraph above, you’ll see that it is an instance of the first category. More specifically, it is a topic sentence that lets readers know that the paragraph is going to offer a second example in support of a claim (“The birth of bebop is another example of…”). This paragraph would only make sense when preceded by a paragraph or two that had been dealing with a first, presumably more primary example in support of the same claim. This kind of topic sentence helps readers understand the specific analytical purpose of each paragraph right at the outset, thereby putting readers in the best possible position to follow your analysis with intellectual rigor.

You can use the idea of these four major categories to help you as you write topic sentences. If you realize that you’re trying to accomplish one of these four major goals, it can help you narrow down the idea you’re trying to express and thus make it easier to write a great topic sentence. For example, if you understand that you’re trying to respond to a counterargument, it will be much easier to frame the topic sentence to show clearly what potential counterargument you are rejecting.

Of course, topic sentence writing is still hard! So is revising a draft to suit the needs of your readers. To get all the help you can with these important steps, visit your friends at The Writing Center to get free, one-on-one help with your writing.

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Writing Guides / 10 Effective Topic Sentence Examples for Engaging Essays

10 Effective Topic Sentence Examples for Engaging Essays

Writing an effective topic sentence is trickier than it appears. You want a sentence that grabs the reader’s attention and tells them what to expect from the essay. You also need the sentence to be concise and clear. Plus, it is not enough to develop a single topic sentence. You need a topic sentence for each paragraph in your essay. These sentences serve as guideposts, helping your reader quickly and reliably navigate your essay. No wonder writing effective topic sentences is crucial to a good essay.

What is a Topic Sentence?

A topic sentence is a sentence that tells the main point of a paragraph. Typically, it is the first sentence in the section. However, you might use a different hook, making the topic sentence the second or third. Some professors refer to topic sentences as focus sentences. That is a great way to think about them because the paragraph should focus on the information in the topic sentence.

In expository writing, each paragraph should have a topic sentence. In addition, the topic sentence in your introductory paragraph should focus on the entire essay. What is the paper’s topic, and what approach will the author take in the paper? The reader should be able to answer those questions by reading the topic sentence.

While a topic sentence needs to provide a focus for your essay or paragraph, you want to avoid making it too narrow. Instead, you want to give the reader a general idea of your topic. The topic sentences in your supporting paragraphs can be more limited because the focus in each supporting section will concentrate on bolstering the point you are making in that paragraph. However, the topic sentence for the entire essay needs to be sufficiently broad to let you introduce all of the supporting paragraphs.

Topic Sentence Structure

Structuring an essay is one of the most critical roles for a topic sentence. Suppose you are a person who outlines your papers before writing them. In that case, your topic sentences should be able to provide the skeleton of your essay. They are too broad or narrow if they cannot, so you will want to adjust them accordingly. So, one of the answers to “What’s a topic sentence?” is a skeleton. With your topic sentences, outlining your essay should be easy. You can also go in the opposite direction. Writing your topic sentences should also be easier if you have outlined your essay.

Topic Sentences v. Thesis Statements

Many students struggle with the difference between topic sentences and thesis statements. One of the significant differences is the placement in your paper. Your topic sentence for the entire essay will be in your introductory paragraph’s first or second sentence. You will also have topic sentences for each section of the paper.

However, the difference is about more than placement. Your thesis statement should be more focused and nuanced than your topic sentence. Furthermore, the topic sentences of each supporting paragraph will support your thesis.

To understand the difference, you need to understand the difference between your essay’s topic and your paper’s narrow focus. For example, if you write an example essay about how dogs help humans, dogs helping humans is your topic. If you provide a specific example of a friend’s service dog, the service dog would be in the thesis. Then, your supporting paragraphs would show a connection between your thesis and the overall topic.

How to Write a Topic Sentence

Before writing a topic sentence, you must decide on your topic. What is the main point of your essay? Let us return to our example essay about dogs helping humans. A bad example of a topic sentence would be:

Dogs are good.

While most people agree with that statement, it is too broad to make a good topic sentence. Yes, it lets the readers know that you will be writing about dogs and that it will be positive, but they have no idea where that topic will go. Your topic sentence needs to do more than tell the reader what your essay is about; it also needs to tell them why you are writing it.

