What is the role of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

• A. It states the main idea of that paragraph and ties to the thesis.
• B. It is the last sentence of the paragraph.
• C. It quotes the thesis.
• D. It is the same as a conclusion.

Answer: (A)

The function of a topic sentence is to state the paragraph’s main idea and connect it to the overall thesis. It acts as a guidepost for the reader, signaling what this paragraph will argue or explain. Everything that follows should develop that idea—adding details, evidence, or examples that support it. Placing the main point at the start helps with coherence, so the reader understands how this paragraph fits into the larger argument and can track the writer’s logic. The topic sentence isn’t a conclusion and it doesn’t quote the thesis; rather, it introduces a specific facet of the thesis that the paragraph will explore. For example, if the thesis argues that regular exercise improves health, a topic sentence might be: “Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and lungs.”