what is a topic sentence in a research essay

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What are Topic Sentences? A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Published by Alaxendra Bets at August 18th, 2021 , Revised On August 22, 2023

“Topic sentences briefly describe what each paragraph of an essay will explore and discuss. You can consider topic sentences as the heading or the headline for the paragraph.”

Topic sentences help to;

• Establish the focus of the paragraph
• Demonstrate how the content of the paragraph relates to the overall thesis statement .
• The transition from one paragraph to another

How to Write Topic Sentences

Topic sentences are written and rewritten throughout the  essay writing process  to make sure your  essay  is coherent and has a smooth and logical progression of ideas. However, before you can get to write topic sentences, you will be required to develop a strong and logical  thesis statement  that provides the paper’s purpose.

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Example Thesis Statement

Increasing consumption of processed food items has led to several environmental issues over the last decade or so. To save the planet from the disastrous consequences of increasing processed food production, it is vitally important to review and renew the existing production and consumption forms.

Once you have developed the thesis statement, you must prepare an outline to structure your essay correctly. Each paragraph in the outline will start with a topic sentence that will enable you to remember what you want to say and provide evidence you will use to support your arguments within that particular paragraph.

It should be noted that each topic sentence will introduce the focal theme of the corresponding paragraph and demonstrate how it relates to the thesis statement.

Example Topic Sentence

Studies have revealed that the meat industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution.

The remaining paragraph can progress logically from this statement to include arguments and evidence.

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Using Topic Sentences for Transitioning

Topic sentences are often used for transitioning between paragraphs  in the paper. This means you can make use of transition words to give more weight and meaning to the statement. Here is a question that you should ask yourself;

• How does the topic sentence that you created relates to the arguments and evidence presented in the previous paragraph?

Your topic sentence will be based on any of the following three strategies depending on the correlation between the paragraphs;

Highlight and Emphasize

You might consider making use of transitional words such as moreover, in fact, indeed, furthermore, as mentioned, indeed, certainly, although, however – where you want to expand and emphasize on the point you made in the preceding paragraph to add more weight and detail to your argument.

Also Read:  How to Use Transitions in Essay

Certainly, water and land have been significantly affected by the ever-increasing quantities of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from cattle farms.

Condense and Anticipate

You can choose to present additional evidence in the new topic statement and briefly describe the preceding paragraph’s theme if you aim to discuss a different aspect of the same subject matter in the new paragraph.

Although cattle farming is believed to be the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, other forms of farming such as poultry farming are also having a damaging effect on our environment.

Making Comparison

If you must compare or contrast information in the new paragraph, your topic sentence should use appropriate transition words to highlight the comparison. For example, you can use transition words such as “on the other hand,” “in comparison,” and “however.”

On the other hand, it is not always easy to establish the exact cost associated with our dietary choices. For example, it is possible that the environmental impact of a specific plant-based food production house could be considerably greater than a small scale cattle farm.

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Introducing Multiple Paragraphs with a Single Topic Sentence

It is possible to use a single topic sentence to introduce several  paragraphs  at once. For example, if you see the above examples in a broader picture, you will realise that all of them belong to one larger argument: excessive meat consumption is causing severe environmental issues, and veganism is the choice that could potentially address the situation.

Making the food industry sustainable is a challenge that can be overcome by introducing plan based food products. This means that your first topic sentence can introduce several paragraphs.

Where to Place Topic Sentences?

It is common to have the topic sentence as the first statement of the paragraph, but this may not always be the case, and you may choose to place it  in the middle  or at the very end, which generally suggests a change of opinion.

Veganism appears to be the only sustainable option for the food industry, considering the evidence confirming the impact of cattle farming on the environment. On the other hand, it is not always easy to establish the exact cost associated with our dietary choices. For example, it is possible that the environmental impact of a specific plant-based food production house could be considerably greater than a small scale cattle farm.

