Reading & Writing
Grades 6–9 · English

How to write a topic sentence.

A topic sentence is a small promise: it tells the reader what this one paragraph will be about. The rest of the paragraph keeps that promise. Study Butler helps your kid make the promise clear and specific.

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Here is what that looks like.

Study Butler will not print the answer. It points at the next step and lets your kid take it.

An example. The butler answers the question with a question.

my paragraph is about my dog but i don't know how to start it.

a topic sentence makes a point, not just names a subject. what is the one thing about your dog this paragraph proves.

that she's really loyal.

there is your topic sentence. everything after it should show that loyalty.

Where students get stuck.

The same few mistakes come up again and again. Here is where the butler slows things down.

01Naming the subject instead of making a point

My dog is a topic; my dog is fiercely loyal is a topic sentence. Study Butler pushes your kid from subject to claim.

02Writing it too broad

A topic sentence should fit one paragraph, not a whole essay. The butler has your kid narrow it to what the paragraph can deliver.

03A paragraph that doesn't match the sentence

The paragraph has to deliver what the topic sentence promised. Study Butler checks that the two line up.

Bring the problem they're stuck on.

Type it, say it, or snap a photo. Study Butler walks your kid to the answer one question at a time, so they learn it instead of copying it.

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Questions parents ask.

What makes a good topic sentence?
It makes a clear, specific point that the rest of the paragraph supports. Study Butler helps your kid move from naming a subject to stating a claim.
Where does the topic sentence go?
Usually first, so the reader knows where the paragraph is headed. The butler helps your kid lead with it.