topic and thesis statement

Topic sentence


What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. The topic sentence summarizes what that paragraph is all about. The topic sentence must include the same vocabulary that is used in the thesis statement.



Transition sentence

What is a transition sentence?

A transition sentence informs the reader that a topic is about to change (in an essay or paper). The topic sentence should include key “transition words”. For example: “In addition…”, “As a result of….” Etc. The transition sentence should first mention the 1st topic and then introduce the next topic.



Example: “ As a result of students becoming more independent, they now desire to have a more active social life.

Thesis statement

Thesis statements




What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is the main idea of a paper.



Why include a thesis statement?

An author includes a thesis statement in the introduction of their paper in order to provide the reader with the main idea of their paper.



How do you write a thesis statement for a five paragraph essay?

The first part of the thesis statement should mention the main topic of the essay. The last part of the thesis statement should list the three subtopics.



Example:

Computers are an essential part of everyday life; computers are used at most businesses, schools and places of employment.

Based on this thesis statement the reader should expect to read about:

• In paragraph # 1: The introduction! General information about how computers are used daily.

• Paragraph # 2 : How computers are used in most businesses

• Paragraph # 3: How computers are used in schools

• Paragraph # 4: How computers are used in places of employment.

• Paragraph # 5: The conclusion! Summary of thesis.