Making the first sentence of a paragraph state the point — not announce that a point is coming.
How this drill works, and why it is built this way›
Coherence band 7 asks each paragraph to present “a clear central topic”. That is the topic sentence, and it is usually the first one.
A topic sentence states a claim. It does not say what the paragraph will be about. Another point to consider is cost announces. The strongest objection is its cost claims.
One paragraph, one idea. If your paragraph needs two topic sentences, it is two paragraphs.
Test any paragraph by reading only its first sentence. If a reader could summarise your whole essay from those first sentences alone, your paragraphs are under control.
The last sentence matters too. It should hand something forward, not repeat the first sentence in new words.
Worked example
Which opens a paragraph better?
A Another important point which should be considered is the question of cost. · B The strongest objection to the scheme is its cost.
Answer: B
A takes eleven words to say a point is coming, and the reader still does not know what it claims. B makes a claim in eight words that the rest of the paragraph must now support. The point: a topic sentence commits you to something.
Moderate · CEFR B1around band 5 – 5.5change level:
The drill moves you up or down on its own. Two good sets and it gets harder; two hard ones and it steps back.
The band range is what this level practises for — it is a guide, not a score. Only your first answer to each item counts towards the level decision.
Your answers and explanations open after the set is complete, the attempt is saved and your email is verified.
For whole-sentence tasks, the checker looks for the required structure and facts; it is not an examiner and cannot judge every possible sentence.
