topic sentence

Main idea statement

A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph, typically appearing at the beginning to guide readers through what follows.

It functions like a miniature thesis for that paragraph.

In academic and expository writing, teachers emphasize topic sentences as tools for organizing ideas: Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence.

structure

thesis

Academic argument requiring defense

main ideaCentral concept conveyed
argumentReasoned case or dispute
pointExact location or meaning

premise · proposition · assertion · statement · claim · opening · supporting details · transition · conclusion · paragraph

clarity

focus

Concentrated attention point

precisionAccuracy of measurement
explicitnessQuality of being unambiguous
specificityExactness of detail

conciseness · articulation · directness · transparency · understandability · comprehensibility · sharpness · definition · narrowing · scope

function

introduction

Preliminary section or presentation

hookCurved catching device
attentionFocused mental awareness
orientationPosition relative to surroundings

context · roadmap · preview · guidance · signposting · forecasting · announcement · framing · grounding · setup

summary

gist

Central meaning distilled

encapsulationSurrounding on all sides
essenceFundamental nature of something
condensationVapor turning to liquid

distillation · abstract · synopsis · overview · capsule · nutshell · précis · kernel · crux · core

topic sentence

thesis

focus

introduction

gist

topic sentence

Opposites

Categories

Family