Today we're going to focus on Topic Sentence.A topic sentence is the first sentence of a body paragraph. It tells the reader what the paragraph is about.Think of it like a mini-thesis for that paragraph.A good topic sentence should:Express one clear main ideaBe direct and specificSupport your thesis statementHelp the reader understand what to expect nextSuppose your thesis is:"Online learning has both benefits and drawbacks for college students."Then a good topic sentence for your first body paragraph could be:"One major advantage of online learning is its flexibility in time and location."This sentence clearly tells the reader what the paragraph will discuss: flexibility — and it directly supports the thesis.Common mistakes to avoid:Too general "Online learning is interesting."Too narrow or detailed"I use Zoom every Monday and Thursday at 8 a.m.”Save details for the body, not the topic sentence.Off-topic or unrelated to the thesisTips to write a strong topic sentence:First, identify the main idea of your paragraph.Then, use clear and academic language.Avoid starting with facts, examples, or data — those belonging to supporting sentences.Let's say your paragraph is about the challenges of online learning.Which of the following is a better topic sentence?A) “Some students don't like online classes.”B) “Online learning can lead to feelings of isolation and lack of motivation.”The better choice is B — it's clearer, more specific, and ready to be developed.Once you write a clear topic sentence, the rest of the paragraph becomes easier to organize.