Writing a topic sentncee

Writing a Topic Sentence

​The topic sentence in a paragraph clearly states the main idea of the paragraph. While it is usually at the beginning of the paragraph, it also can be in the middle or end of it.

Example: Everyone should wear a life jacket when they are on a boat. Life jackets have been proven to save lives. No one can predict when an accident might happen. There may not be enough time in an emergency to put on a life jacket. But if you are already wearing it, it may save your life.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

​Example: Is playing sports fun?

Possible topic sentence:

Playing sports are so much fun.

Subject | Subject

Some text here about the topic of discussion

​Another example:

What is the best pet?

Example: (pick a pet)

Having a dog is the best pet.

Subject | Subject

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Fill in the Blanks

Are bicycle helmets important?

Possible answer:

are important to keep riders safe.

Fill in the Blanks

Why should people vote?

There are many reasons why ___________ should _________

You will write two words with a space between them

Open Ended

Your turn to write your own:

When is a good time to do homework?

An example might be:

A good time to do homework is after dinner.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Open Ended

Your turn:

Are grades important?

An example might be:

Grades are important in school.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Audio Response

On your own:

What us the best activity to do during summer vacation?

Open Audio Recorder

An example might be:

The best activity to do during summer break is going to the beach.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Multiple Choice

What does the topic sentence of a paragraph tell you?

• How many sentences the paragraph has

• A supporting detail about the topic

• The main idea of a paragraph

• A summary of the supporting details

Multiple Choice

Which of these is most likely a topic sentence?

• Out of all the pizza toppings, pepperoni is the best.

• First, pepperoni is salty, crispy, and chewy.

• I usually order pepperoni on my pizza, today I got olives.

• In conclusion, pepperoni is a perfect pizza topping.

Multiple Choice

The topic sentence is usually (but not always) the ____________ sentence of a paragraph.

• first

• second

• third

• last

Multiple Choice

Which question would be most helpful when writing a topic sentence?

• What is the most interesting detail about this topic?

• How do I want this paragraph to end?

• What is the main thing I want to say about the topic?

• How does this sentence give evidence to support the main idea?

Multiple Choice

What is the topic sentence in the following paragraph?

Going to camp was the best part of my summer. I learned how to paddle in a canoe. It was fun! We stayed in cabins with other kids my age. They were so funny. My favorite part was the camp fires at night and singing songs. I can’t wait to go back again next year.

• I can't wait to go back again next year.

• It was fun!

• They were so funny.

• Going to camp was the best part of my summer.

Multiple Choice

Choose the best topic sentence for a paragraph about dogs as pets.

• Dogs are excellent pets and companions.

• Dogs and cats are enemies.

• I love dogs.

Multiple Choice

Select the best topic sentence for the paragraph.
Reading helps people do well in school and their jobs. It is also a way to learn new things about our interests. Some people read to escape to different worlds.

• There are many good things that can come from reading.

• Some people like to read.

• Reading is only good if you want to do well in school.

• It is good to read a lot.

Multiple Choice

What is the topic sentence?

• My friend often travels away from her home.

• My friend sends money to her family in Chile each month.

• My friend is generous.

Poll

How confident are you about writing topic sentences?