Writing Effective Topic Sentences - Writing Center

sentences. Moreover, every sentence within the paragraph connects back to the topic sentencethrough illustration, explanation or analysis; every sentence in the sample paragraph tells ussomething about the placement of topic sentences.Although it may be tempting to begin a paragraph with a compelling quote, as a general ruletopic sentences should state the main idea of the paragraph in your own words. Direct quoteshave a place later in the paragraph where they may be incorporated to support the topicsentence’s point.Where can I get more information?If you are finding it challenging to create nice, focused topic sentences, you might consideroutlining before beginning to write a paper. The points and subpoints of an outline—especially ifyou put together a formal outline written in full sentences—can then become the topic sentencesfor the paper’s paragraphs. To learn more about full sentence outlines, see our out handout titledOutlining a Paper at http://writingcenter.edu/318.htm. To learn more about the thesis statement(the main point of the essay as stated in the essay’s introductory paragraph), see our ThesisConstruction handout at http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/405.htm.