Page 69 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing
P. 69
A topic sentence does two things. First, it presents the general topic
of the paragraph. Then it makes a specific point about that topic.
Example Topic Sentences
topic specific point about the topic
Balancing school and family life can be difficult.
topic specific point about the topic
My sense of humor often gets me in trouble.
The Supporting Sentences
A topic sentence provides direction—the road map for a paragraph—
but supporting sentences supply the scenery. While topic sentences
are broad and general, large enough to encompass the entire
paragraph, supporting sentences are specific, giving details and
examples.
The Summary Sentence
A summary sentence ends the paragraph. Sometimes it sums up the
points made in the paragraph, sometimes it restates the topic