A better topic sentence would be:

Since their relationship with man began, dogs have been helping humans.

That sentence lets the reader know that you will discuss not just dogs but the helpful relationship between dogs and humans. It enables you to introduce the idea of service dogs so that you can narrow the focus to create your thesis statement. If you wanted to narrow your topic even more, you could hone your topic sentence further and make it something like:

For some people, dogs are more than man’s best friend; they are essential companions that help them live an everyday life.

Where to Place Your Topic Sentence

Generally, you want your topic sentence for the essay to be the essay’s opening sentence. There are exceptions, where you might choose to open with a hook statement instead. In those instances, your topic sentence should immediately follow your hook. That way, it serves as a bridge between your hook and the rest of the essay.

For complex writing, you could also begin each supporting paragraph with a hook. However, that approach will be overly complicated and seem disorganized for most academic writing. Instead, for most people, we suggest using the topic sentence as the first sentence for each of your introductory paragraphs. It will help provide structure for the readers. It can also help you identify and stick to a form as a writer.

What is an Effective Topic Sentence for an Essay?

You already know that good writing should feature many sentence types and structures. However, do you know you should avoid simple sentence structures for your topic sentence? While it is not a hard-and-fast rule, the reality is that using compound or complex sentence structures elevates your writing.

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Topic Sentence Examples

Remember, your goal in an argumentative essay is to support a particular viewpoint. So, your topic sentence needs to contain that viewpoint. It should not simply be a fact. The stronger your perspective, the more likely you can convince the reader to agree, as long as you support it with evidence in the essay.

Ten examples of good topic sentences for argumentative essays, some of which we included above, are:

#1. Although people may be worried about overt racism, most of the discrimination in the criminal justice system is the result of covert racism.

#2. Abstinence-only education is bad for children because it stigmatizes sexual behavior while doing nothing to reduce teen pregnancy rates.

#3. Abstinence-based education is suitable for children because it delays the onset of sexual activity by approximately a year.

#4. 1 in 4 men have experienced domestic violence from a partner, which means you know a man who has been victimized.

#5. While many people think of domestic violence as a woman’s issue, the reality is that you know a man who has been victimized since 1 in 4 men will be a victim of domestic violence.

#6. For some people, dogs are more than man’s best friend; they are essential companions that help them live an everyday life.

#7. While often used to insult women, single female cat owners’ self-reported happiness rates suggest that becoming a cat lady may be a goal, not a curse.

#8. While it is important to respect individual choice, the tradwife trend is a warning sign of a culture embracing misogynistic ideals about a woman’s role.

#9. While the pro-choice argument hinges on when life begins, that is irrelevant; the issue concerns bodily autonomy and the ethics of forcing one human to use their body to support another, not about when life begins.

#10. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is well-known in the culinary world, so it seems clear that pineapple belongs on pizza.

Effective Topic Sentences

Looking at topic sentence ideas is looking at essay ideas. Once you get an idea for your essay, you can choose a direction and structure your topic sentence around that idea. Look at these two examples of a topic sentence to see different approaches:

Most of the discrimination in the criminal justice system is due to covert racism, not overt racism.

Although people may be worried about overt racism, most of the discrimination in the criminal justice system is the result of covert racism.

When discussing topic sentences for supporting paragraphs, it is essential to think about the flow of your essay. You want the paragraphs to transition naturally into one another while their first sentences should still announce the paragraph’s topic. One way to do that is to include transition words in your topic sentence. Those transition words can link the paragraph to the one above it, providing a smooth, seamless, and logical transition between thoughts.

How do you write an engaging first sentence in an essay?

One of the biggest challenges for writers is making their topic sentences attractive. That is especially true if you are writing about a topic your audience knows reasonably well. So, avoid making apparent statements when writing your topic sentence when possible. If you can, use a fact or a perspective that might be new to your readers. If you cannot do that, try to give the audience something to consider. You want your topic sentence to tell the audience what you are writing about and why they should give a damn.

To do that, you may want to link a fact to something relevant to your reader. For example, if you are writing an essay about domestic violence, your topic sentence could be:

1 in 4 men have experienced domestic violence from a partner.

