What is the primary role of a topic sentence?

The primary role of a topic sentence is to convey the main point of the paragraph. It sets the stage for what the paragraph will discuss, guiding the reader and establishing the focus. A strong topic sentence not only informs the reader about the content of the paragraph but also helps to connect it to the overall thesis or argument of the essay. It typically encapsulates the main idea in a concise manner, allowing for relevant details and examples to follow that enhance or support that idea.

In contrast, introducing the conclusion of the essay would typically occur in the concluding section and does not pertain to the function of a topic sentence. Providing personal opinions is more subjective and may not align with the objective nature of a topic sentence, which should reflect the main idea rather than personal belief. Summarizing the entire essay involves a much broader scope that goes beyond the confines of a single paragraph, therefore it's not aligned with the specific role of a topic sentence.