This may be the most informative page ever on topic sentences. You will learn a mountain of topic-sentence theory and advice from five classic books on writing well. However, I also analyze the paragraphs from these classic books to see if they follow their own advice. Are their paragraphs perfect? Do they use topic sentences? Can we do better?
In English Composition and Rhetoric (1866), Alexander Bain singlehandedly created the topic sentence rule with this statement: “The opening sentence, unless so constructed as to be obviously preparatory, is expected to indicate with prominence the subject of the paragraph.”
In fact, Bain created six paragraph rules that started a paragraph revolution. Although Bain’s rules are sound advice and guidance, they are not necessarily rules writers follow. As you will see, even guides on writing well don’t follow these rules all the time.
A main point in everything I write about paragraphs is that you will learn more about paragraphs by simply examining the paragraphs you read every single day. No set of rules captures the truth of how writers create paragraphs in the real world. If you are interested in how writers create paragraphs in the real world, be sure to check these pages out:
- What Is a Paragraph? Really, Teachers and Students Want to Know!
- The Truth About Topic Sentences, Main Ideas, and Paragraphs
- Why Doesn’t Every Paragraph Have a Topic Sentence?
As you read the following text, analyze the paragraphs while you do so. Learn the theory, wisdom, and advice on paragraphs and topic sentences. But also learn to see the truth of the paragraphs that are right in front of you. Study the paragraphs. See the truth. Every well-written paragraph, both long and short, has a paragraph logic.
Over 100 years ago, in The History of the English Paragraph (1894), Edwin Herbert Lewis put it this way: “There may be as many types of paragraphs as there are ways of developing an idea. Exhaustively to enumerate these types would be useless and would require an arbitrary method.” That’s the truth.
Please pay special attention to the “My Commentary” sections. In those sections, I provide perspective and analysis of the paragraphs right in front of you. Note: The following text is moderately adapted and modernized for modern audiences. Let’s begin!
By the way, if you teach paragraph or multi-paragraph writing, you owe it to yourself to check out Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay. You will get twice the results in half the time. Also, be sure to check out Academic Vocabulary for Critical Thinking, Logical Arguments, and Effective Communication. By reading it just once, you will change the way you think and communicate forever. I guarantee it!
English: Composition and Literature (1902) by W. F. Webster
» My Commentary: Webster lists five types of topic sentences. Two of these “types” are “no topic sentence” types. Modern research on topic sentences indicates that only about 50% (at most) of paragraphs have a topic sentence. Readers must infer (to some degree) the main idea of the other 50%.
1. The Topic Sentence at the Beginning
Paragraphs are developments of a definite topic. Generally, we announce this topic at the beginning of the paragraph. The topic sentence is the first sentence in isolated paragraphs (paragraphs that are compositions in miniature). The writer then tells the reader the subject of the discussion. Then, as sentence after sentence passes, the reader can relate it to the topic, and the thought becomes a cumulative whole. If the writer does not announce the topic, the reader must keep the individual sentences in mind until she catches the drift of the discussion or the author at last presents the topic.
2. The Delayed Topic Sentence
Frequently, the topic sentence is delayed until after the connection between what was said in the preceding paragraph and what will be said has been made. Establishing this relationship sometimes requires a word, a short phrase, and sometimes sentences. In these cases, the topic sentence follows the transition, which may come as late as the middle of the paragraph.
3. Topic Sentence at the End of the Paragraph
In exposition and argument, and sometimes in other forms of discourse, the topic sentence may be at the end of the paragraph. This is for emphasis in narration and description. In exposition and argument, it is better to lead up to an unwelcome truth than to announce it at once.
4. There Is No Topic Sentence
Sometimes, no topic sentence appears in the paragraph. In such a case, it can usually be discovered or inferred, or at times, it is too fragile to be compressed into any definite shape—a feeling or a sentiment too delicate, too volatile for expression. A paragraph with no topic sentence is most common in narration and description.