The first statement in the above example emphasizes the focal point. The topic sentence will briefly describe whether the corresponding paragraph will provide the argument in support or against the main point.

However, as indicated before, you are always free to choose where to place the topic sentences to give more weight and strength to your arguments. But if in doubt, it would be best to start the paragraph with the topic sentence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a topic sentence example.

Here’s a topic sentence example: “Increased access to technology has revolutionized communication, leading to significant changes in how people interact and share information in the modern digital age.”

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How to Write Topic Sentences (Tips, Examples, Steps, and Starters)

You are probably wondering what goes into a topic sentence, why you must write a good topic sentence, and how topic sentences could transform your entire essay.

The truth is that students who have perfected the art of writing great topic sentences have always been successful in every piece of academic writing, such as essays, term papers, research papers, proposals, etc., that they undertake.

A well-polished topic sentence is crucial to your paragraphs. By reading the topic sentences, your professor or instructor can tell the grade that your paper will fetch.

Given that a topic sentence is like a headline to a news piece in a newspaper, whose purpose is to highlight what is to come in the paragraph, writing the best is inevitable.

Comparatively, a topic sentence is to a paragraph, what a thesis statement is to an essay, and what signposts are to whole sections in an essay or long paper. If we consider a paragraph a miniature essay, a topic sentence is a mini-thesis statement.

Let's explore every detail of the topic sentence to help you write topic sentences that will make your readers yearn to read more of your written pieces.

What is a Topic Sentence?

A topic sentence is the foremost sentence that appears in every paragraph. Its central role is to help organize the paragraph by summarizing the information in a paragraph. It expresses what the paragraph is about. Everything in the paragraph is anchored on the topic sentence.

The topic sentence comes first in terms of paragraph structure. Although it is always the first sentence, it can sometimes come after the transitional sentence.

When composing our guide to help you write masterful body paragraphs , we insisted on writing a perfect topic sentence to get higher grades for essays and papers. The topic sentence does many things. However, its main role is to state the paragraph's main point or controlling idea. It is akin to a mini-thesis in your body paragraphs. Let's see other roles it also plays.

A topic sentence does the following:

• Informs the readers/audience of the subject that is discussed in the paragraph
• Creates a sense of action
• Sets the focus of the paragraph
• Comprises the directing words and the topic
• It is never vague, too narrow or broad, and rambling
• Intrigues the readers to continue reading
• Asserts the point of view or attitude of the writer

What makes a good topic sentence?

Now that we know its roles or functions, let's look at the characteristics of a good topic sentence. Your topic sentence should strive to achieve these standards:

• It is a one-sentence statement indicating the paragraph's purpose, subject, or point.
• It is assertive and specific
• Introduces the topic in the paragraph
• Contains the central point and the topic of the paragraph
• It has a narrower focus than the thesis statement
• It appears in or near the first sentence of the paragraph
• It is the controlling idea for the paragraph
• Must relate to the thesis statement of your essay or paper
• It helps the readers to identify the major ideas fronted or discussed in the paragraph
• Contains one idea or multiple related ideas (complex topic sentence) that connect to the paragraph

If you are wondering how to start a topic sentence, you should understand that topic sentences begin with a simple statement that you then refine to reflect the content of your paragraphs. Generally, a good topic sentence is specific enough to give an idea of the focus of the specific paragraph but general enough that it does not give everything away.

Placement of a Topic Sentence

So, where does the topic sentence go in a paragraph? Must it be at the beginning? Let's find out.

Although many people think a topic statement must be the first sentence in the paragraph, it is not cast in stone.

It is a conventional writing practice that a topic sentence comes early to orient the reader to the paragraph's focus. However, you can occasionally place the topic sentence after a transition sentence to create continuity of ideas or related topics.

The transition sentence summarizes what was discussed in the previous paragraph; your topic sentence expresses the focus of the paragraph you are writing.

Topic sentence to begin a paragraph

Example : In the novel "Sula," Morrison uses the physical bonds of female friendship to propel her characters into self-awareness.

