Topic Sentences from Student Paragraphs

Every topic sentence (like every thesis statement) must state the subject (of the paragraph or the paper, respectively) and make an assertion about the subject. Notice that the subject will be more general than the assertion, which expresses a specific point of view about the subject.

Examples

The worst part of growing up as a child is the longing to be older and more mature. [Straightforward structure: the subject is "the worst part of growing up as a child"; the assertion is that it is "the longing to be older and more mature."]

Melissa Holloway

When I was growing up, being the middle child was the worst experience that could happen. [Alternative, but acceptable structure: the subject is "the worst part of the experience of growing up as a child"; the assertion is that it is "being the middle child."

Miranda Hucks

Identify the subject and assertion in the following topic sentences.

The most important advantage of growing up in a single-parent household is learning to become an independent person.

Tony Blake

The best feature of family life for children is knowing that they can talk to their parents.

Diana Palumbo

Respect is quite likely the most important element in a successful relationship between a parent and a child.

Rebecca Patrick

Trust is the most important part of a satisfactory relationship between parents and children.

Kim Blythe

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