In this guide, we’ll look at how to write a topic sentence for an argumentative essay. And don’t worry, it’s an incredibly simple thing to do, so you don’t necessary have to overthink anything here.
Key Takeaways
- A topic sentence begins every paragraph of your argumentative essay.
- The purpose of the topic sentence is to communicate the main idea you intend to cover in the paragraph, so it should be clear, sensible, and coherent.
- If possible, include new information in your topic sentence to make your writing stand out.
- You can use transition words such as “another” and “even though” to start a topic sentence in your argumentative essay.
- Use compound and complex sentences to strengthen your paragraphs.
- You can use reasonable options, but make sure you can support them so that they’re convincing.
What Is a Topic Sentence in an Argumentative Essay?
A topic sentence is the opening statement in every paragraph of an argumentative essay. It provides an idea of what you’ll cover in the paragraph.
A topic sentence should be vast so that it can support many subtopics in the rest of its paragraphs.
It’s important to note that a topic sentence in an argumentative essay is completely different from the thesis statement.
A thesis statement states the repeated focus in an entire writing. A thesis makes a major point that you will discuss in the rest of the argument.
A topic sentence on the other hand will introduce the topics of every supporting paragraphs to back up the thesis.
What is the Purpose of a Topic Sentence in an Argumentative Essay?
You need a topic sentence because it makes the idea of the main paragraph more clear and sensible for coherence.
The topic sentence joins sentences of a given paragraph, backs up what the paper claims, explains what a paragraph says, and claims mini thesis statements.
Tips for Writing a Topic Sentence for an Argumentative Essay
Here are 4 useful tips that will help you write a good topic sentence for an argumentative essay:
1. Use New Information
You should write a topic sentence that’s interesting to read so that it immerses your readers deeply into your essay.
Try as much as you can to make the information you provide look new. By doing so, way it will be far from being another fact statement.
2. Use a Topic Sentence Later in the Opening Paragraph
Many students often choose to write their topic sentence as the first thing in every paragraph. While that’s the standard approach, you can be a bit flexible.
In other words, instead of having your topic sentence in every first sentence of a paragraph, you can write it after the hook in an opening paragraph to grab the reader’s attention and that makes him or her want to read more.
3. Try Transition Words
Transitional words can be used on opening topic sentences or on sentence that begin with supporting paragraphs.
You can use transitional words like “another”, “although” or “even though” to start your new paragraph
4. Make your Topic Sentence Compound and Complex
To make your topic sentence high level with a stronger feels, consider the use of compound and complex sentences.
For compound sentences, use independent clauses – preferably two – and then connect them using a comma and conjunction.
For complex sentences, use independent and subordinate clauses and link them with a comma and subordinating conjunction.
Here are examples of compound and complex sentences:
- Complex sentence: When planes fly, they follow paths used by other planes for centuries. “When” at this point is the subordinate conjunction.
- Compound sentences: The colonial period was a period of intrusion, but it was monitored by strict social nods. In this case, “but” is the coordinating conjunction.
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How to Write a Topic Sentence for an Argumentative Essay
1. Clearly State Your Major Idea
Since a topic sentence is the first statement in every paragraph, it is important to make it more clear, straight to the point and easy to digest.
Avoid using extra, unnecessary words as it makes understanding more difficult.
Make sure you include controlling ideas and topics because the sentences that follow thereafter should relate to the topic sentence.
Avoid using an opening statement like “Today we are going to discuss the benefits of afforestation”.
After all, a topic sentence is not an invitation, which allows announcement of topics at hand.
2. Use the Topic Sentence as a Transition
Topic sentences that work as transitions guide readers through arguments on essays.
This makes sure they are not only on track but also don’t get lost in words.
3. Keep it Short and Concise
Don’t have your readers figure out your intentions in your argumentative essay are; just use the topic statements to show them the aim of your essay.
So make your topic sentence more specific than your thesis.
When you use short sentence on your essay you make your paragraph retain its flow.
The shorter you keep the sentences the more you clearly bring out your intentions.
4. Balance the Topic Sentence between Specifics and General Ideas
Topic sentences ought to relate to the thesis statement on your essay. Importantly, ensure the topic sentence is broad and balanced.
Avoid the use of general ideas because they will be a bit challenging to discuss. Avoid the use of narrow statements instead aim for a balance that is good.
Also, hook your readers more by describing characters, portray emotions, use dialogues, details but avoid rhetorical questions.
5. Make Use of Reasonable Opinions
The topic sentence is supposed to outline things that can be supported by concrete evidence. That’s why we need topic sentences in paragraphs.
You are allowed to highlight an opinion on your topic sentence but only make the move when you are certain of backing it up with the paragraph that follows.
Facts are good but avoid them because they won’t introduce the reader to your main idea.
If you find it necessary, consider an input of your own. For example, instead of writing, “All patients need treatment”, you can say, “All patients need regular care, like food, water and nurses are the best for it”.