How to Write a Topic Sentence

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Steps to Writing a Topic Sentence Outline

1. Re-read the thesis statement you wrote in step 2 (in green in the example below).

2. Ask yourself, "How can I support the idea in the thesis with reasons, effects, examples, or solutions?" (If you had a "roadmap" in your thesis, your topics are already chosen).

3. Write each topic sentence as ONE complete sentence:

  • Start with a transition word or phrase 
  • Briefly mention the thesis position
  • State the topic of the paragraph
  • Add a period. 


Sample Topic Sentence Outlines:

Thesis:  I am writing to express my support for the proposal to require three in-person work days a week.

1. To begin with, meeting in person will make us feel like a team again.

2. Furthermore, the three in-person days will help us be more productive.

Thesis:  I want to share the reasons I disagree with the requirement that our team be restricted to the hours of 11am to 7pm.

1. The first reason to not restrict our work hours is to avoid losing valuable team members.

2.Another reason to avoid restricting hours is to maintain stress free employees.

Transitions for First Topic Sentence

  • First,
  • First and foremost,
  • To begin with,
  • Firstly, 
  • The first _______ is...

Transitions for Topic Sentences AFTER the First

  • Also,
  • Additionally,
  • In addition,
  • Furthermore,
  • Another _________

Transitions for the Last Topic Sentence

  • Lastly,
  • Finally,
  • Last but not least,

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

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