Transition sentence and topic sentence in a paragraph

Example 1 : Undoubtedly, many people had seen the eventual growth of Bitcoin and cautioned others that it would be disastrous ( Transition sentence) . However, people who lost are those who were so much into the concept to take any pieces of advice ( Topic sentence)

The next sentence will discuss the characteristics of people who lost money in the Bitcoin crash.

Example 2 : Notably, Morrison succeeds in initiating the coming-of-age of female characters using spiritual and emotional bonds ( Transition Sentence ). In addition, the author uses the physical bonds of female friendship to propel her adolescent protagonists into self-awareness ( Topic Sentence) .

This sentence means that the coming paragraph delves into how the author uses physical bonds while the previous one discussed spiritual and emotional bonds.

Types of Topic Sentences to Use in Essays and Papers

Before we delve into how to write a topic sentence or the appropriate steps to take, it helps to have a discussion on the different forms a topic sentence can take. Let's look at the types and the respective examples of topic sentences.

Can topic sentences be used as transitions between paragraphs?

Yes, topic sentences can be used as transitions between paragraphs. They help build a flow of ideas by linking a paragraph from the previous one. When intending to use them as transitions, it is good to use transition or linking words as part of the topic sentence to vividly establish connections between the two ideas.

You can use them in various ways; we will cover each and give examples as necessary.

Compare and Contrast

When you intend to compare ideas in a paragraph with those in the preceding paragraph, or when presenting contrasting information, you can use words that highlight the difference.

You can use transitions such as however, on the other hand, yet, or in contrast.

Example: Although the costs of protecting the environment might be assumed to be high, the long-term benefits outweigh the cost.

Besides using transition words, you can also imply the contrast by formulating the topic sentence as a question.

Example: Is banning Bitcoin a solution, or are there other government-led strategies that can be used to control the cryptocurrency industry?

Emphasizing and Expanding

When a paragraph gives details or other examples of the same point, you can use words that imply similarity/emphasis, such as: for example, as an illustration, indeed, or in fact.

Example: Indeed, the Bitcoin industry has been flocked to and preferred by organized criminals who have managed to transact without being noticed by authorities.

Anticipating and Summarizing

When a paragraph shifts focus to a different aspect of the same subject, your topic sentence can sum up what was in the previous paragraph and anticipate what to expect in the new paragraph you are writing.

Example: While Bitcoin has strengthened global organized crime, the technology it is based on, blockchain technology, can be leveraged by governments for accountability, transparency, and sustainability of operations.

Examples of Good Topic Sentences

Let us now explore the examples of topic sentences, distinguishing between the two parts of a topic sentence: topic and controlling idea.

If you want to be a skillful writer, frame your topic sentence per the examples we have given above. The topic should tell your readers what the paragraph is about, while the controlling idea informs them of its direction. Topic sentences should set the tone of the paragraph and, at the same time, reflect on your paper's thesis or main idea.

How to write strong topic sentences in 5 steps

With your knowledge, let us now look at the steps you should take to write a perfect topic sentence. These steps will come in handy when writing an essay or paper. As explained below, you can write a good topic sentence in 5 steps.

1. Choose a good topic

When you select a good topic for your essay or paper, you can develop various topic sentences that support the topic with different ideas, as reflected in the paragraphs. Therefore, select a topic that is neither too narrow nor too broad yet interesting and practical.

2. Research widely for perspectives

After selecting the topic, ensure that you do some light preliminary research. Preliminary research will help you determine what scholars are saying about your topic.

Besides, you will also develop a perspective on the topic. And as you develop a perspective, you will have an idea of what the topic sentences, thesis, and paragraphs should look like.

For this step, you can use scholarly and non-scholarly resources because your main aim is to familiarize yourself with the chosen topic.

3. Write your thesis statement

As you research, you will know the points to address in your essay, especially the controlling or main idea, otherwise known as the thesis statement. Construct a thesis statement that is assertive, focused, and concise. It should determine your topic sentences.

