3. Using Topic Sentences to Support a Thesis

Each body paragraph in your essay will express one main point in the topic sentence. The topic sentence has three important functions: (1) it supports the thesis by clearly stating a main point in the discussion; (2) it announces what the paragraph will be about; and (3) it controls the subject matter of the paragraph. The entire discussionthe examples, details, and explanationsin a particular paragraph must directly relate to and support the topic sentence.

Directions: Read each of the thesis statements. Then, select which are topic sentences that support the thesis.

Thesis: Although often resulting in smaller salaries, degrees in the humanities lead to high levels of life satisfaction.

Which are topic sentences that support the thesis sentence? Check all that apply.

Another reason for humanities students' high satisfaction is that they continue to take pleasure in art, literature, and music well after graduation.

Students who have degrees in the humanities have sophisticated reading and writing skills, which give them a strong sense of self-worth.

While in college Steve Jobs dropped in on a humanities course, art history, which he later said was important to his development of the Mac's typefaces.

Indeed, many humanities students do not expect to gain satisfaction from a high starting salary; rather, they are satisfied because they are pursuing a passion.

Thesis: Even though job hoppingstaying at a job for two years or lessis on the rise, staying with one company is better for your career and your self-improvement.

Which are topic sentences that support the thesis sentence? Check all that apply.

Unlike job hoppers, long-term employees often enjoy greater retirement funds.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American will have about nine jobs between the ages of eighteen and thirty-two.

Forbes contributor Jeanne Meister calls job hopping "the new black."

Staying long term at one company gives a feeling of stability.