Free ATI TEAS 7 English & Language Usage guide
October 2026 - Topic Sentences Study Guide for nursing students in
A topic sentence states the paragraph's single main point, usually first, and every other sentence in the paragraph supports it. On the exam you will be asked to choose one, spot the sentence that does not fit it, or judge whether a paragraph delivers what its opening promised.
What a topic sentence has to do
- Name the subject of the paragraph.
- Make a claim about it that the rest of the paragraph can support.
- Cover everything in the paragraph, and nothing beyond it.
- It is a promise. The paragraph is the payment.
The three ways a candidate fails
| Problem | Looks like | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Too broad | Describes the whole subject area, not this paragraph | Would it fit half the paragraphs in the passage? |
| Too narrow | States one supporting detail | Does the rest of the paragraph support it, or move past it? |
| No claim | A fact nobody would dispute, or an announcement | Could the paragraph argue anything against it? |
A question is not a topic sentence. "Why do handover errors happen?" announces a subject without making any claim about it, so the paragraph has nothing to support. The same applies to "This paragraph will discuss handover errors" — an announcement rather than a point.
Where it sits
First is the default, and it is what the exam expects unless the paragraph is clearly built otherwise. Stating the point and then supporting it is the most readable structure for factual and academic writing.
Last works when a paragraph builds towards its claim, walking the reader through evidence before drawing them to the point. And occasionally it is implied — every sentence points at a claim none of them states, which is exactly the implied-main-idea situation from the Reading section.
Choosing between candidates
Worked example
A paragraph reports that written discharge instructions reduce readmissions, that patients on several medications benefit most, and that the effect disappears when the instructions are not explained aloud. Which topic sentence fits?
- List what the paragraph actually covers: an effect, who it helps most, and a condition on it.
- Reject anything covering only one of the three — that would be too narrow.
- Reject anything about discharge planning in general — too broad, since the paragraph is specifically about written instructions.
- Look for a sentence making a claim that all three details support.
Something like: "Written discharge instructions reduce readmissions, but only when they are explained rather than handed over." It makes a claim, covers the whole paragraph including the condition, and nothing in the paragraph falls outside it.
Terms to know
- Topic sentence
- The sentence stating a paragraph's main point.
- Supporting sentence
- A sentence providing evidence, explanation or examples for it.
- Unity
- Every sentence in the paragraph relating to the topic sentence.
- Implied topic sentence
- A main point the paragraph supports without stating.
- Announcement
- A sentence saying what the paragraph will do rather than making a point. Not a topic sentence.
What the TEAS asks most
The same core ideas appear in different wording. If you can answer these without stopping to think, you have what this section requires.
Which sentence would be the best topic sentence?
The one making a claim that covers every sentence in the paragraph and nothing outside it.
Which sentence does not support the topic sentence?
The one that changes subject, however true or interesting.
Where is the topic sentence in this paragraph?
Usually first. Check the last sentence too, in case the paragraph builds to its point.
Key points
- A topic sentence names the subject and makes a claim about it.
- It must cover the whole paragraph and nothing beyond it.
- Too broad, too narrow and no-claim are the three ways to fail.
- A question or an announcement is not a topic sentence.
- First position is the default; last is used when a paragraph builds to its point.
Review quiz
4 questions on this topic, each with the reasoning worked through. Pick an answer to see how it went, or open the explanation straight away.
Read the passage, then answer the questions below
____ A single structured form reduced omitted allergy information from eleven per cent of handovers to two. Staff reported that the form took slightly longer to complete than free-text notes. The wards that adopted it also reported fewer follow-up phone calls after handover, which more than offset the extra minute at the bedside.
-
Question 1 of 4
Which sentence would best fill the gap as a topic sentence?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. A structured handover form cuts omissions at a small cost in time that is recovered later.
It makes a claim that every following sentence supports — the drop in omissions, the extra time, and the offsetting reduction in phone calls. The first is far too broad, the third is one supporting detail promoted above its station, and the fourth announces the subject without saying anything about it.
-
Question 2 of 4
Which sentence would break the unity of this paragraph if added?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. The hospital replaced its uniform supplier the same year.
A change of uniform supplier has nothing to do with the handover form or its effects, so it breaks unity regardless of being true. The other three each add evidence, explanation or a qualification that bears directly on the claim.
-
Question 3 of 4
Why is "Why do handover omissions happen?" not a topic sentence?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. It names a subject but makes no claim for the paragraph to support.
A topic sentence has to assert something the rest of the paragraph can back up, and a question asserts nothing. Questions are perfectly acceptable elsewhere in a passage — they simply cannot do this particular job.
-
Question 4 of 4
A topic sentence reads: "Discharge planning is a complex process." Why is it weak?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. It is too broad — it would fit almost any paragraph about discharge.
Nothing in it points at what this particular paragraph will argue, so it constrains nothing and promises nothing specific. A usable version would name the aspect of complexity the paragraph actually addresses.
Put this TEAS topic into practice
Build a set on topic sentences and use the rationale on every question to reinforce what you just reviewed.
Keep reading
More TEAS Resources
Guides and tools across the TEAS course.
TEAS 7 Exam Prep
Format, sections, timing
TEAS 7 FAQ
Scoring, retakes, test day
Is the TEAS Hard?
An honest answer
How Long Is the TEAS 7?
209 minutes, section by section
What Is a Passing TEAS Score?
Your programme sets the bar
TEAS Reading
18 topics · 39 scored questions
TEAS Math
18 topics · 34 scored questions
TEAS Science
22 topics · 44 scored questions
TEAS English
21 topics · 33 scored questions
Free TEAS Practice Test
Sit a set before you buy
TEAS Plans & Pricing
Choose your access
Start TEAS Prep
Create your account
TEAS Study Guide
All four sections, free
8-Week Study Plan
Week-by-week schedule
TEAS Cheat Sheet
Formulas and high-yield facts
TEAS vs HESI A2
Which exam to take