4. Create an essay outline with draft topic sentences

After developing a thesis statement, create an outline as a roadmap for your essay or paper writing process. The outline will determine what points fall where and in what order.

Remember to specify the topic sentences for your body paragraphs when crafting the outline. Ensure that the topic sentences you have selected support your thesis.

You can refine the topic sentences as you write, so do not be so hard on yourself.

Writing the topic sentence follows the same guidelines as that writing sentences. However, there are a few deviations. We shall share more when exploring the tips to write topic sentences successfully.

5. Refine your topic sentence

After writing your topic sentences as a simple statement, in the beginning, revise them as you write or as you make discoveries on the topic. Ensure that each topic sentence matches the content in each paragraph.

Think of your topic sentences as signposts that tell readers the direction of your argument in the paragraph.

Ensure that there is a connection between the paragraphs for solid writing. And remember, you can use your topic sentences as transitions. When fine-tuning the topic sentences, ensure that they are clear and coherent. Anyone should understand them quickly and know what the paragraph is about. Also, use specific wording depending on the type of topic sentence you are writing.

Tips for Writing Appealing Topic Sentences

Apart from the steps discussed above, use the following tips to write topic sentences that make sense.

1. State the topic and controlling idea clearly

A topic sentence is most likely the first sentence in your paragraph and sometimes the second after a transition sentence. Regardless of order, ensure it states the topic and the controlling idea. Doing so makes your intention and direction in the paragraph known to your readers.

2. You should balance it between general and specific ideas

A topic sentence links your paragraph to your thesis statement. Therefore, you need to ensure that it balances broad and narrow ideas. Avoid vagueness or being too general when writing an idea. Never write a narrow statement but let it be a sentence with some sense of focus and direction.

3. You should hook your readers

A paragraph is a mini-essay; start by hooking your readers in the topic sentence. You can achieve this by describing a character, using a dialogue, stating a fact, using details or facts, portraying emotions, shocking revelations, or stating some mysteries to get the readers interested. Then, when you whet your readers' appetite, they automatically give in and read the entire paragraph.

4. Be concise

Good topic sentences are clear. Make sure that your topic sentences are brief. Make your intentions clear off the bat. You should frame the topic sentence to make it slightly more specific than the thesis statement.

A short, clear, and direct topic sentence creates a good flow. Only state, in your topic sentence, facts that can be substantiated or supported by concrete evidence

. You can use a reasonable opinion in your topic sentence. However, that should be the case if you can back up your claims through supporting sentences. Topic sentences are not limited to facts alone; you can use opinions if they can be substantiated. And as soon as you are ready with your essay, do a complete topic sentence reverse outline to assess whether they are strong, clear, and concise.

5. Use the topic sentence as a transition

We have already discussed using topic sentences as transitions in the examples and previous sections. First, guide your readers through your argument by connecting ideas when you use transition topic sentences. Then, when you use them as a bridge, you achieve some great flow that keeps your readers interested until the end.

6. Do not list information

Like in chess or poker, you should never lay all your cards or show your next move early. When writing topic sentences, avoid listing what to expect in the paragraph. Instead, give a snippet of what is to come in the paragraph. Avoid mentioning everything upfront because there is no need to read the entire paragraph.

7. Do not mention things you will not support

If you make any statement in the topic sentence, support it in the paragraph. Therefore, if you have no intention of examining any point further, let it slide. However, if you give facts, opinions, or both, ensure that your paragraph expounds on and expands on them.

8. Do not begin with quotes or rhetorical questions

You can use all the sentence starters and hooks but quotes and rhetorical questions. When a quote or question is fantastic, leave it out of the topic sentence preferences.

These are not your words; a topic sentence should include some of your opinions and not someone else's. Mainly, that is why we never have in-text citations on topic sentences.

