Thesis Statement vs. Topic Sentence by Shmoop

The paragraphs following your thesis statement should support your thesis statement.

• True

• False

When you revise and edit your essay, you should REMOVE any statements that are...

• off-topic.

• explain your thesis statement.

• specific example that support your thesis.

• topic sentences.

In an essay, a topic sentence...

• is only at the beginning of the last paragraph and restates the thesis statement.

• is usually at the beginning of each paragraph and states the essay's thesis again.

• is unneccessary as long as the essay has a thesis statement.

• is usually at the beginning of a paragraph and reveals the content of that paragraph.

Each topic sentence...

• supports the thesis by bringing in opposite ideas that offer the reader an opportunity to form their own opinion about the topic.

• is a mini-essay and helps the reader form their own opinion about the topic.

• is unique because it offers different ideas about the topic rather than focusing on the thesis.

• relates to and supports the thesis by helping the reader understand the author's position on the topic.