Argumentative essays have topic sentences that support the thesis statement at the beginning of each paragraph. Each topic sentence should explain why your readers should agree with you. An effective way of making your argument rigid is by outlining opposing ideas and proving them wrong.
To make the topic sentence in each paragraph efficient, highlight the main idea at the beginning and let your audience know what you will be discussing. It must present the main idea that merges the whole paragraph (enhances coherence) and relates it to the thesis statement.
The various purposes of topic sentences in your argumentative essay include;
- Making a claim ( a mini-thesis statement)
- Unifying the sentences of each paragraph
- Explaining what you are talking about in a paragraph
- Supporting the declarations in the paper
What Are Topic Sentences?
Topic sentences support your argumentative essay thesis statement. They unify the content of each paragraph by directing the order of featured sentences. Effective topic sentences enlighten your readers about the content of each paragraph and the approach you take to discuss and back up your claim.
Also see: Can you use Contractions in An Essay?
Often, readers look at the first sentence in each paragraph to identify your perspective. It is, therefore, vital (although not necessary) to incorporate your topic sentences at the beginning of every paragraph.
How Do You Write A Topic Sentence In An Essay?
Like earlier stated, each paragraph of your argumentative essay should feature a topic sentence. You should integrate two key things; the topic and central point for all main body paragraphs. After the topic sentence, expand your key point with evidence and examples.
To write a commanding topic sentence, follow the below steps;
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Write a Thesis Statement
Before developing your topic sentences, make sure you already have a thesis statement. The thesis statement summarizes the intent and purpose of the argumentative essay.
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Design the Essay Outline and Draft Related Topic Sentences
Design an outline for your argumentative essay before the writing process. Here, you get to plan what you want to express in each paragraph and the evidence you will use.
While designing the outline, draft a topic sentence for each paragraph. Each should summarize the key point you want to explain in each paragraph. The topic sentences should get into more details than the thesis statement but ensure they are related.
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Expand Using Reliable Evidence
Ensure each paragraph flows logically from the specific topic sentence. Expand the main point using examples, augmentation, or evidence. It helps keep your paragraphs on point as everything you write should associate with the central idea in the topic sentence.
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Refine the Topic Sentences
Note that topic sentences are just simple statements. To ensure you remain relevant, revise them while writing to match the content outlined in each paragraph. Make your writing stronger and integrate clear and logical connections between your paragraphs using topic sentences. They help create smooth transitions.
Three Examples of a Topic Sentence
Below are three examples of effective topic sentences;
- The rate at which infrastructure is developing is negatively affecting our forests.
- Although team players play a vital role in the team’s success, coaches are the main contributors.
- Arming security guards at private residences is a sure way of enhancing security countrywide.
What Makes A Good Topic Sentence?
Although a topic sentence is a simple statement, there are various strategies you can use to make it outstanding. They include;
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Make It Clear
Your topic sentence must include clear and specific words. Avoid using vague and empty words. For example, “Eggs are essential” is weak because it says very little. On the other hand, “Eggs provide essential nutrients” explains why they are suitable for you. You can then expound on the essential nutrients.
An unclear topic sentence makes it hard for your reader to know what to expect and makes the writing process more challenging.
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Keep It Short and Be Concise
Readers often find it difficult to follow and understand wordy topic sentences. A short and tight topic sentence conveniently conveys its message. Additionally, it helps keep the reader focused and eager to read the rest of the paragraph.
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It Should Be Interesting
Ensure the topic sentence is compelling to attract the reader’s attention and encourage him to read further. Incorporate surprising and interesting facts or unusual grammatical structure (you can use a rhetorical question to engage the reader more) to spark your readers’ interest. Do not state the obvious.
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Use Active Voice
Active voice is more forceful and direct compared to passive voice. Ensure you use active voice by making sure the subject in a sentence performs the action.
Do Argumentative Essays Have Topic Sentences?
Argumentative essays have topic sentences in each paragraph. Each provides organization and structure because you break down the thesis into smaller claims.
Consequently, the end product is a block of cohesive ideas.
What Makes A Good Topic Sentence In An Argumentative Essay?
A topic sentence lets the reader know what the paragraph entails. It should guide the reader through your explanation and supporting evidence by enlightening them where you are. A good topic sentence in an argumentative essay should;
- Help the reader discover what the paper will entail
- Enlighten the reader on how the overall argumentation is progressing
- Vividly orient the reader you are discussing different main points in each paragraph.
Note: You cannot discuss your main points in one paragraph. You have to develop many topic sentences that sufficiently cover the thesis statement. Ensure you can reasonably discuss each topic sentence in a short space.
How Do You Write A Topic Sentence For An Argumentative Essay?
When writing a topic sentence for an argumentative essay, ensure you observe the following;
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Construct a Mini-Thesis Statement
While the thesis statement serves as a road map to your argumentative essay, the topic sentence guides your readers through a paragraph. View each topic sentence as a mini-thesis, where you organize and develop each paragraph. Ensure it is clear, focused, and well explained.
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Outline Desired Topic Sentences
Since all topic sentences act as sub-points to the main essay, note them down on a blank document. Ensure each relates to the thesis statement.
Revise and change accordingly if they don’t reflect the content of the paragraphs while indulging in the writing process.
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Incorporate Terms from Your Thesis Statement
Feature some words from the thesis statement into some of the topic sentences. It enhances a sense of coherence throughout your argumentative essay. It ensures your readers have a general idea about how a particular point expounds on the main thesis statement.
Therefore, a rigid topic sentence should;
- Be a subsection of the thesis
- Set up your claim
- Have effective transition
- Be your idea