When you write a paper, part of your goal is to make sure your reader can keep track of the main points you're making. Sentences like thesis statements and topic sentences help you do that - they summarize what's coming!
While a thesis statement tells your reader what the entire paper is about, a topic sentence is devoted to a single paragraph within your paper. Since each paragraph in your paper should be related to some part of your thesis statement, your topic sentences will also reflect part of the thesis.
Example:
Imagine you're writing a paper, and this is your thesis statement:
Human food preferences are shaped by a complex interplay of biological, cultural, and psychological factors, which influence dietary choices from infancy to adulthood.
That thesis statement highlights three factors that affect food preferences: biology, culture and psychology. You'll need a paragraph - and a topic sentence - for each of those three factors.
 Biological factors, such as genetics and innate taste preferences, play a significant role in shaping human food choices.___________________________The rest of your paragraph will use evidence from your research to tell how genetics and tastes play a role in food preferences. |
 Cultural factors, including family traditions, social norms, and regional cuisines, significantly influence the development of food preferences.___________________________The rest of your paragraph will use evidence from your research to tell how family, society and regional cuisine play a role in food preferences. |
 Psychological factors such as personal experiences, emotions, and memories can also shape individual eating preferences and behaviors.___________________________The rest of your paragraph will use evidence from your research to tell how experiences, emotions and memories play a role in eating habits. |
Learn more!
- Tips: Topic sentences in body paragraphs (Tutor.com)
- Tips: The Ultimate Guide to Paragraphs (Grammarly)
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Video: Writing Strong Topic Sentences: Add IMPACT to your Writing (High-Value Writing
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