When you realize that a quote is opinion-based, adopt its concept, and write your opinion. And if it is based on facts, save it for later in the paragraph and then expound it to support the topic sentence and the thesis.

Regarding the rhetorical question, let the readers formulate questions in their minds, not you. In a similar vein, avoid summarizing events in your topic sentences.

Topic Sentence Checklist

After you are done with writing your body paragraphs, you can use the checklist below to evaluate their effectiveness.

• Is the topic sentence the first statement in your sentence?
• Is the topic sentence coming after the transitional sentence? If so, does it fit perfectly?
• Is there a clear link between your topic sentence and the paper's thesis?
• Does the topic sentence have a topic and a controlling idea?
• Does the topic sentence reflect the scope of the paragraph without stating the exact facts?
• Is the topic sentence focused? Is your topic sentence precise, brief, yet thorough?

If yes to any of these, please proceed with your paper. If not, make the necessary adjustments.

Related: How to structure essay paragraphs.

Final Words

You can craft creative and impressive topic sentences for an essay or paper with the examples we shared.

Use the checklist to assess if the topic sentences in your paper make sense. You will transform your writing to an entirely new level and attract the best grades.

Otherwise, if you are stuck with writing topic ideas for your outline assignment or feel like your topic sentences could be corrected, our experts will gladly help you.

EssayManiacs.com has professional writers who understand how to write perfect essays. The non-stop English writers will craft essays with sound topic sentences and turn your ideas into perfect essays. Talk to us!

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• Topic Sentences in Research Paper – Meaning, Parts, Importance, Procedure and Techniques

Published 16 October, 2023

The topic sentence is one of the most important sentences in a research paper. It states your main idea and sets up everything that follows. A good topic sentence will be specific, clear, and relevant to your thesis statement. This post will teach you how to write a great topic sentence for any research paper!

Meaning of topic sentence

The topic sentence is basically unique sentences that act as a guideline for both reader and writer. It provides the idea of information in the content. It is the first sentence of the paragraph. The topic sentences represent the scope and objective of the paragraph .

A topic sentence is a sentence that provides an overview of the main idea that you are developing in your paragraph or article. Organizing paragraphs with a topic sentence can help to create coherent writing and guide the reader through your paper. A good topic sentence should be clear, have a precise thesis, and not be redundant with any other statement made in your essay.

For example : If you are writing about the pollution, the pollution in Xyz town increased because of the rising population. The topic sentence for this Paragraph will be “pollution”.

Procedure for writing topic sentences

1. writing a thesis statement.

It is an initial phase in relation to drafting topic sentences.  At this stage, you are required to ensure that the thesis statement which you have designed is quite strong. It means that the thesis statement should represent the objective and argument in the research paper.

2. Designing an outline of the essay

It is a phase where you need to prepare or design the paragraph structure in research . In addition to this, you are required to develop a plan for all the facts that you will include in the paragraph. The topic sentences should be developed in relation to paragraphs.

3. Expanding with evidence

While writing the main body paragraphs of the essay you need to ensure that it flows in a logical manner that is according to the topic sentence then after that there could be an expansion in points along with the evidence supporting arguments.

4. Refinement of the topic sentence

Reviewing the topic sentences which you have designed is very much essential in order to make sure that the content of the paragraph matches with the topic sentence.

Read Also: Research Process Guide

Techniques of writing topic sentences in a research paper.

Here are some techniques which you can apply for writing topic sentences these are:

1. A design statement for presenting the idea

As the topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph, therefore, the sentence should clearly represent the information included in the paragraph. While drafting a topic sentence you are required to make sure that it indicates your purpose clearly.

For instance , in a paragraph, you are describing the way globalization has influence marketing activities of companies’ for that paragraph the topic sentence should be the influence of globalization on marketing.”

2. Maintain a balance between general and specific

It means that the topic sentence which you have to design should be related to the paragraph or to the thesis statement of your research paper. The thesis statement should not be too narrow or broad.

