A topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about. A transition shows how it connects to the paragraph before. Together they make separate paragraphs read as one answer.
This lesson is part of SPM English guided writing. It follows supporting ideas with relevant examples.
What makes a topic sentence work?
It states one idea that the rest of the paragraph develops. It should be specific enough that its example could not belong in another paragraph.
“There are many good things about a book swap” is too wide. “A book swap lets students try books they would not normally choose” gives the paragraph a clear job.
Which transition matches which relationship?
First decide how this idea relates to the last one, then choose the connector. The table covers the five relationships you will use most in short writing tasks.
| Relationship | Connector examples | Sentence pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | In addition, also | The swap is free. In addition, it needs little space. |
| Contrast | However, on the other hand | Some students prefer screens. However, a shelf is easier to share. |
| Cause or reason | Because, as a result | Books are shared, so the library spends less. |
| Sequence | First, after that, finally | After that, the prefects tidy the table. |
| Example | For instance | For instance, a Form 2 student might try poetry. |
Worked example: before and after
Before. “Students bring a book. They take a different one. The library spends less money.”
“Teachers can choose folk tales. Students read them in class.”
Every sentence is correct, but the reader cannot tell where one idea ends and the next begins.
After. “A book swap lets students try books they would not normally choose. Each student brings one finished book and takes a different one home. As a result, the library spends less on new copies.”
“The second part of the week can then focus on folk tales. Teachers can choose short stories, and students can read them together in class.”
The first sentence names the paragraph’s job. “As a result” and “then” show cause and sequence, and the last sentence gives detail for the second idea.
The mistake that loses marks
The common slip is to start every sentence with a connector, such as “Firstly”, “Moreover” or “Furthermore”. The connectors then become decoration.
Use one only where the relationship needs help. If the second sentence clearly follows the first, leave the connector out.
Check yourself
Choose the best connector for each gap: (a) “The swap is free. ___, it needs very little space.” (b) “Many students love reading. ___, some find long books tiring.” (c) “The prefects set up early. ___, the table was ready before the bell.”
Answer
(a) “In addition” adds a second advantage to the same point.
(b) “However” introduces a contrast with the previous idea.
(c) “As a result” shows that setting up early caused the table to be ready.
What to study next
Next, learn how to split your checking time in balancing content, organisation and language. For more work on connectors in cloze tasks, see selecting connectors that fit the relationship.
If you would like a teacher to go through your own paragraphs, see online one-to-one English tuition.