What Are Topic Sentences?

A topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph. It tells the reader what the paragraph will be about. The rest of the paragraph elaborates on it by giving more details.

Topic sentences are important because they help the reader know what to expect from the text, making writing easier to follow. Helping students master topic sentences is a critical step in improving their writing clarity and organization.

Did you know that there are different types of topic sentences? It’s true! This comprehensive 18-slide teaching presentation has been created by our team to teach your students about eight different types of topic sentences and when each one should be used. Each one is paired with a real example paragraph so students can see exactly how a strong topic sentence sets the tone and focus for the rest of the text.

The types of topic sentences included in this presentation are:

• Clear statement
• Question
• List or number
• Opinion-based
• Compare and contrast
• Cause and effect
• Transitional
• Pivot

This clear and engaging slide deck introduces these different types of topic sentences through simple definitions supported by authentic examples, building confidence in your students to experiment with these sentence types in their writing.

Activity Ideas for Creating Topic Sentences 

This types of topic sentences slide deck provides a solid foundation for introducing this important writing concept to your students. Once you have engaged with the resource, why not further explore the concept with some of the following activities:

• One of Each – Provide your students with a topic, then have them write one topic sentence of each type based on that topic.  
• Name the Type – Have the students write a topic sentence on a topic of their own choosing, then have the class name what type of topic sentence has been written.
• Class Anchor Chart – Work together to create a poster that summarises all eight types of topic sentences with examples written by the students themselves.

Download to Teach Types of Topic Sentences

This slideshow downloads as either a Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation. Use the dropdown menu on the Download button to access your preferred version. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides presentation before accessing it.)

This resource has been designed specifically for busy teachers who want to engage students with ready-to-use, high-quality content. Simply open the slides, present the clear explanations and examples, and watch your students’ writing skills grow!

This resource was created by Brittany Collins, a teacher in Indiana and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Resources for Writing Topic Sentences

As for any writing concept, regular practice is the key! Click below to access more teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources to use when teaching topic sentences to your students.

teaching resource

Topic Sentence Examples Matching Game

Use these authentic topic sentence examples to teach your students how to write engaging and varied topic sentences that suit their purpose.

teaching resource

Sentence Starters for Writing Slides

Spark creativity with our sentence starters for writing slides that provide your students writing prompts across three writing genres.

teaching resource

Topic Sentence Worksheet Pack

Use this topic sentence worksheet pack to teach your students about how to structure clear and cohesive paragraphs using strong opening statements.