Include hooks: One of the crucial roles of the topic sentence is to develop an interest in reading in the reader. In simpler words, the main function of the topic sentence is to capture the attention of the reader.

Read Also: How to Write a Hook for Research Paper

3. Write short and sweet

You should keep the topic sentence short as it is the strategy that will help you in representing your intention clearly.

4. Provide a justifiable opinion

You can include your opinion as a topic sentence; you can do this in a situation if you are planning to include your perspective in the paragraph.

5. Utilize the topic sentence as a transition

you should select such a topic sentence that provides the reader idea about the information in the previous and next paragraphs.

Note: If in a paragraph you are making a comparison between two things then in such case you need to use such words which highlight the distinguishing.  If in a paragraph you are explaining various aspects on the similar subject then you should ensure that the topic sentence provides a summary of the existing paragraph along with new information.

Parts of topic sentences

The three important parts of the topic statement are :

• Limited topic
• Attitude, opinion, or feeling

Importance of topic sentences in a research paper

• It enables the reader to have an idea about the things which have been covered in a specific paragraph.
• It also provides readers ease in addressing the important points.
• The topic sentence in the research paper is very much essential as it supports the thesis statement.
• It also enables readers to maintain their concentration on important points.
• A topic sentence is important as it helps in clarifying the objective of writing a particular paragraph.
• An effective topic sentence enables you to avoid miscommunication and confusion.

       Read Also: Topic Selection for Research

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Topic Sentence Definition

Topic sentences are special sentences that serve as guideposts to the writer and reader; they help shape the essay and move it along from idea to idea.

If you have already gathered information and developed some support for a thesis, you may find that your support falls into groups or categories. A rule of thumb is that you can develop a topic sentence for each category to help shape that information and to cue your reading audience in to a change in supporting idea.

For example, let's say that the following sentence is your working thesis:

Adult students returning to college face time, study, emotional, and family problems.

You developed that thesis because you had groups of information on time, study, emotional, and family problems. As you're shaping the essay, then, you could develop these topic sentences to help shape information and direct your reading audience to a change in support:

• Adult students returning to college face time problems because they have to juggle work, family, and school.
• Adult students returning to college face study problems because they often have to re-learn study skills, after not having used them for ten years or more.
• Adult students face family problems when they change family roles and structures as a result of carving out time for themselves.
• Adult students also face emotional problems when they question their ability to succeed.

An important point: A topic sentence essentially extracts the various ideas embedded in the thesis and creates a "mini-thesis" for each of those ideas. Each of the sample topic sentences above has a topic (adult students returning to college--the same as the topic in the thesis) and an angle (which differs depending on the idea but which extracts one idea from the thesis). Topic sentences help you break down the ideas in the thesis and present them one by one, each in its turn, so that you create a logical shape (a conceptual structure) for the ideas in the essay.

One way to create topic sentences is to identify the implied question in the thesis; the topic sentences will have to answer that question directly.

• If it's a "why?" question, then you know that each topic sentence will have to provide another reason why.
• If it's a "what?" question, then you know that each topic sentence will have to provide another characteristic of something.
• If it's a "how?" question, then you know that each topic sentence will have to offer another step or stage of something.

For example:

Thesis: Adult students should not fear returning to college. (a "why?" question is implied)

Topic Sentence: Adults shouldn't fear returning to college because they have organizational skills that help them in school.

Topic Sentence: Statistics show that adults generally are more successful than younger college students, despite the obstacles they face.

Topic Sentence: Adults are usually successful, and therefore shouldn't fear returning to college, because they generally value learning, which makes them work harder and become more successful learners.

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What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence states the main point of a paragraph: it serves as a mini-thesis for the paragraph. You might think of it as a signpost for your readers—or a headline—something that alerts them to the most important, interpretive points in your essay. When read in sequence, your essay’s topic sentences will provide a sketch of the essay’s argument. Thus topics sentences help protect your readers from confusion by guiding them through the argument. But topic sentences can also help you to improve your essay by making it easier for you to recognize gaps or weaknesses in your argument.