That is an interesting fact that most people do not know since most domestic violence information focuses on violence against women. However, it is just a fact. You could make it more personal to the reader by stating:

1 in 4 men have experienced domestic violence from a partner, which means you know a man who has been victimized.

Now, this example sentence could be problematic, depending on the formality of the essay, since we generally avoid the second person (you) in formal, academic writing. However, it does provide food for thought since most people can probably name a woman they know who has been victimized but not a man. So, link the fact to something personal and thought-provoking.

Four Characteristics of an Effective Topic Sentence

An effective topic sentence has four primary characteristics:

It is straightforward to follow.
It has a main idea and a central idea.
It uses engaging vocabulary.
It signals the reader about the content and tone of the essay or paragraph.

Understanding the difference between a main idea and a controlling idea can be confusing. Think of the main idea as your broader topic. Returning to our service dog essay example, the main idea could be something as comprehensive as dogs are good. The main idea would be that dogs are good because they help people. You would not state a sentence in such primary language, but you can base your sentence on those ideas.

Some topic sentence examples that contain these four characteristics include:

Abstinence-only education is bad for children because it stigmatizes sexual behavior while doing nothing to reduce teen pregnancy rates.

Abstinence-based education is suitable for children because it delays the onset of sexual activity by approximately a year.

Notice that both sentences above have the same topic or main idea, abstinence-based sex education, but their main ideas differ. One of them is the introduction to an essay against abstinence-only education. At the same time, the other is the introduction to an essay for abstinence-only education. Those two directions are why you want to do more than introduce your main idea or topic; you also want to include a controlling idea.

Vital Topic Sentence in an Argumentative Essay

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Knowledge Base
Research paper

How to Write a Research Paper | A Beginner's Guide

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that provides analysis, interpretation, and argument based on in-depth independent research.

Research papers are similar to academic essays , but they are usually longer and more detailed assignments, designed to assess not only your writing skills but also your skills in scholarly research. Writing a research paper requires you to demonstrate a strong knowledge of your topic, engage with a variety of sources, and make an original contribution to the debate.

This step-by-step guide takes you through the entire writing process, from understanding your assignment to proofreading your final draft.

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Understand the assignment, choose a research paper topic, conduct preliminary research, develop a thesis statement, create a research paper outline, write a first draft of the research paper, write the introduction, write a compelling body of text, write the conclusion, the second draft, the revision process, research paper checklist, free lecture slides.

Completing a research paper successfully means accomplishing the specific tasks set out for you. Before you start, make sure you thoroughly understanding the assignment task sheet:

Read it carefully, looking for anything confusing you might need to clarify with your professor.
Identify the assignment goal, deadline, length specifications, formatting, and submission method.
Make a bulleted list of the key points, then go back and cross completed items off as you’re writing.

Carefully consider your timeframe and word limit: be realistic, and plan enough time to research, write, and edit.

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There are many ways to generate an idea for a research paper, from brainstorming with pen and paper to talking it through with a fellow student or professor.

You can try free writing, which involves taking a broad topic and writing continuously for two or three minutes to identify absolutely anything relevant that could be interesting.

You can also gain inspiration from other research. The discussion or recommendations sections of research papers often include ideas for other specific topics that require further examination.

Once you have a broad subject area, narrow it down to choose a topic that interests you, m eets the criteria of your assignment, and i s possible to research. Aim for ideas that are both original and specific:

A paper following the chronology of World War II would not be original or specific enough.
A paper on the experience of Danish citizens living close to the German border during World War II would be specific and could be original enough.

Note any discussions that seem important to the topic, and try to find an issue that you can focus your paper around. Use a variety of sources , including journals, books, and reliable websites, to ensure you do not miss anything glaring.

Do not only verify the ideas you have in mind, but look for sources that contradict your point of view.

Is there anything people seem to overlook in the sources you research?
Are there any heated debates you can address?
Do you have a unique take on your topic?
Have there been some recent developments that build on the extant research?

