Does the topic sentence in an essay have to be the first sentence or just near the beginning?

The enemy attacked the headquarters. what is the action verb in the sentence?

Based on the cause-and-effect relationship in this sentence, what is the meaning of the word illuminate? the colors and patterns on the stained glass windows were illuminated as thousands of candles burned during the special church service. a) to melt or change form b) to grow taller or wider c) to become extremely hot d) to light up or make clear

In a short story the narrator's word choice