Topic sentence

A topic sentence states the main point or focus of a paragraph. It usually appears at or near the beginning. It tells the reader what the paragraph will be about.

The sentences that follow develop, explain or support it with detail, evidence and examples. A clear topic sentence gives a paragraph unity and direction. The reader is never left wondering what the point is.

In analytical and persuasive writing, strong topic sentences act as signposts. They guide the reader through an argument one clear idea at a time.

In writing tasks, clear topic sentences keep your paragraphs focused and your argument easy to follow. Examiners reward this as structure and organisation. In analytical essays, a topic sentence that answers the question keeps each paragraph relevant.

Opening paragraphs with a clear point and then supporting it is one of the simplest ways to raise the quality and coherence of your writing.

Opening a paragraph with The town's transport problems begin with its narrow roads tells the reader exactly what the rest of the paragraph will explain.

Begin each paragraph with a sentence that states its main point clearly. Then follow it with explanation, evidence and detail that develop that point. In an essay, make the topic sentence address the question directly.

Check that everything else in the paragraph supports it, and cut anything that drifts, so each paragraph stays unified around one clear idea.

You may also find writing formats and annotated model responses useful. Next, visit our skills guides for IGCSE English to see terms like this used in real answers. Our IGCSE English tuition page explains how lessons run. When you are ready, the paid one-hour trial is the first step.