What is a subject sentence?

A subject sentence, also known as a topic sentence, is the main idea of a paragraph. It acts like a road sign, telling the reader what the paragraph is going to be about. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

* Location: Typically found at the beginning of a paragraph, though it can sometimes appear in the middle or at the end.

* Specificity: It introduces a specific topic within the broader theme of the essay or piece of writing.

* Focus: It provides a clear focus for the rest of the paragraph, guiding the reader through the supporting details and arguments.

* Relationship to the thesis: It should be connected to the thesis statement of the essay, acting as a mini-thesis for the paragraph.

Here's an example:

Subject Sentence: The invention of the printing press revolutionized the spread of knowledge and information.

Paragraph: The invention of the printing press revolutionized the spread of knowledge and information. Before this innovation, books were painstakingly copied by hand, making them rare and expensive. With the printing press, mass production became possible, allowing more people to access books and ideas. This led to the wider dissemination of information, fueled the growth of literacy, and spurred intellectual advancements across Europe.

In this example:

* The subject sentence clearly states the main idea of the paragraph: the printing press's impact on the spread of knowledge.

* The rest of the paragraph provides supporting details and examples to elaborate on this central idea.

Remember: A strong subject sentence is essential for clear and concise writing. It helps the reader understand the purpose of each paragraph and follow the flow of your argument.