Where do topic sentences go?

Topic sentences usually appear at the very beginning of paragraphs. In the following example from Anatomy of Criticism , Northrop Frye establishes the figure of the tragic hero as someone more than human, but less than divine. He backs up his claim with examples of characters from literature, religion and mythology whose tragic stature is a function of their ability to mediate between their fellow human beings and a power that transcends the merely human:

The tragic hero is typically on top of the wheel of fortune, half-way between human society on the ground and the something greater in the sky. Prometheus, Adam, and Christ hang between heaven and earth, between a world of paradisal freedom and a world of bondage. Tragic heroes are so much the highest points in their human landscape that they seem the inevitable conductors of the power about them, great trees more likely to be struck by lightning than a clump of grass. Conductors may of course be instruments as well as victims of the divine lightning: Milton’s Samson destroys the Philistine temple with himself, and Hamlet nearly exterminates the Danish court in his own fall.

The structure of Frye’s paragraph is simple yet powerful: the topic sentence makes an abstract point, and the rest of the paragraph elaborates on that point using concrete examples as evidence.

Does a topic sentence have to be at the beginning of a paragraph?

No, though this is usually the most logical place for it. Sometimes a transitional sentence or two will come before a topic sentence:

We found in comedy that the term bomolochos or buffoon need not be restricted to farce, but could be extended to cover comic characters who are primarily entertainers, with the function of increasing or focusing the comic mood. The corresponding contrasting type is the suppliant, the character, often female, who presents a picture of unmitigated helplessness and destitution. Such a figure is pathetic, and pathos, though it seems a gentler and more relaxed mood than tragedy, is even more terrifying. Its basis is the exclusion of an individual from the group; hence it attacks the deepest fear in ourselves that we possess—a fear much deeper than the relatively cosy and sociable bogey of hell. In the suppliant pity and terror are brought to the highest possible pitch of intensity, and the awful consequences of rejecting the suppliant for all concerned is a central theme of Greek tragedy.

The context for this passage is an extended discussion of the characteristics of tragedy. In this paragraph, Frye begins by drawing a parallel between the figure of the buffoon in comedy and that of the suppliant in tragedy. His discussion of the buffoon occurred in a earlier section of the chapter, a section devoted to comedy. The first sentence of the current paragraph is transitional: it prepares the way for the topic sentence. The delayed topic sentence contributes to the coherence of Frye’s discussion by drawing an explicit connection between key ideas in the book. In essays, the connection is usually between the last paragraph and the current one.

Sometimes writers save a topic sentence for the end of a paragraph. You may, for example, occasionally find that giving away your point at the beginning of a paragraph does not allow you to build your argument toward an effective climax.

How do I come up with a topic sentence? And what makes a good one?

Ask yourself what’s going on in your paragraph. Why have you chosen to include the information you have? Why is the paragraph important in the context of your argument? What point are you trying to make?

Relating your topic sentences to your thesis can help strengthen the coherence of your essay. If you include a thesis statement in your introduction, then think of incorporating a keyword from that statement into the topic sentence. But you need not be overly explicit when you echo the thesis statement. Better to be subtle rather than heavy-handed. Do not forget that your topic sentence should do more than just establish a connection between your paragraph and your thesis. Use a topic sentence to show how your paragraph contributes to the development of your argument by moving it that one extra step forward. If your topic sentence merely restates your thesis, then either your paragraph is redundant or your topic sentence needs to be reformulated. If several of your topic sentences restate your thesis, even if they do so in different words, then your essay is probably repetitive.

Does every paragraph need one?

No, but most do. Sometimes a paragraph helps to develop the same point as in the previous paragraph, and so a new topic sentence would be redundant. And sometimes the evidence in your paragraph makes your point so effectively that your topic sentence can remain implicit. But if you are in doubt, it’s best to use one.