What is the best definition for a 'topic sentence'?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

First, let's restate the options to ensure we’re examining them clearly:
- a. A sentence which always refers to the ingredients.
- b. A sentence which always expresses the main idea of a paragraph in which it appears, usually at the beginning of a paragraph.
- c. A sentence which refers to a topic.

Option a: This definition is off-target because a topic sentence is not about ingredients; it’s about the paragraph’s main idea. The phrase about ingredients mischaracterizes the function of a topic sentence and would be confusing in most writing contexts.

Option b: This choice captures the core purpose of a topic sentence—the sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph, typically placed at the paragraph’s beginning to guide the reader. It aligns with standard writing conventions in which the topic sentence signals what the paragraph will argue or explain.

Option c: This statement is too vague. While a topic sentence does reference the topic, the defining feature is that it expresses the main idea of the paragraph and often appears at the start, whereas merely referring to a topic doesn’t specify the central claim or argument the paragraph develops.

Why option b is the best fit: The defining role of a topic sentence is to convey the central idea or argument of the paragraph, providing a roadmap for what follows. Its typical placement at or near the beginning helps readers anticipate the paragraph’s direction and purpose, distinguishing it from a general mention of a topic or a non-central reference.

Why the other options are not correct: Option a’s focus on ingredients is unrelated to writing structure and would not help a reader understand the paragraph’s main point. Option c mentions a topic but lacks the essential aspect of stating the main idea or claim that the paragraph will support, making it incomplete as a definition for topic sentence.

In summary, option b accurately describes the purpose and conventional placement of a topic sentence, while options a and c mischaracterize or underdefine its function.

MUF0011 English Unit 1 - Semester 1, 2025 8.3 Academic Literacy Quiz

What is the best definition for a 'topic sentence'?

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