5. No Topic Sentence Is Needed
In narration or a short descriptive paragraph, this paragraph, composed of details, frequently does not have a topic sentence. For example, the details that make up a transaction are grouped together, but there is no need to write, “I will now detail this.” In the following text, since the paragraph is plainly about the preparation for the fight, it is unnecessary to say so. Such a patent statement would hinder the movement of the story.
» My Commentary: Do you like the length of this next paragraph? Do you look forward to reading it? I don’t! This paragraph borders on incoherence at times. Simply dividing the paragraph would help immensely. The locations to divide scream out, “Divide here!” I left this paragraph together to make a point and to provide an exercise for you. Where would you divide this? I could easily divide this into three paragraphs without changing a word. Does this mean that this paragraph really contains three topic sentences? Would this writing be even clearer if it was divided into four or five paragraphs? Isn’t our goal as writers to make things clear? This paragraph uses a question as a topic sentence (red bold). Yes, everything that follows relates to that question. Does that make this a good paragraph? No!
What Begins and What Ends a Paragraph?
What words deserve the distinction of opening and closing a paragraph? As in the whole composition, the first thing in a paragraph is to announce the subject of discussion. When the subject is announced without indicating the drift of the discussion, the conclusion of the discussion is generally stated in the last sentence. Burke says, “The first thing we have to consider with regard to the nature of the object is the number of people in the colonies.” He concludes the paragraph with, “While we spend our time deliberating on the mode of governing two million, we shall find we have millions more to manage. Your children do not grow faster from infancy to manhood than they spread from families to communities and from villages to nations.” In other cases, the opening sentence states the conclusion at which the paragraph will arrive. Then, the closing sentence may be a repetition of the opening or topic sentence or one of the points used to exemplify or establish the proposition that opens the paragraph. Again, in a short paragraph, the writer does not need to announce the topic at the beginning. In this case, the writer should state it in the concluding sentence. Or, should the writer state the topic in the opening sentence of a short paragraph, it is unnecessary to repeat it at the end. In any case, whether the paragraph opens with a simple statement of the topic to be discussed, or with the conclusion that the paragraph aims to explain, establish, or illustrate, or whether it closes with the conclusion of the whole matter, or with one of the main points in the development, the sentences at the beginning and the end of a paragraph should be strong sentences worthy of their distinguished position.
Composition-Rhetoric (1905) by Stratton D. Brooks
» My Commentary #1: Brooks directs readers to the “selection on page 67.” Why don’t writing theorists say, “Look at what I do!” You will learn more about paragraphs in the real world by analyzing what Brooks does himself. Brooks discusses both (1) clearly stated topic sentences and (2) implied topic sentences. Which does Brooks use?
» My Commentary #2: Brooks talks a lot about implied main ideas. When readers infer the main idea, they create the topic statement in their minds. But in reality, this is a main idea and not a topic sentence. In theory, topic sentences are supposed to state the main idea. This begs the question: Are general statements really topic sentences or just door openers? In contrast, claims are clearly topic sentences because the paragraphs usually go on to prove or support the claims.
» My Commentary #3: Brooks uses the term “Topic Statement.” That’s a better term than a topic sentence because it more accurately describes a topic sentence. Of course, some topic sentences are questions.
Topic Statement
In the three paragraphs of the selection on page 67, notice that the first sentence in each tells what the paragraph is about. In a well-written paragraph, it is possible to select the phrase or sentence that states the main thought. If such a sentence does not exist in the paragraph itself, one can be framed or inferred that will clearly and concisely express the chief idea of the paragraph. This brief, comprehensive summary of the contents of a paragraph is called the topic statement.
To comprehend what we read, we must be able to select or infer (create in our minds) the successive topic statements. To express our own thoughts clearly, we must write our paragraphs so that our readers can easily grasp each topic statement.
» My Commentary #4: Brooks implied the above paragraph’s main idea or topic sentence. There are two parallel sentences, and both carry equal weight. A true topic sentence would unify the two sentences. Ex. “Topic sentences are critical for both readers and writers.” The writer did not include a topic sentence because it would harm the piece of writing by adding more words to what is already clear.
