Final answer:
A topic sentence is the first sentence of a body paragraph in an essay that encapsulates the main idea of the paragraph, which supports the thesis statement. It organizes the paragraph and sets up the argument for the reader.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence in question is known as a topic sentence. It serves as the first sentence of a body paragraph and establishes the main point that the paragraph will cover, reflecting the argument present in the thesis statement. A well-crafted topic sentence aids in organizing the paragraph and guiding the reader through the essay's argument, ensuring that each paragraph supports the thesis. As the backbone of the paragraph, it is followed by supporting details, such as quotes, explanations, and significance, all relevant to the thesis. Furthermore, each body paragraph typically ends with a transition sentence leading to the next section, maintaining the essay's flow.