In this stage, you might find it helpful to formulate some research questions to help guide you. To write research questions, try to finish the following sentence: “I want to know how/what/why…”

A thesis statement is a statement of your central argument — it establishes the purpose and position of your paper. If you started with a research question, the thesis statement should answer it. It should also show what evidence and reasoning you’ll use to support that answer.

The thesis statement should be concise, contentious, and coherent. That means it should briefly summarize your argument in a sentence or two, make a claim that requires further evidence or analysis, and make a coherent point that relates to every part of the paper.

You will probably revise and refine the thesis statement as you do more research, but it can serve as a guide throughout the writing process. Every paragraph should aim to support and develop this central claim.

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A research paper outline is essentially a list of the key topics, arguments, and evidence you want to include, divided into sections with headings so that you know roughly what the paper will look like before you start writing.

A structure outline can help make the writing process much more efficient, so it’s worth dedicating some time to create one.

Your first draft won’t be perfect — you can polish later on. Your priorities at this stage are as follows:

Maintaining forward momentum — write now, perfect later.
Paying attention to clear organization and logical ordering of paragraphs and sentences, which will help when you come to the second draft.
Expressing your ideas as clearly as possible, so you know what you were trying to say when you come back to the text.

You do not need to start by writing the introduction. Begin where it feels most natural for you — some prefer to finish the most difficult sections first, while others choose to start with the easiest part. If you created an outline, use it as a map while you work.

Do not delete large sections of text. If you begin to dislike something you have written or find it doesn’t quite fit, move it to a different document, but don’t lose it completely — you never know if it might come in useful later.

Paragraph structure

Paragraphs are the basic building blocks of research papers. Each one should focus on a single claim or idea that helps to establish the overall argument or purpose of the paper.

Example paragraph

George Orwell’s 1946 essay “Politics and the English Language” has had an enduring impact on thought about the relationship between politics and language. This impact is particularly obvious in light of the various critical review articles that have recently referenced the essay. For example, consider Mark Falcoff’s 2009 article in The National Review Online, “The Perversion of Language; or, Orwell Revisited,” in which he analyzes several common words (“activist,” “civil-rights leader,” “diversity,” and more). Falcoff’s close analysis of the ambiguity built into political language intentionally mirrors Orwell’s own point-by-point analysis of the political language of his day. Even 63 years after its publication, Orwell’s essay is emulated by contemporary thinkers.

Citing sources

It’s also important to keep track of citations at this stage to avoid accidental plagiarism . Each time you use a source, make sure to take note of where the information came from.

You can use our free citation generators to automatically create citations and save your reference list as you go.

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The research paper introduction should address three questions: What, why, and how? After finishing the introduction, the reader should know what the paper is about, why it is worth reading, and how you’ll build your arguments.

What? Be specific about the topic of the paper, introduce the background, and define key terms or concepts.

Why? This is the most important, but also the most difficult, part of the introduction. Try to provide brief answers to the following questions: What new material or insight are you offering? What important issues does your essay help define or answer?

How? To let the reader know what to expect from the rest of the paper, the introduction should include a “map” of what will be discussed, briefly presenting the key elements of the paper in chronological order.

The major struggle faced by most writers is how to organize the information presented in the paper, which is one reason an outline is so useful. However, remember that the outline is only a guide and, when writing, you can be flexible with the order in which the information and arguments are presented.

One way to stay on track is to use your thesis statement and topic sentences . Check:

topic sentences against the thesis statement;
topic sentences against each other, for similarities and logical ordering;
and each sentence against the topic sentence of that paragraph.

Be aware of paragraphs that seem to cover the same things. If two paragraphs discuss something similar, they must approach that topic in different ways. Aim to create smooth transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and sections.

The research paper conclusion is designed to help your reader out of the paper’s argument, giving them a sense of finality.

Trace the course of the paper, emphasizing how it all comes together to prove your thesis statement. Give the paper a sense of finality by making sure the reader understands how you’ve settled the issues raised in the introduction.

You might also discuss the more general consequences of the argument, outline what the paper offers to future students of the topic, and suggest any questions the paper’s argument raises but cannot or does not try to answer.

You should not :

Offer new arguments or essential information
Take up any more space than necessary
Begin with stock phrases that signal you are ending the paper (e.g. “In conclusion”)

There are four main considerations when it comes to the second draft.