When expressed in the paragraph, the topic statement may be a part of a sentence, a whole sentence, or it may extend through two sentences. It is usual to place the topic statement first, but it may be preceded by one or more introductory sentences, or even withheld until the end of the paragraph. It may be repeated for emphasis, though usually in a slightly different form.
Practical Grammar and Composition (1914) by Thomas Wood
» My Commentary: Unity is a definitional concept with paragraphs. In 1866, along with creating the first-ever paragraph rules, Alexander Bain defined a paragraph this way: A paragraph “is a collection of sentences with unity of purpose.” In short, a topic sentence is a Unity Statement ™. All Unity Statements are Unity Structures ™.
How to Gain Unity by Using a Topic Sentence
Careful thought before beginning the paragraph is necessary to gain unity. The writer should determine the paragraph’s topic and clearly indicate it by using a topic sentence. Usually, this topic sentence should be placed near the beginning of the paragraph. The first sentence is the clearest and best place for it. The topic sentence does not need to be a formal statement of the subject to be discussed. It may be any sentence that shows the paragraph’s central idea.
Emphasis Through Using a Topic Sentence and Concluding Sentence
The third quality a paragraph should possess is emphasis. The writer should construct the paragraph so as to bring the topic or intended point into prominence. The places of greatest emphasis are usually at the beginning and at the end of the paragraph. In short paragraphs, sufficient emphasis is generally gained by having a topic sentence at the beginning. In longer paragraphs, it is often effective to state the topic again at the end by way of summary to impress on the reader the effect of the paragraph.
The Elements of Style (1920) by William Strunk
» My Commentary 1: This is the Strunk from the “Strunk and White” fame. In short, E.B. Write rewrote Stunk’s book, which became a best-selling writing guide. Not surprisingly, Strunk’s example paragraphs are twice as long as his own paragraphs! Why don’t writing guides ever say, “Examine how I write! My writing reveals the truth about how writers really write!” Interestingly, this extraction of Strunk does illustrate Strunk using topic sentences. I can’t say that he ends his paragraphs in “conformity with the beginning” unless that means to simply end it well.
» My Commentary 2: We have two basic types of topic sentences: 1) claims and 2) general statements. The clearest and most concrete form of a topic sentence is a claim. When a writer makes a claim, they obviously MUST go on to prove or support that claim. Any strong opinion or statement of advice is a claim. General statements are less concretely topic sentences. One can often argue that one of the other sentences really contains the main point. General statement topic sentences are often simply door openers. Which does Strunk use?
» My Commentary 3: I marked my choices for Strunk’s topic sentences in bold. Once again, are Strunk’s topic sentences claims or general statements?
Strunk Principle #9
As a rule, begin each paragraph with a topic sentence, end it in conformity with the beginning.
Again, the object is to aid the reader. The practice recommended here enables readers to discover the purpose of each paragraph as they begin to read it and to retain this purpose in mind as they end it. For this reason, the most generally useful kind of paragraph, particularly in exposition and argument, is that in which
- the topic sentence comes at or near the beginning;
- the succeeding sentences explain or establish or develop the statement made in the topic sentence; and
- the final sentence either emphasizes the thought of the topic sentence or states some important consequence.
Ending with a digression or with an unimportant detail should be avoided.
If the paragraph forms part of a larger composition, the writer may need to state its relationship to what precedes it or how it functions as a part of the whole. Sometimes, the writer can achieve this by using a mere word or phrase (e.g., again; therefore; for the same reason) in the topic sentence. Sometimes, however, it is more effective to precede the topic sentence with one or more sentences of introduction or transition. If more than one such sentence is required, it is generally better to set apart the transitional sentences as a separate paragraph.
According to the writer’s purpose, as indicated above, she may relate the body of the paragraph to the topic sentence in several different ways. She may make the meaning of the topic sentence clearer by restating it in other forms, by defining its terms, by denying the contrary, by giving illustrations or specific instances; she may establish it by proofs; or she may develop it by showing its implications and consequences. In a long paragraph, she may carry out several of these processes.
