Why Thesis and Topic Sentences Matter
In IELTS Writing Task 2, your essay’s success depends on clarity and structure. A strong thesis statement shows your position, while topic sentences guide the reader through your main ideas. Together, they create flow and coherence — the key to a high band score.
1. The Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is the heart of your introduction. It tells the reader exactly what your opinion or main argument is. It should be:
- Clear: Avoid general or vague language
- Direct: Show your stance on the question
- Focused: Don’t include examples or reasons yet
Example: “I completely agree that universities should focus more on practical skills than theoretical knowledge.”
2. Topic Sentences
Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence — a small “thesis” for that paragraph. It shows what idea you’re going to explain next.
- Summarize the main idea of the paragraph
- Connect it to your thesis logically
- Keep it one clear, complete sentence
Example: “One major benefit of practical learning is that it prepares students for real-world challenges.”
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing a thesis that’s too long or unclear
- Repeating the same thesis in each paragraph
- Writing topic sentences that don’t match the main point
- Jumping into examples without introducing the idea first
Tip: Always plan your thesis and topic sentences before writing the full essay. It saves time and boosts coherence.
Mini Challenge
Which of the following is a strong thesis statement?
🌿 You Did It!
Beautiful work — you’ve completed Lesson 6 of Summage Academy’s IELTS Writing course.
Next up:
Lesson 7: Coherence & Cohesion