Check how your vision of the paper lines up with the first draft and, more importantly, that your paper still answers the assignment.
Identify any assumptions that might require (more substantial) justification, keeping your reader’s perspective foremost in mind. Remove these points if you cannot substantiate them further.
Be open to rearranging your ideas. Check whether any sections feel out of place and whether your ideas could be better organized.
If you find that old ideas do not fit as well as you anticipated, you should cut them out or condense them. You might also find that new and well-suited ideas occurred to you during the writing of the first draft — now is the time to make them part of the paper.

The goal during the revision and proofreading process is to ensure you have completed all the necessary tasks and that the paper is as well-articulated as possible. You can speed up the proofreading process by using the AI proofreader .

Global concerns

Confirm that your paper completes every task specified in your assignment sheet.
Check for logical organization and flow of paragraphs.
Check paragraphs against the introduction and thesis statement.

Fine-grained details

Check the content of each paragraph, making sure that:

each sentence helps support the topic sentence.
no unnecessary or irrelevant information is present.
all technical terms your audience might not know are identified.

Next, think about sentence structure , grammatical errors, and formatting . Check that you have correctly used transition words and phrases to show the connections between your ideas. Look for typos, cut unnecessary words, and check for consistency in aspects such as heading formatting and spellings .

Finally, you need to make sure your paper is correctly formatted according to the rules of the citation style you are using. For example, you might need to include an MLA heading or create an APA title page .

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Checklist: Research paper

I have followed all instructions in the assignment sheet.

My introduction presents my topic in an engaging way and provides necessary background information.

My introduction presents a clear, focused research problem and/or thesis statement .

My paper is logically organized using paragraphs and (if relevant) section headings .

Each paragraph is clearly focused on one central idea, expressed in a clear topic sentence .

Each paragraph is relevant to my research problem or thesis statement.

I have used appropriate transitions to clarify the connections between sections, paragraphs, and sentences.

My conclusion provides a concise answer to the research question or emphasizes how the thesis has been supported.

My conclusion shows how my research has contributed to knowledge or understanding of my topic.

My conclusion does not present any new points or information essential to my argument.

I have provided an in-text citation every time I refer to ideas or information from a source.

I have included a reference list at the end of my paper, consistently formatted according to a specific citation style .

I have thoroughly revised my paper and addressed any feedback from my professor or supervisor.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (page numbers, headers, spacing, etc.).

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 great research paper topics.

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One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

Current Events

What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
Should graduate students be able to form unions?

What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
How does stress affect the body?
Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
What were the causes of the Civil War?
How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
What caused Hitler's rise to power?
Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
What are the pros and cons of fracking?
What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
How are black holes created?
Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
Has social media made people more or less connected?
What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)  

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading.

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:
Expository Essay Introduction Example

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail.

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction:

Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote.
Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic.
Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay.

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2

Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.
Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.
Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction:

Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading.
Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic.
State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay.
Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis.
Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic.
Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument.

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education:

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation.

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education).

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.

Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?”
Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher.
Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.”

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps:

Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.”
Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument.
Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.”
Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns.
Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.”

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement:

Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.”
State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.”
Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention.
Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.”

Examples of essay introduction

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays:

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.”

Expository Essay Introduction Example

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.”

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.”

Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic.
Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement.
Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined.
Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay.
Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay.

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3

Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote.
Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion.
Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific.
Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay.
Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis.
Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors.
Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further.

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how. For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.”

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness.

References

Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills .
West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617.
Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242.

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How to Cite Social Media Sources in Academic Writing?

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How Do We Know Climate Change Is Real?

There is unequivocal evidence that Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate. Human activity is the principal cause.

While Earth’s climate has changed throughout its history , the current warming is happening at a rate not seen in the past 10,000 years.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC ), "Since systematic scientific assessments began in the 1970s, the influence of human activity on the warming of the climate system has evolved from theory to established fact." 1
Scientific information taken from natural sources (such as ice cores, rocks, and tree rings) and from modern equipment (like satellites and instruments) all show the signs of a changing climate.
From global temperature rise to melting ice sheets, the evidence of a warming planet abounds.

