Every paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that establishes control and focus of that specific paragraph. The topic sentence establishes not only what the topic is but also your explanation, extension, support, or clarification of it.
A clear topic sentence will include the main point of the paragraph. The focus of the paragraph should be easy to identify based on the topic sentence.
Writers can use key words from the prompt to write the topic sentence. In the topic sentence, directly incorporate relevant keywords that are identified in the prompt. Refer to the "identify key words in the question" section.
Attributions:
"Topic Sentences | Writing Strategies with Jessica" Youtube, uploaded by UCLA Library, 5 June 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmB_nOhXc_U&t=6s..
Permissions: YouTube Terms of Service
How to use the key words in a question/prompt to write a topic sentence:
1) Read through the entire question/prompt carefully and more than once.
2) Identify key words.
a) Circle key words, such as the subject(s), vocabulary from the course, and specific information from the course. Watch for words that
describe the instructor’s expectations for your response (see the table above).
b) Underline the words that indicate what you are to do.
3) Use these key words to create a topic sentence. You may or may not use all of the words you have identified.
Example:
