Topic Sentences

One of the most common issues JI students face when drafting essays is the lack of clear, controlling topic sentences. A topic sentence serves as a compass for the paragraph, guiding the reader through its main idea. Without this guidance, paragraphs often become unfocused, meandering through loosely related points, leaving readers (and graders) confused. Many students are struggling with this kind of problem.

The Problem in Detail

There are several forms of this kind of problem:

1. Topic sentences are too vague.

   Some topic sentences fail to control the paragraph because they’re too vague to show the specific aspect or suggestion the writer tries to focus on. The students may miss some key components in their topic sentences. When I asked one of the students why he missed one key point in his topic sentence, he said that it was because he revised the content but forgot to modify the topic sentence.

   Example: “The plot shows the humor of the main character.” This topic sentence does not specify what angle to analyze and which plot to mention. It’s too general and vague.

2. Paragraphs lack focus.

   Sometimes the topic sentences contain too much detail, which makes them more like analytic sentences rather than clear and controlling topics. The students may misunderstand the function of the topic sentence.

   Example: “An obvious use of pathos appears in the part of the text where Wallace describes the behavior and method of preparing a lobster, particularly when he writes, ‘The lobster will sometimes try to cling to the edge of the pot… like a person trying to keep from going over the edge of a roof.'” This topic sentence even contains an example of pathos.

3. Others

   Some types of problems may not appear frequently in students’ work, but they are still worth mentioning. They include:

   • Loss of a topic sentence: The paragraph is too short, so students think that it does not need a topic sentence.
   • Misuse of words: Causing misunderstanding and inconsistency with the latter content (students think in Chinese while writing in English).

Solutions

1. Clarify the paragraph’s purpose

   The topic sentences always try to present the main idea of the paragraph. Therefore, before drafting, students can ask: “What do I want to convey in this paragraph?” This ensures the topic sentence provides direction.

2. Write the outline of the paragraph

   Creating outlines can help students organize their ideas and ensure each paragraph focuses on a single, clearly defined topic. That will help solve the problem of missing some key points in the topic sentences.

3. Seek feedback

   Peer reviews or consultations at the Writing Center can highlight vague topic sentences and offer suggestions for improvement. After revising the paragraphs, students should not forget to modify the topic sentences too.

In conclusion, clear and effective topic sentences are essential for writing cohesive and impactful paragraphs, yet many students face challenges such as vague phrasing, overloaded content, and other problems. These problems can lead to disorganized and confusing writing, but they are addressable through targeted solutions. By clarifying paragraph purposes, writing the outline of the paragraph, and seeking feedback through peer reviews or writing workshops, students can significantly improve their writing clarity and focus.