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Every great essay starts with a big idea -- but how do you turn that idea into a compelling argument? The secret lies in strong thesis questions, thesis statements, and topic sentences. These are the building blocks of clear, persuasive and academic writing.
A thesis question sparks curiosity and invites debate. A thesis statement answers that question with confidence and direction. Topic sentences guide your reader through your argument, step by step.
Mastering these skills doesn’t just make you a better writer -- they make you a better thinker. Whether you're crafting an academic essay or explaining your ideas to the world, learning to structure your thoughts clearly is a superpower.
Let's dive in and begin mastering concise and academic writing, shall we?
Topic sentences and their relationship with the thesis question
Topic sentences and their relationship with the thesis question
A thesis question is a guiding question that helps you develop your main argument. It is open-ended, specific, and requires critical thinking. A thesis statement is a direct answer to the thesis question. A topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph and connects it to the thesis statement.
A strong thesis is open and can be answered
A strong thesis is open and can be answered
Start with a broad area of interest and narrow it down to a specific niche, focusing on a single problem or issue. Conduct initial research to understand your thesis.
Your question should require analysis and not be answerable with a simple yes or no. Thus, a thesis statement is a direct answer to the thesis question. It should be clear, specific, and arguable. For example:
Thesis question: Does social media harm teenagers' mental health?
Thesis statement: Although social media connects teenagers, its excessive use contributes to anxiety, low self-esteem, and sleep deprivation.
A strong topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph
A strong topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph
Your topic sentences should relate to your thesis statement (which sums up the purpose and argument of your entire paper).
Plan what you want to say in each paragraph and draft topic sentences that sum up the main point of each paragraph.
The rest of the paragraph should expand upon the main point. You do this by providing evidence, examples, or arguments that support the topic sentence. Sources are key to expand properly.
❌ No argument, lacks ideas & evidence
Social media is something that many people use. Some think it is good, while others think it is bad. There are different opinions about it, and it depends on the person.
Social media can be nice for some people, but not for others. Some people enjoy using it to talk to friends. Others do not like it because they think it takes too much time. In the end, it depends on how someone feels about social media. Some people find it fun, while others do not.
✅ Specific statement, arguable, and connects to topic within paragraph
Although social media helps teenagers stay connected, its negative effects on mental health are concerning. Does social media harm teenagers' mental health? Studies show that excessive social media use can increase anxiety, lower self-esteem, and disrupt sleep. Because of these harmful effects, social media can be a serious risk to teenagers' well-being.
One way social media negatively affects teenagers is by increasing anxiety through unrealistic beauty standards. Many social media platforms are filled with edited images that create impossible standards of beauty. As a result, teenagers compare themselves to these images and feel pressure to look a certain way. Research from American Psychological Association (2023) shows that teens who spend more time on social media are more likely to struggle with body image issues and low self-esteem. This constant comparison can lead to anxiety and even depression.
Thesis question, statement and topic sentence exercise
Thesis question, statement and topic sentence exercise
🌟 Step 1: Pick a topic
Should schools require students to wear uniforms?
Do video games improve or harm cognitive skills?
Should AI be used to help students learn?
Does fast food contribute to major health problems?
✏️ Step 2: Write a thesis question
Turn your topic into a strong, open-ended question that invites debate.
❓Example thesis question: Do video games improve or harm cognitive skills?
✏️ Step 3: Write a strong thesis statement
Answer your thesis question. For example:
Do video games improve or harm cognitive skills?
Gaming improves cognitive skills by enhancing problem-solving, reaction time, and strategic thinking.
✏️ Step 4: Write a Topic Sentence
Create a topic sentence that supports your thesis. It should introduce a main idea for a body paragraph. For example:
One way video games boost cognitive skills is by improving players’ ability to solve complex problems quickly. Research from … shows that …
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