Lesson 10 — Activity 1: Developing Topic Sentences


You know that paragraphs usually begin with a topic sentence.

The topic sentence is very important because:

  • It identifies your main point. This makes it easier to write your paragraph because you know that everything you say in your paragraph has to relate to that main idea.
  • It makes it easier for your reader to understand your message because your main point is expressed clearly.
  • It captures the interest of the reader and makes him or her want to continue to read your paragraph.
A good topic sentence makes it easier for your reader to understand your message.
Image courtesy of www.imagesgoogle.com




The topic sentence is like the top bun of a hamburger.
The topic sentence is like the top bun of a hamburger.

So how do you write a topic sentence that will do all of these important things?

Think of a topic sentence as having two parts:
  1. the topic AND
  2. your idea about the topic


For example, if you were asked to write a paragraph about hockey, hockey is the topic.


    Now, what are you going to say about hockey?

    Do you:
    • love hockey?
    • hate hockey?
    • think that hockey players are overpaid?
    • think that hockey is the most challenging sport in the world?
    • wish you could play in the NHL?
    • remember the first time you played hockey?
    • know who the best player in the NHL is?
    • think that lacrosse is a much better sport than hockey?

    You can see that there are many ideas about hockey that you might come up with when brainstorming.

    Choose one idea     to be your main idea. Then use your topic sentence to state your point of view.


    There are different ways you might express your topic sentence to appeal to your reader’s interest.


    Look at the examples of topic sentences that a grade 9 student, Brett, has written for an expository paragraph about his love for the game of hockey:

    • You can make a statement that clearly says what your idea about the topic is.

    "Hockey has been my passion since I was five years old."

    • You can ask a question that suggests your point of view about the topic.

    "Don't you think that hockey is the greatest sport there is?"

    • You can find a quotation or statistic that will introduce your topic.

    "In 2011, I was one of the 600,000 kids playing hockey in Canada!"



    Hockey could be a topic for a paragraph.













    Brett on the ice.


    A Great Idea + How You/Others Feel About It = A Great Topic Sentence.


    You must have a topic sentence!
    Image courtesy of www.imagesgoogle.com


    To make sure that your topic sentence is clear to your reader:

    • think about your paragraph carefully
    • know exactly what the point of your paragraph is


    If you know what you want to say in your paragraph, then your topic sentence will be quite easy to develop.


    Go to the next page to try a Self-check Activity on identifying topic sentences.