The rate of change since the mid-20th century is unprecedented over millennia.

Earth's climate has changed throughout history. Just in the last 800,000 years, there have been eight cycles of ice ages and warmer periods, with the end of the last ice age about 11,700 years ago marking the beginning of the modern climate era — and of human civilization. Most of these climate changes are attributed to very small variations in Earth’s orbit that change the amount of solar energy our planet receives.

The current warming trend is different because it is clearly the result of human activities since the mid-1800s, and is proceeding at a rate not seen over many recent millennia. 1 It is undeniable that human activities have produced the atmospheric gases that have trapped more of the Sun’s energy in the Earth system. This extra energy has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land, and widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and biosphere have occurred.

Do scientists agree on climate change?

Yes, the vast majority of actively publishing climate scientists – 97 percent – agree that humans are causing global warming and climate change.

Earth-orbiting satellites and new technologies have helped scientists see the big picture, collecting many different types of information about our planet and its climate all over the world. These data, collected over many years, reveal the signs and patterns of a changing climate.

Scientists demonstrated the heat-trapping nature of carbon dioxide and other gases in the mid-19th century. 2 Many of the science instruments NASA uses to study our climate focus on how these gases affect the movement of infrared radiation through the atmosphere. From the measured impacts of increases in these gases, there is no question that increased greenhouse gas levels warm Earth in response.

"Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal." — Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Ice cores drawn from Greenland, Antarctica, and tropical mountain glaciers show that Earth’s climate responds to changes in greenhouse gas levels. Ancient evidence can also be found in tree rings, ocean sediments, coral reefs, and layers of sedimentary rocks. This ancient, or paleoclimate, evidence reveals that current warming is occurring roughly 10 times faster than the average rate of warming after an ice age. Carbon dioxide from human activities is increasing about 250 times faster than it did from natural sources after the last Ice Age. 3

The Evidence for Rapid Climate Change Is Compelling:

Global temperature is rising.

The planet's average surface temperature has risen about 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century, a change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and other human activities. 4 Most of the warming occurred in the past 40 years, with the seven most recent years being the warmest. The years 2016 and 2020 are tied for the warmest year on record. 5

The Ocean Is Getting Warmer

The ocean has absorbed much of this increased heat, with the top 100 meters (about 328 feet) of ocean showing warming of 0.67 degrees Fahrenheit (0.33 degrees Celsius) since 1969. 6 Earth stores 90% of the extra energy in the ocean.

The Ice Sheets Are Shrinking

The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have decreased in mass. Data from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment show Greenland lost an average of 279 billion tons of ice per year between 1993 and 2019, while Antarctica lost about 148 billion tons of ice per year. 7

Glaciers Are Retreating

Glaciers are retreating almost everywhere around the world — including in the Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alaska, and Africa. 8

Snow Cover Is Decreasing

Satellite observations reveal that the amount of spring snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere has decreased over the past five decades and the snow is melting earlier. 9

Sea Level Is Rising

Global sea level rose about 8 inches (20 centimeters) in the last century. The rate in the last two decades, however, is nearly double that of the last century and accelerating slightly every year. 10

Arctic Sea Ice Is Declining

Both the extent and thickness of Arctic sea ice has declined rapidly over the last several decades. 11

Extreme Events Are Increasing in Frequency

The number of record high temperature events in the United States has been increasing, while the number of record low temperature events has been decreasing, since 1950. The U.S. has also witnessed increasing numbers of intense rainfall events. 12

Ocean Acidification Is Increasing

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the acidity of surface ocean waters has increased by about 30%. 13 , 14 This increase is due to humans emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and hence more being absorbed into the ocean. The ocean has absorbed between 20% and 30% of total anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions in recent decades (7.2 to 10.8 billion metric tons per year). 1 5 , 16

1. IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, WGI, Technical Summary . B.D. Santer et.al., “A search for human influences on the thermal structure of the atmosphere.” Nature 382 (04 July 1996): 39-46. https://doi.org/10.1038/382039a0. Gabriele C. Hegerl et al., “Detecting Greenhouse-Gas-Induced Climate Change with an Optimal Fingerprint Method.” Journal of Climate 9 (October 1996): 2281-2306. https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0442(1996)009<2281:DGGICC>2.0.CO;2. V. Ramaswamy, et al., “Anthropogenic and Natural Influences in the Evolution of Lower Stratospheric Cooling.” Science 311 (24 February 2006): 1138-1141. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1122587. B.D. Santer et al., “Contributions of Anthropogenic and Natural Forcing to Recent Tropopause Height Changes.” Science 301 (25 July 2003): 479-483. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1084123. T. Westerhold et al., "An astronomically dated record of Earth’s climate and its predictability over the last 66 million years." Science 369 (11 Sept. 2020): 1383-1387. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1094123

2. In 1824, Joseph Fourier calculated that an Earth-sized planet, at our distance from the Sun, ought to be much colder. He suggested something in the atmosphere must be acting like an insulating blanket. In 1856, Eunice Foote discovered that blanket, showing that carbon dioxide and water vapor in Earth's atmosphere trap escaping infrared (heat) radiation. In the 1860s, physicist John Tyndall recognized Earth's natural greenhouse effect and suggested that slight changes in the atmospheric composition could bring about climatic variations. In 1896, a seminal paper by Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius first predicted that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels could substantially alter the surface temperature through the greenhouse effect. In 1938, Guy Callendar connected carbon dioxide increases in Earth’s atmosphere to global warming. In 1941, Milutin Milankovic linked ice ages to Earth’s orbital characteristics. Gilbert Plass formulated the Carbon Dioxide Theory of Climate Change in 1956.

3. IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, WG1, Chapter 2 Vostok ice core data; NOAA Mauna Loa CO2 record O. Gaffney, W. Steffen, "The Anthropocene Equation." The Anthropocene Review 4, issue 1 (April 2017): 53-61. https://doi.org/abs/10.1177/2053019616688022.

4. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/monitoring https://crudata.uea.ac.uk/cru/data/temperature/ http://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp

5. https://www.giss.nasa.gov/research/news/20170118/

6. S. Levitus, J. Antonov, T. Boyer, O Baranova, H. Garcia, R. Locarnini, A. Mishonov, J. Reagan, D. Seidov, E. Yarosh, M. Zweng, " NCEI ocean heat content, temperature anomalies, salinity anomalies, thermosteric sea level anomalies, halosteric sea level anomalies, and total steric sea level anomalies from 1955 to present calculated from in situ oceanographic subsurface profile data (NCEI Accession 0164586), Version 4.4. (2017) NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/OC5/3M_HEAT_CONTENT/index3.html K. von Schuckmann, L. Cheng, L,. D. Palmer, J. Hansen, C. Tassone, V. Aich, S. Adusumilli, H. Beltrami, H., T. Boyer, F. Cuesta-Valero, D. Desbruyeres, C. Domingues, A. Garcia-Garcia, P. Gentine, J. Gilson, M. Gorfer, L. Haimberger, M. Ishii, M., G. Johnson, R. Killick, B. King, G. Kirchengast, N. Kolodziejczyk, J. Lyman, B. Marzeion, M. Mayer, M. Monier, D. Monselesan, S. Purkey, D. Roemmich, A. Schweiger, S. Seneviratne, A. Shepherd, D. Slater, A. Steiner, F. Straneo, M.L. Timmermans, S. Wijffels. "Heat stored in the Earth system: where does the energy go?" Earth System Science Data 12, Issue 3 (07 September 2020): 2013-2041. https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-2013-2020.

7. I. Velicogna, Yara Mohajerani, A. Geruo, F. Landerer, J. Mouginot, B. Noel, E. Rignot, T. Sutterly, M. van den Broeke, M. Wessem, D. Wiese, "Continuity of Ice Sheet Mass Loss in Greenland and Antarctica From the GRACE and GRACE Follow-On Missions." Geophysical Research Letters 47, Issue 8 (28 April 2020): e2020GL087291. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL087291.

