Which sentence in a paragraph states the main idea?

Which sentence in a paragraph states the main idea?

• A. The closing sentence.
• B. The topic sentence.
• C. A supporting sentence.
• D. The introductory sentence for each paragraph.

Answer: (B)

The sentence that states the main idea is the topic sentence. It tells you what the paragraph is about and sets up the point the rest of the sentences will support with details, evidence, or examples. That central claim is often placed at the start of the paragraph, guiding how you read the following sentences. The closing sentence typically wraps up or transitions, and the other sentences provide supporting information. Sometimes paragraphs include an introductory line, but the one that clearly conveys the main idea is the topic sentence.

The sentence that states the main idea is the topic sentence. It tells you what the paragraph is about and sets up the point the rest of the sentences will support with details, evidence, or examples. That central claim is often placed at the start of the paragraph, guiding how you read the following sentences. The closing sentence typically wraps up or transitions, and the other sentences provide supporting information. Sometimes paragraphs include an introductory line, but the one that clearly conveys the main idea is the topic sentence.