What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence?

Study for the QTS Literacy Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

A topic sentence serves a crucial role in writing by introducing the main idea of a paragraph. It sets the stage for what the reader can expect to learn or understand within that specific section of text. By clearly stating the main point, the topic sentence guides the reader’s focus and helps to establish the direction of the paragraph. This allows the writer to convey their message more effectively, ensuring that each point made in the subsequent sentences supports and elaborates on the main idea introduced by the topic sentence.

In contrast, while a summary captures the essence of the entire text, it does not serve the focused purpose of a topic sentence. Similarly, concluding remarks tie up the points made but do not introduce new ideas as a topic sentence would. Elaborating on minor details or examples falls under the development of ideas rather than introducing them, which distinguishes it from the function of a topic sentence.

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