Final answer:
A strong topic sentence in English is clear and specific, providing a concise and direct statement of the main idea of a paragraph.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of a strong topic sentence in English is clear and specific.
A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main idea of a paragraph. It should clearly and directly state the main point or argument of the paragraph in a concise and specific manner.
For example, a strong topic sentence for an essay about the importance of exercise could be: 'Regular exercise has numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, and reduced stress.' This topic sentence is clear, specific and provides a preview of the main points that will be discussed in the paragraph.