Why theses and topic sentences matter

Examiners look for a clear position and logically developed ideas.

• Thesis answers the task in one line.
• Topic sentence states one main idea and how it works.
  Get these right and your coherence and Task Response rise immediately.

Golden rules

• One thesis line in the introduction that answers exactly.
• One idea per body paragraph.
• Add a mechanism: how or why the idea affects the outcome.
• Avoid vague nouns like things, stuff, a lot. Use precise terms.
• Keep tense and person consistent. Use neutral academic style.

Core verbs for strong claims

• stance verbs: argue, contend, maintain, support
• effect verbs: leads to, results in, enables, reduces, improves
• evaluation verbs: beneficial, harmful, efficient, costly, viable

Frame set 1: Opinion (agree or disagree)

Thesis frames

• I agree that X is beneficial because A and B.
• I disagree with X since A and B cause negative outcomes.
• X has more benefits than drawbacks, mainly due to A and B.

Topic sentence frames

• Reason 1: A improves Y by mechanism M.
• Reason 2: B reduces risk through mechanism N.

Example
Thesis: I agree that remote work boosts productivity because it cuts commuting and enables focused time blocks.
Body 1 opener: Cutting daily travel time increases available work hours by removing low value transit.
Body 2 opener: Flexible blocks support deep work by limiting interruptions from meetings.

Frame set 2: Discussion (both views + your opinion)

Thesis frames

• Some argue A, while others claim B. This essay supports B because R and S.
• Although A has merits, B is preferable due to R and S.

Topic sentence frames

• View A: Supporters of A believe… because…
• View B: In contrast, advocates of B point to… which…
• Your stance: Overall, B is stronger since R leads to outcome O.

Example
Thesis: Some prefer free museums, others prefer fees; this essay supports limited fees because they fund conservation and manage crowding.

Frame set 3: Problem Solution

Thesis frames

• X causes A and B. Effective solutions include S1 and S2.
• The main causes of X are C1 and C2, which can be addressed by S1 and S2.

Topic sentence frames

• Problem: X harms Y by mechanism M, raising risk R.
• Solution: S1 works by mechanism N and is feasible because resource K exists.

Example
Thesis: Urban congestion stems from cheap parking and infrequent buses; dynamic pricing and high frequency routes can reduce car use.
Body 1 opener: Low parking costs increase peak driving by lowering the price of road space.
Body 2 opener: Ten minute bus intervals shift commuters by cutting wait time and improving reliability.

Frame set 4: Advantage Disadvantage

Thesis frames

• On balance, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages because A and B.
• Despite some drawbacks, disadvantages outweigh due to R and S.

Topic sentence frames

• Advantage: A benefits group G by mechanism M.
• Disadvantage: However, D creates cost C through mechanism N.

Example
Thesis: Online schooling’s advantages outweigh the drawbacks because it expands access and enables flexible pacing.
Body 1 opener: Wider access raises participation by removing travel and timetable limits.
Body 2 opener: Yet low interaction can reduce motivation when classes lack live support.

Frame set 5: Evaluation or two part questions

Thesis frames

• X is largely positive for group G, but it requires safeguards Y.
• The main reasons for trend T are R and S, and the best response is M.

Topic sentence frames

• Part 1: The first reason is R, which drives effect E.
• Part 2: The most effective response is M, because it addresses R directly.

Upgrade language pack

• extent words: largely, partly, to a great extent, to a limited extent
• strength words: significant, modest, substantial, marginal
• balance words: although, while, whereas, nonetheless
• cause and result: because, since, therefore, consequently

Build topic sentences from notes

Notes: screens help access, hurt focus.

• TS 1: Wider access improves equity by allowing lessons from any location.
• TS 2: However, constant notifications reduce attention by interrupting tasks.

Common errors and quick fixes

• Vague thesis: I will discuss both sides.
  • Fix: add stance. Example: Although both sides exist, this essay supports B because R and S.
• Two ideas in one paragraph
  • Fix: split into two bodies or make one idea subordinate.
• No mechanism
  • Fix: add “by” or “through” clause showing how it works.
• Off topic examples
  • Fix: test relevance with one line: does it prove the topic sentence
• Repetition of verbs
  • Fix: rotate leads to, results in, enables, limits.

Mini models you can adapt

Opinion

• Thesis: I disagree that cashless cities are desirable because digital exclusion and privacy risks remain.
• TS1: Excluding cash harms low income users by requiring smartphones and stable data.
• TS2: Centralised tracking raises privacy concerns by recording every purchase.

Problem Solution

• Thesis: Food waste rises due to bulk discounts and poor storage; unit pricing and cold chain education can cut losses.
• TS1: Bulk discounts encourage overbuying by lowering the per item price.
• TS2: Storage training reduces spoilage by matching foods with correct temperatures.

10 minute drill routine

1. 2 min: identify question type and underline task words.
2. 2 min: choose a thesis frame and fill with two reasons.
3. 4 min: write two topic sentences using a mechanism clause.
4. 1 min: add one example title for each TS.
5. 1 min: read aloud and remove vague words.

Quick checklist before you submit

• Thesis answers the exact task in one line.
• Each body begins with one clear topic sentence.
• Mechanism shown with by or through.
• Linkers varied and accurate.
• No drift from the main idea in the paragraph.

One page template (copy to your notebook)

• Thesis: I [agree disagree prefer] that [X] because [Reason 1] and [Reason 2].
• Body 1 TS: [Idea 1] improves or reduces [Outcome] by [Mechanism].
• Body 2 TS: However, [Idea 2] causes or prevents [Outcome] through [Mechanism].
• Conclusion line: In summary, [stance] since [reason 1] and [reason 2].

Final advice
Decide your stance, write a one line thesis, then start each paragraph with a single mechanism driven topic sentence. This keeps your argument clear, focused, and easy to score well.