TEAS Ready🗣️ English and Language Usage · Knowledge of Language · Lesson 6 of 6 · 6 min
Topic sentences, transitions and paragraph order
🧱 A paragraph is built like a wall: a topic sentence on top, supporting bricks in order, and transitions as the mortar.
💡 Key idea
One main idea per paragraph, every sentence supports it, and each transition names the real relationship.
🧠 The idea
A strong paragraph has one main idea. The TOPIC SENTENCE states it, usually first. Supporting sentences give reasons, examples or steps, and every one must relate to the main idea; a sentence that wanders off topic should be removed. Order matters: time order for steps or events, order of importance for arguments, general to specific for explanations. TRANSITIONS show how ideas connect. Addition: also, furthermore, in addition. Contrast: however, on the other hand, nevertheless. Cause and effect: therefore, as a result, consequently. Example: for instance, for example. Sequence: first, next, finally. Conclusion: in summary, overall. Choose a transition by the relationship, not by how it sounds: "however" between two sentences that agree is wrong. A CONCLUDING SENTENCE restates the main idea or shows its result without adding a brand-new topic.
✏️ Worked example
(1) Hand washing is the simplest way to stop infections from spreading. (2) Germs travel easily on hands from surfaces to the eyes, nose and mouth. (3) My cousin works at a hospital in another state. (4) ___, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds removes most of these germs. Step 1: the topic is hand washing and infection. Step 2: sentence 3 is off topic, so remove it. Step 3: sentence 4 offers a solution to the problem in sentence 2, so the blank needs a word that turns from a problem to good news. "For example" is wrong because sentence 4 is not an example of germs traveling, and "Therefore" is wrong because the germs do not cause the scrubbing. "Fortunately" names the real relationship: "Fortunately, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds removes most of these germs."
📌 Takeaways
- Topic sentence first; remove anything that does not support it.
- Pick transitions by relationship: addition, contrast, cause, example, sequence.
- Conclusions restate or wrap up; they do not open a new topic.
📖 Terms in this lesson
Transition: A word or phrase that shows how ideas connect, such as however (contrast), therefore (result) and for example (illustration).
Topic sentence: The sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph, often placed first; for example, "Regular walking improves mood in several ways."
✅ Check yourself
Question 1 of 3
Which transition best connects the sentences? "Regular exercise strengthens the heart. ___, it can lower resting blood pressure."
- Instead
- On the contrary
- However
- In addition
Show the answer and rationale
Answer: D
The second sentence adds another benefit of exercise, so the addition transition In addition fits. However, Instead and On the contrary all signal contrast, but the sentences agree.
Question 2 of 3
Which sentence would make the best topic sentence for a paragraph about ways to lower stress before an exam?
- Exams are given in many different subjects each semester.
- Some students prefer to study in the quiet campus library.
- My roommate's chemistry exam is scheduled for next Tuesday.
- Several simple habits can reduce stress before a big exam.
Show the answer and rationale
Answer: D
A topic sentence states the paragraph's main idea broadly enough to cover the details, and only the sentence about simple habits that reduce stress does that. The others are narrow details or off topic.
Question 3 of 3
A paragraph explains the steps for taking a manual blood pressure in order. Which organization fits best?
- Chronological (time) order
- Order of importance, least to most
- Comparison and contrast
- Problem and solution
Show the answer and rationale
Answer: A
Steps in a procedure happen in sequence, so chronological order with words like first, next and finally fits. Order of importance suits arguments, comparison suits two subjects, and problem-solution suits an issue and its fix.
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