Paragraph Writing: A Rhetoric for Colleges (1909) by Fred Newton Scott and Joseph Villiers Denney
Paragraph Topic
Every paragraph should have a clearly defined central idea, of which each sentence contributes to the idea’s development. The main idea must not be too broad for a brief treatment. This is easily accomplished since any idea can be narrowed by imposing upon it more conditions and limitations of time, place, point of view, aspect, etc.
Topic Statement
The paragraph’s main idea is usually expressed definitely and unmistakably in one of the sentences. We call this sentence the topic statement. This topic statement is the outward sign and announcement of the paragraph’s unity. The topic statement is generally most effective when short and striking. Incidentally, the topic statement is often not a whole sentence but only a part of a sentence, with the preceding part being preparation for the topic statement’s forceful presentation.
The topic statement is not always stated in a definite manner. In such a paragraph, the topic is implied by all that is said. The test of a good paragraph of this kind is a reader’s ability to state the paragraph’s main idea in a single sentence.
Whether stated clearly or implied, the topic statement should exist as a working theme in the writer’s mind while constructing each sentence. Put simply, writers must hold that central thought in mind as they construct each supporting sentence. The bearing of each sentence on the main idea, whether clearly expressed or implied, should be clear and distinct.
» My Commentary: Would you prefer these three paragraphs to be just one? I ask because they were. I added a couple of sentences and created three paragraphs with more clearly stated main points. We could easily combine paragraphs #2 and #3 and have just two paragraphs.
The Placement of the Topic Statement
» My Commentary: Scott and Denney list four locations for topic sentences: 1) First, 2) Last, 3) First and Last, and 4) Implied. Let’s examine each of these four strategies.
1. Topic Statement First
Many paragraphs require a formal statement of the main point. This is usually true when the paragraph consists of a principle that is proved by particular examples, or when a general idea is put forth by argument, or when a formal claim or proposition is treated. In such cases, the theme or point is usually stated in the first sentence.
2. Topic Statement Last
In special cases, a paragraph’s details may precede the topic statement or main point. In other words, the proofs may be presented before the proposition is stated. In such cases, the writer may delay the topic statement until the close of the paragraph. This plan is advantageous when the main point is not likely to be well received if stated abruptly at the beginning. When the topic statement contains an unwelcome truth or some new idea is presented to which the reader is not likely to agree, it may be best to present the details and evidence first. This delay allows the writer to build up to a full and possibly bold expression of the topic statement.
Please note: The writer may wish to hint at what is being presented early in the paragraph, possibly stating that there is a dilemma or problem of some kind, while purposely denying a definite statement of the position being taken.
3. Topic Statement First and Last
Sometimes, to emphasize the main idea, the topic is stated both at the beginning and end of a paragraph. When the thought is sufficiently important to justify such emphasis, this practice is effective, as the repetition of the subject at the close completes the circuit of thought and gives the appearance of finished roundness to the whole idea. This plan is especially useful in spoken paragraphs where the repetition is a notification to the hearer that the discussion of the point is finished.
4. The Implied Topic Statement
Often, the main idea is not stated directly. It may not be found expressed in a topic statement anywhere in the paragraph. Instead, it must be inferred or grasped by the reader from the effect produced by the paragraph as a whole. If the effect is unified, readers will be able to supply the main point of the paragraph for themselves. The test of a good paragraph is always the reader’s ability to do this. However, a paragraph cannot produce the effect of unity upon the reader unless there is unity of idea or feeling in the writer’s mind when the writer writes the paragraph. Therefore, it is of particular importance in paragraphs with no formally stated topic statement that the writer keeps the main point prominently in mind while constructing each sentence. This is very important in writing narrative and descriptive paragraphs. In these two types of paragraphs, writers seldom use clearly stated topic statements. Yet a good narrative or descriptive writer will create and arrange the details in such a way that the effect will be single.
» My Commentary: Do you like that long paragraph? Nowadays, people don’t like to read paragraphs that long unless it’s an extremely long piece of writing. We could easily divide that paragraph into two or three paragraphs with a little editing. I bolded red two logical breaks where we could divide and create new unified paragraphs. Remember that when we change the paragraphing, we may want to edit a bit.
