Topic sentences and supporting details

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main idea of a paragraph.

Most of the time, the topic sentence is the first sentence of the paragraph.

It tells the reader what the main idea of the paragraph is.

Supporting details are sentences that provide evidence, examples, or explanations to reinforce the main idea presented in the topic sentence.

The topic sentence presents the main idea, while supporting details elaborate on and provide evidence for that idea.

Yes, while it is most commonly found at the beginning, a topic sentence can also be placed at the end or in the middle of a paragraph.

A good topic sentence is clear, specific, and reflects the main idea of the paragraph.

Supporting detail: 'She hides under the bed when there are loud noises.'

A weak topic sentence is vague and does not clearly convey the main idea, such as 'There are many things to talk about.'

A detail supports the topic sentence if it provides relevant information that explains or illustrates the main idea.