Most paragraphs will start with a topic sentence. Topic sentences are like the introduction to the main idea of what you will discuss in your paragraph. You don’t want to dive into specific details here; first, you want to make a statement that presents the topic, which should also keep in mind your thesis.
Topic sentences are idea indicators, or “signs” that help guide a reader along from idea to idea. They have a topic and an angle, just like thesis sentences. But the angle of topic sentences usually is smaller in scope than that of a thesis sentence. Very often the topic remains the same from thesis to topic sentence, while the angle shifts as the writer brings in various ideas and research to support the angle in the thesis.
Let’s take a look at a sample thesis sentence, and then some topic sentences we might use to support it:
| Thesis Sentence | Topic | Angle |
| A regular exercise regimen creates multiple benefits, both physical and emotional. | Regular exercise | Physical and emotional benefits |
| Topic Sentence | Topic | Angle |
| One physical benefit of having a regular exercise regimen is longevity. Recent studies have shown that… | Regular exercise | Improved longevity |
| Exercise reduces cholesterol when done at least three times per week. | Regular exercise | Reduced cholesterol |
| Gyms can often be spaces to find community, which can help a person feel more emotionally connected. | Gyms | Connection to community |
| A sedentary lifestyle has been tied to increased depression and heart disease. | Sedentary lifestyle | Increased depression and heart disease. |
| A benefit that spans the physical and emotional results of regular exercise is the release of endorphins, or substances produced by glands as a byproduct of exercise. | Regular exercise | Physical and emotional benefits of endorphins |
| Beyond just exercise, the structure of a daily routine has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. | Having a routine | Reduced stress and anxiety |
| Because regular exercise often helps to slow the effects of aging and maintain a good body weight, people who exercise regularly experience the emotional benefits of good self-image and self-confidence in their looks… | Regular exercise | Emotional benefit of better self-image & confidence |
Realize that all paragraphs do not need topic sentences. Sometimes, you may need multiple paragraphs to help explain one topic sentence, because you have a lot of supporting information.
Using Topic Sentences to Outline
Sometimes it may be difficult to know exactly what each of your topic sentences will be before sitting down to write. One way to map out the overall direction of your essay and make sure you stay on topic is to draft a rough outline. This outline should include your main topic, thesis statement, and then each of the supporting points you are going to make to back up your thesis statement.
For example, using some of the topic sentences from above, an outline for our essay on exercise could look like this:
I. Topic: Why exercise is important
a. Thesis statement: A regular exercise regimen creates multiple benefits, both physical and emotional.
II. Main idea 1: People who exercise live longer than people who don’t.
a. Topic Sentence:One physical benefit of having a regular exercise regimen is longevity.
III. Main idea 2: Regular exercises prevents heart disease.
a. Topic Sentence 2: Exercise reduces cholesterol when done at least three times per week.
IV. Main idea 3: Regular Exercise helps you sleep
a. Topic Sentence 3: People who exercise regularly have less trouble with sleep disorders.
V. Main idea 4: Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress
a. Topic Sentence 4: Another benefit of regular exercise is that it helps to reduce stress.
VI. Main idea 5: Exercise makes you feel good.
a. Topic Sentence 5: An important benefit of regular exercise is the release of endorphins, which studies have shown improves mood, relieves depression, and creates an overall sense of wellbeing.
For more help with outlining, including a downloadable template, visit our page in the Research section.