8. National Snow and Ice Data Center World Glacier Monitoring Service

9. National Snow and Ice Data Center D.A. Robinson, D. K. Hall, and T. L. Mote, "MEaSUREs Northern Hemisphere Terrestrial Snow Cover Extent Daily 25km EASE-Grid 2.0, Version 1 (2017). Boulder, Colorado USA. NASA National Snow and Ice Data Center Distributed Active Archive Center. doi: https://doi.org/10.5067/MEASURES/CRYOSPHERE/nsidc-0530.001 . http://nsidc.org/cryosphere/sotc/snow_extent.html Rutgers University Global Snow Lab. Data History

10. R.S. Nerem, B.D. Beckley, J. T. Fasullo, B.D. Hamlington, D. Masters, and G.T. Mitchum, "Climate-change–driven accelerated sea-level rise detected in the altimeter era." PNAS 15, no. 9 (12 Feb. 2018): 2022-2025. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1717312115.

11. https://nsidc.org/cryosphere/sotc/sea_ice.html Pan-Arctic Ice Ocean Modeling and Assimilation System (PIOMAS, Zhang and Rothrock, 2003) http://psc.apl.washington.edu/research/projects/arctic-sea-ice-volume-anomaly/ http://psc.apl.uw.edu/research/projects/projections-of-an-ice-diminished-arctic-ocean/

12. USGCRP, 2017: Climate Science Special Report: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume I [Wuebbles, D.J., D.W. Fahey, K.A. Hibbard, D.J. Dokken, B.C. Stewart, and T.K. Maycock (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, 470 pp, https://doi.org/10.7930/j0j964j6 .

13. http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/What+is+Ocean+Acidification%3F

14. http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/Ocean+Acidification

15. C.L. Sabine, et al., “The Oceanic Sink for Anthropogenic CO2.” Science 305 (16 July 2004): 367-371. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1097403.

16. Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate , Technical Summary, Chapter TS.5, Changing Ocean, Marine Ecosystems, and Dependent Communities, Section 5.2.2.3. https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/chapter/technical-summary/

Header image shows clouds imitating mountains as the sun sets after midnight as seen from Denali's backcountry Unit 13 on June 14, 2019. Credit: NPS/Emily Mesner

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How to Write Topic Sentences
Step 2: Make an essay outline and draft topic sentences. Next, you should make an outline of your essay's structure, planning what you want to say in each paragraph and what evidence you'll use. At this stage, you can draft a topic sentence that sums up the main point you want to make in each paragraph. The topic sentences should be more ...
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A well-written topic sentence should provide clear guidance for readers while summarizing your main point in one concise idea. Some example topic sentences might include: "Teenagers need more sleep than adults to function properly.". "Exposure to sunlight increases our Vitamin D levels which improves overall health.".
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Step 3: Make your essay outline. Once you have the points you want to make within your thesis statement hammered out, make an outline for your essay. This is where you'll start to create your topic sentence for each paragraph. You want to clearly state the main idea of that paragraph in the very first sentence.
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Published 16 October, 2023. The topic sentence is one of the most important sentences in a research paper. It states your main idea and sets up everything that follows. A good topic sentence will be specific, clear, and relevant to your thesis statement. This post will teach you how to write a great topic sentence for any research paper!
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5. A troublesome thesis is a fragment; a good thesis statement is expressed in a complete sentence. Example: How life is in New York after September 11th. Better: After September 11th, the city of New York tends to have more cases of post-traumatic disorder than other areas of the United States and rightfully so.
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A Comprehensive Guide with Examples. Published by Alaxendra Bets at August 18th, 2021 , Revised On August 22, 2023. "Topic sentences briefly describe what each paragraph of an essay will explore and discuss. You can consider topic sentences as the heading or the headline for the paragraph.". Demonstrate how the content of the paragraph ...
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Topic sentences that point out further implications of your research If we look again at the sample paragraph above, you'll see that it is an instance of the first category. More specifically, it is a topic sentence that lets readers know that the paragraph is going to offer a second example in support of a claim ("The birth of bebop is ...
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For example, if you are writing an essay about domestic violence, your topic sentence could be: 1 in 4 men have experienced domestic violence from a partner. That is an interesting fact that most people do not know since most domestic violence information focuses on violence against women. However, it is just a fact.
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A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here's how to write a thesis statement: Identify the topic: Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise ...
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