What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

The purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph is to summarize the main idea. It serves as a concise statement that conveys the central message or focus of the paragraph, guiding the reader on what to expect. This sentence typically appears at the beginning of the paragraph and sets up the framework for the supporting details that will follow. By establishing the main idea clearly, the topic sentence ensures that the reader can easily understand the point being made and how the subsequent sentences will relate to it.

Supporting details and examples are then provided to elaborate on and reinforce the main idea introduced by the topic sentence. In this way, the topic sentence is essential for organizing the paragraph’s content and maintaining clarity.