Topic sentences as transitions between paragraphs

As you write each topic sentence, ask yourself: how does this point relate to what you wrote in the
preceding paragraph? It’s often helpful to use transition words in your topic sentences to show the
connections between your ideas.

Emphasize and expand

If the paragraph goes into more detail or gives another example to make the same point, the topic
sentence can use words that imply emphasis or similarity (for example, furthermore, indeed, in fact,
also).

Indeed, cattle farming alone is responsible for a large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions.

Summarize and anticipate

If the paragraph turns to a different aspect of the same subject, the topic sentence can briefly sum up
the previous paragraph and anticipate the new information that will appear in this one.

While beef clearly has the most dramatic footprint, other animal products also have serious impacts in
terms of emissions, water and land use.

Compare and contrast

If the paragraph makes a comparison or introduces contrasting information, the topic sentence can use
words that highlight difference or conflict (for example, in contrast, however, yet, on the other hand).

However, the environmental costs of dietary choices are not always clear-cut; in some cases, small-scale
livestock farming is more sustainable than plant-based food production.

You can also imply contrast or complicate your argument by formulating the topic sentence as a
question.

Is veganism the only solution, or are there more sustainable ways of producing meat and dairy?