Main Idea 2

There are many fun things to do at the beach. Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach. Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed. Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun. It is also fun to look for shells. Some people simply like to sunbathe.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.

• Some people simply like to sunbathe.

• It is also fun to look for shells.

• Going to the beach to swim can be fun

Select the supporting detail that does NOT go with this topic sentence.

My cat is afraid of everything.

• She hides under blankets when you turn the microwave on.

• She sleeps all day long.

• She runs away when you vacuum.

• She jumps every time the doorbell rings.

Select the best topic sentence for the paragraph.

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

• Aiman has a difficult time in school.

• Math is Aiman's most difficult class.

• Reading is Aiman's favorite subject.

• Math is the worst subject ever.

Select the best topic sentence for the paragraph.

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.

• School is awesome.

• Our teacher likes our class the most.

• The other class is way worse than our class.

• Our class is always well behaved.

Why is a topic sentence important?

• It tells the reader what the main idea of the paragraph is.

• It is not important.

• It gives the reader all the juicy details.

Which detail does NOT go with this topic sentence?

Ice cream is the best dessert.

• There are lots of different flavors.

• It is cold and refreshing on a hot summer day.

• It is messy and sticky.

• There are lots of ways to eat ice cream.

They can't really play with you. You don't even know if they like you. They are pretty boring to have around.

Which sentence would make a good topic sentence.

• Goldfish are bad pets.

• Teachers are the worst.

• My aunt has two brothers.

• My XBox is the bomb!

Which is the best topic sentence for these supporting details?

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.

• Exercise is hard.

• Basketball is an athletic sport.

• I love the Lakers.

• I played basketball last Thanksgiving.

Which is the best topic sentence for these supporting details?

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.

Where would you usually find the topic sentence in a paragraph? 

• It's the last sentence of the paragraph.
• The topic sentence is found in the middle of the paragraph after the details. 
• Most of the time it is the first sentence of the paragraph.