A PARAGRAPH is a series of sentences that support a main idea, or point. A paragraph typically starts with the main idea or point (also called the topic sentence), and the rest of the paragraph provides specific details to support and develop the point. The TOPIC SENTENCE states the main or the general idea of the paragraph. The topic sentence states the subject and the purpose of the paragraph. The topic sentence in a paragraph summarizes what the entire paragraph is all about. In most academic essays, though, the topic sentence is at the beginning. Features of a topic sentence: > it states the main idea it addresses one aspect of the subject that can be adequately covered in one paragraph; > it controls the other sentences in the paragraph; it is more general than the sentences that develop it POSITIONS OF TOPIC SENTENCE: 1. AT THE BEGINNING​