Picking a topic sentence

What is a topic sentence?

• Its the first sentence in a paragraph.

• It is a complete sentence that expresses the main idea of a paragraph and it is mostly found at the beginning.

• It is not important.

• It is the last sentence of a paragraph.

What is the topic sentence in the following paragraph?

My family went to the supermarket together. Mom let us sample a free cookie. It was delicious. Then we were able to choose our own lunch snacks. I chose Goldfish. When checking out, my dad gave us each a quarter for the bubble gum machine. It was fun going to the supermarket.

• I chose a goldfish.

• It was delicious.

• My family went to the supermarket together.

• It was fun going to the supermarket.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Which sentence in the paragraph is not related to the topic sentence?

My favorite food is pizza. I like pepperoni and banana peppers on it. I love the crunchy crust and the melted cheese. My sister doesn’t like chicken. I even eat my pizza cold the next morning. Sometimes I dip it in ranch dressing. Yum!

• My favorite food is pizza.

• I even eat my pizza cold the next morning.

• My sister doesn't like chicken.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

Which sentence in the paragraph is not related to the topic sentence?

Baseball has many rules to follow. The batter gets three strikes before they are out. There are three outs in an inning. If the batter hits a fly ball and the fielder catches it, other runners may run after the ball is caught. If the batter hits the ball outside the lines for the field, it is called a foul ball and counted as a strike. Football is a great sport.

• Football is great sport.

• There are three outs in an inning.

• The batter gets three strikes before they are out.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

Choose an appropriate relevant detail for the following topic sentence:

Going to camp was the best part of my summer.

• I stayed in cabins with other kids my age and it was fun.

• I had to drink medicine.

• My mom helped me with my homework.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

Which is a topic sentence?

• Many come to experience the rich culture and ocean waves.

• The natural beauty, warm climate, and surrounding waters make it a popular tourist destination.

• The state of Hawaii is a great vacation destination.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Which of these is the topic sentence?

• The most important problem in our city is its inadequate public transportation system.

• A bus or streetcar that should arrive at 7:45 may not arrive until 8:00 or later.

• In order for people to get to their destinations on time, people must allow for waiting time at the bus and streetcar stops.

What would be a good topic sentence for this paragraph?

First, I made flyers describing my service and prices. Mom and I delivered them to all the houses in our neighborhood. A few days later my neighbors dog was my first customer. The owner thought I did such a nice job that he told all his friends. I've been in business almost a year and I'm so busy. Every Saturday I have about seven dog washing appointments. I hope to save enough money to buy a pet store some day.

• My Own business

• Last summer I started my dog washing business.

• Mom helped me with my business.

• I have lots of dogs to wash on Saturday.

What is the best topic sentence?

I usually go skiing every weekend in the winter even though it is expensive. I love the feeling of flying down a mountain. The views are beautiful from the top of a mountain and along the trails. Even the danger of falling and getting hurt can’t keep me away from the slopes on a winter day.

• a) Skiing is expensive.

• b) Skiing is my favorite sport.

• c) Skiing is dangerous.