Paragraph Structure- Main Idea and Details

Robots are being used in sumo wrestling contests. Sumo wrestling is a sport that started in Japan.

It takes place in a ring. Two players try to score points by holding each other down or pushing each

other out of the ring. Robot sumo uses robots instead of humans. The robot that scores the most

points wins.

Which of the following is a supporting detail of this paragraph?

• Robots are used to being in sumo wrestling contests

• Robot sumo uses robots instead of humans

• robot sumo contests are better than human sumo contests.

• Watching robot sumo is boring

Students compete in robot sumo contests. They learn how to build their own robots. They

compete against their classmates and students from other schools. To win, students must be

creative. They must have a good plan for defeating other robots.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• Students need a good plan for defeating other robots.

• Students compete in robot sumo contests.

• Students compete against their classmates and students from other schools.

• Students must be creative to win.

Students compete in robot sumo contests. They learn how to build their own robots. They

compete against their classmates and students from other schools. To win, students must be

creative. They must have a good plan for defeating other robots.

Which of the following is a supporting detail of this paragraph?

• Students like building sumo robots.

• Students compete in robot sumo contests.

• They use excellent strategies to defeat other robots.

• They must have a good plan for defeating other robots.

Topic sentences should provide a direction for the paragraph sentences.

• True

• False

You run up and down the court. You have to be able to chase down the ball. Sometimes you play for five or six minutes straight without a time out.Which of the options below would make a good topic sentence for this paragraph?

• Exercise is hard.

• I love the Lakers.

• Basketball is an athletic sport.

• I played basketball last Thanksgiving.

Select the BEST topic sentence for the paragraph:

When you bake cookies, you first have 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.

• Cookies are easier to make than cake.

• My grandma has the best cookies recipe.

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

Topic sentence is usually the __________ sentence.

• First

• Second

• Third

• Fourth

What are the sentences called that tell more about the topic sentence? 

• Conclusion

• Main Idea

• Supporting Details

• Paragraph

The rides at the fair are awesome! Everyone can find something they enjoy doing. Many people gather to watch the bull riding. Others like to watch the dogs herding the sheep. Everyone comes for the food and dessert. The county fair is a great place for entertainment and fun.

• The rides at the fair are awesome.

• Everyone comes for the food and the dessert.

• Everyone can find something they enjoy doing.

• The county fair is a great place for entertainment and fun.