How To Create A Topic Sentence For An Essay: Basic Guidelines

While writing essays, it is peremptory to stitch an all-powerful introduction. Narrative pieces take strength from writing prompts but the dynamics change for expository pieces; where you cannot be fanciful. Here is where topic sentences make their graded appearance.

The topic sentence

Now, a topic sentence is a lucid and explanatory sentence which covers the segment wholly. It should be followed by sentences in the paragraph which strengthen the core of the topic sentence.

The pervasive mold

You shall work at the pervasive mold. Giving just an indication of what the topic is all about is not going to help you. You should think along schematic lines and carve a strong sentence that affirms your authority.

Here is a look-in at some of the illustrative topic sentences –

1. Having seen the culmination of 1857 sepoy mutiny; Mahatma Gandhi knew that the route to independence has to go through non-violence.

Now, this sentence clearly asserts why Mahatma Gandhi followed that route and stuck to it till the end. It can be followed by sentient facts; how Bhagat Singh’s audacity didn’t bear the desired fruit; how Netaji’s rebellion was lost in ashes. So on and so forth.

2. Nelson Mandela is not considered great for what he achieved; he is great because he had the capacity to forgive his assailants, despite hailing from a warring society.

For someone who spends 27 years in jail, it is natural to carry the angst. This sentence is a testament to how Mandela transformed the angst into a resolution to fight, non-violently. The upcoming sentences will mention his travails.

3. You don’t get as much joy in reaching the destination as you get from overcoming the obstacles in the journey towards the destination.

This sentence opens up a clear standpoint that the end is valid only if the means are so. The following lines can expostulate on the means you utilize down to the successful achievement of your quest.

4. The night was cold, but his heart was colder as he proceeded to murder Andrea; the woman who had destroyed him.

This is an extremely explanatory sentence and has the power to carry the whole essay. The successive lines can inform about the night, Andrea and the facts about his destruction.

The evocative spirit

The most important thing about topic sentences is that it should be evocative. It cannot leave loose ends or a suggestion unanswered. It should be a completion unto itself. Of course, this requires a degree of creativity.