Skip to Main Content

PrePALS Writing

LESSON: The Topic Sentence

Topic (or "Key") Sentences

In academic writing, readers expect each paragraph to have a sentence or two that captures its main point. They’re often called “topic sentences,” though many prefer to call them “key sentences.” There are at least two downsides of the phrase “topic sentence.” First, it makes it seem like the paramount job of that sentence is simply to announce the topic of the paragraph. Second, it makes it seem like the topic sentence must always be a single grammatical sentence. Calling it a “key sentence” reminds us that it expresses the central idea of the paragraph. And sometimes a question or a two-sentence construction functions as the key.

Key sentences in academic writing do two things. First, they establish the main point that the rest of the paragraph supports. Second, they situate each paragraph within the sequence of the argument, a task that requires transitioning from the prior paragraph.

This box contains explanation of "key" or topic sentences.

A last thing to note about key sentences is that academic readers expect them to be at the beginning of the paragraph. This placement helps readers comprehend your argument. However, keep in mind that this isn’t a rule. Sometimes the paragraph’s purpose in a larger piece of writing necessitates that its topic sentence occur elsewhere.

 

Attribution:

English Composition I. Schoolcraft College. 

License: Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike .
 
 

Attributions:

"Supporting Paragraph Structure" Youtube, uploaded by The Learning Portal / Le Portail d’Apprentissage,  12 Sept. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGmEJ2ppbeQ&t=101s

Permissions: YouTube CC-BY License

APPLICATION: Choose the Topic Sentence

ASSESSMENT: Let's Practice!

The paragraph below lacks a topic sentence.  Read the paragraph, and write an appropriate topic sentence for the paragraph.  To check your understanding, we invite you to submit your writing to the Online Writing Center via this online Writing Center LINK.  The link will bring you to a form.  In the form, you may put "Pre-Pals" for the COURSE NAME, "None" for the INSTRUCTOR, and "Topic Sentence Assessment" for the "Assignment Title."  You will receive feedback from the Writing Center about your topic sentence.

 

Create a topic sentence for the following paragraph:

Whether working at a local food bank or helping clean up a park, volunteers often form friendships and networks that last beyond the activity itself. In addition to social benefits, volunteering also helps individuals develop valuable life skills, such as communication, teamwork, and time management. These skills are useful not only in personal relationships but also in academic and professional settings. Finally, volunteering provides a deep sense of personal fulfillment, as it allows people to make a positive impact and feel more connected to their community. Through these benefits, volunteering becomes more than just a good deed—it becomes a meaningful and rewarding part of life.

 

 


Western Technical College

Western Technical College Learning Commons
Student Success Center, Room 201
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, WI 54601
learningcommons@westerntc.edu
State Relay: 711
EEO Statement

Learn more about Western and the Learning Commons.
The Learning Commons provides library and academic support services on campus and online. The Learning Commons will set you up for success!

Creative Commons License
Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. For details and exceptions, see the Library Copyright Statement.
©2020, Western Technical College

If you are experiencing disability related accessibility issues with any information on this website, please email AccessServices@westerntc.edu or call 608-785-9524.