When revising a topic sentence to reflect a claim, which criterion is essential?

• A. It should be long and overly detailed.
• B. It should restate the thesis exactly.
• C. It should be specific, arguable, and connected to the thesis.
• D. It should include all evidence from the paragraph.

Answer: (C)

When a topic sentence is revised to reflect a claim, the sentence should state a precise, debatable point that ties directly to the thesis. This keeps the paragraph focused and makes its purpose clear.

Specific means you name a precise aspect or angle you will argue about, not a broad general statement. For example, instead of saying a topic is about exercise and mood, the topic sentence should identify a particular effect or mechanism, like how regular aerobic activity lowers stress hormones and boosts mood.

Arguable means the sentence makes a claim that could be disputed or supported with evidence, rather than simply stating a fact. This invites reasoning and evidence in the paragraph, not just listing observations. A claim about mood improvement tied to measurable factors provides room to argue with data and examples.

Connected to the thesis means the topic sentence reflects a component of the overall argument and shows how this paragraph will support the thesis. It acts as a bridge, indicating how the paragraph’s specific claim advances the essay’s main purpose.

Keep in mind why the other options don’t fit: a sentence that’s long and detailed can cloud the main point; a sentence that restates the thesis exactly offers no new argument or focus for the paragraph; and a sentence that tries to include all evidence from the paragraph overreaches, since the topic sentence should introduce the idea, not duplicate everything to come. A strong topic sentence sets up a focused, debatable claim that connects to and supports the thesis, guiding the rest of the paragraph.