Thesis and Topic Sentences

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Setting up Thesis and Topic Sentences

At the heart of academic writing is organization: and the heart of a well-organized essay are its thesis and topic sentences. Readers use these to get a quick overview of the argument of the essay (thesis) and to follow the development of the argument (topic sentences).

And so . . . below you'll find the skeleton of an essay (thesis/division and topic sentences) with explanations.

First, some definitions:

Thesis Statement: The controlling idea of an essay stated in one sentence, usually the last sentence in the introduction.
Topic Sentence: The controlling idea of a paragraph. Usually phrased as a statement or claim that needs to be proved, it is related to and helps prove the thesis. Often uses a synonym of one of the divisions from the division statement to cue readers that a particular division is being discussed.
Division Statement: A phrase which sets out the different parts/arguments/reasons which prove the thesis of your essay (often part of your thesis). Think of it as a road map to the reader so they can see what’s coming. Each of your body paragraphs needs to be accounted for in your division statement. 

How to Write a Thesis | How to Write a Topic Sentence

Skeleton Organization

Thesis/division statement
Sammy, in Updike's "A&P," is an everyday hero because his character is flawed, his actions don't lead to glory, and most importantly, because his heroic deed is devoid of drama or excitement.

Thesis/division with thesis underlined and divisions italicized
Sammy, in Updike's "A&P," is an everyday hero because his character is flawed, his actions don't lead to glory, and most importantly, because his heroic deed is devoid of drama or excitement.

For the thesis and divisions above, topic sentences such as those below would be used to set up paragraphs

Topic sentence for division #1
Sammy's character flaws separate him from "comic book" heroism, making him more life-like and realistic.

Topic sentence for division #2
In typical heroic fashion, Sammy stands up for others, but unlike the fireman or policeman who receive a medal for his actions, he does not gain any glory or reward for his efforts.

Topic sentence for division #3
The realism of Sammy's heroism is most dramatically revealed, ironically, by the lack of drama concerning the deed itself.

Note in each of these topic sentences how there is a word or phrase that refers directly back to the division. This kind of repetition is a reader's friend: it guides them through your thinking so they can concentrate on how well you explain/prove your point. It also helps you, the writer, out by reminding you to make your points concise and to stay focused on individual ideas.

This kind of organization results in essays that prove your point: which is the goal of argumentative writing . . . and should be your goal for this essay.

How To

How To Write a Thesis Statement
Note: You should rephrase the question into a thesis statement (don't repeat question).

Your thesis should contain three things: 1) the subject of your essay; 2) the point or focus; and 3) the divisions/reasons you will use to prove your point.

Sammy, in Updike's "A&P," is an "everyday" hero because his character is flawed, his actions don't lead to glory, and most importantly, because his heroic deed is devoid of drama or excitement.

Try the starter thesis statement below to get you started:
[The] ____________ in "________" is illustrated/demonstrated/shown/indicated by ___________, __________, and _________.

Other words that can set up thesis statements and topic sentences are found in the list below:

How to Write a Topic Sentence
Your Topic sentence should contain two things: 1) reference to your division, and 2) a reference to your thesis.

For a basic format, try the following starter topic sentence:

Insert statement of evidence illustrates/demonstrates/shows Insert answer to what the paragraph will illustrate/demonstrate about the thesis.

Revised Topic Sentences for Thesis above
1. Sammy's many flaws root his character in the ordinary
2. Unlike a movie star hero, Sammy doesn't receive a call from the president or a medal for his actions
3. And it is the mundane quality of his heroic deed that best marks him as an everyday hero.

Note the repetition of key words from the divisions.

Example topic sentences

1. Walker shows her approval of Mrs. Johnson's view of heritage by making Dee an unsavory character.
2. The description of Emily's house suggests the death and decay of the upper classes.
3. The physical contact between the narrator and Robert illustrates his emotional awakening.

Have fun.