Topic sentences

​Topic sentences

​Helps readers o know what your paragraph is about

​Helps you stay focus on the topic of your paragraph

​A good topic sentence does two important things

Do topic sentences explain or give examples?​

​A good topic sentence ...

1. ​is the first sentence in a paragraph, and gives the reader the idea of the point you will be trying to make.

2. is brief

3. engages the reader; it is interesting

4. doesn't explain too much. If you explain everything in the topic sentence the rest of the paragraph will be repetitive.​

​Some examples:

1. Eating more plant-based diet, as opposed to processed food, can be beneficial for one's health​

2. Cutting out creative subjects in school, like home economics and art, takes away new opportunities for students to express themselves.

3. Social media has too much negative impact on today's youth, especially hen it comes to online bullying​

Source: Nearpod

​The rest of the sentences are called supporting sentences.

Source: Nearpod

​Cutting out creative subjects in school, like home economics and art, takes away new opportunities for students to express themselves. In Arts, students learn to step out of their comfort zones and try out techniques that might be new to them, improving their motor skills. In Home Economics, they are bound to collaborate with others, improving their language skills. For example, ...

Multiple Choice

Select the best topic sentence for the paragraph:

Kåre has to spend twice as long on his math homework. Sometimes he gets his number mixed up, and he can't remember the formulas. He has to study and practice a lot to get good grades in maths.

• Kåre has a difficult time at school.

• English is Kåre's favourite subject.

• Math is Kåre's most difficult class.

• Math is the worst subject ever.

Multiple Choice

Select the best topic sentence:

When you bake cookies, you first need to make sure you have all the ingredients. Then you have to mix them together. Finally, you have to put them in the oven.

• Baking cookies is really easy to do.

• There are a few steps you need to follow when making cookies.

• My grandma has the best cookies recipe.

• Cookies are easier to make than cake.

Multiple Choice

Select the best topic sentence:

When the teacher walks in, we are always ready for class. We don't talk when the teacher is talking, and are always respectful. No one ever gets in trouble.

• My school is amazing.

• Our teacher likes our class the most.

• The other classes are way worse than our class.

• Our class is always well behaved.

Multiple Choice

Select the best topic sentence:

Celebrities have to look perfect all time. They also sacrifice their private lives. Finally, they are in danger of having crazy fans.

• Being a celebrity is often difficult.

• When I grow up, I want to be a celebrity.

• Brad Pitt is one of the best-looking celebrities.

• Celebrities make more money than most people.

Multiple Choice

Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit this topic sentence:

Candy is not a healthy treat.

• Candy contains high amounts of sugar.

• Eating too much candy can give you cavities.

• It tastes really good.

• You can find many artificial additives in candy.

Multiple Choice

Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit this topic sentence:

There are many reasons why people find clowns scary.

• Their face paint hides their true identity.

• People often think of the bad clowns they have seen in movies such as "It"

• There have been some bad clowns in the news.

• Clowns makes fun ballon animals

Multiple Choice

Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit this topic sentence:

Schools should eliminate summer vacation.

• During summer classes, schools should offer ice creams and snacks.

• Students will learn more and forget less if they have school all year.

• Year-round school can prepare students for year-round work in the adult world.

• It costs too much money to keep the school building unattended.

Multiple Choice

Which supporting detail best supports this topic sentence?

Dora the Explorer is an educational show for kids.

• She has a really cute monkey called Boots.

• Dora helps teach kids Spanish words.

• Dora's purple backpack holds all of her tools.

• She usually stops Swiper from swiping.

Multiple Choice

Identify the GOOD topic sentence

• Edgard Allan Poe died in 1849.

• In my opinion, Tottenham Hotspur are the best English football team.

• Norwegian is one of the best subjects because it teaches students how to be better readers and writers, as well as teach them grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills.

• Schools should continue using the traditional calendar and have an extended summer holiday.

Poll

How do you feel about the skill you just practice?

• STOP!

  I'm confused.

• SLOW DOWN!

  I need more help

• OK!

  I think I've got it. I only need more practice.

• GO!

  I'm a pro! Ready to move on!