Paragraph Structure

Which is the topic sentence?
I hate cleaning!  I have to do it every week and it's so boring. I have to clean the bathroom, wash the floors and hoover everywhere.  I wish we could just pay a cleaner to do it instead.

• I have to do it every week and it's so boring. 
•  I have to clean the bathroom, wash the floors and hoover everywhere.

• I hate cleaning! 
• I wish we could just pay a cleaner to do it instead.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

What is the main point of this paragraph?
I will be looking after my neighbours' dog this week.  They have gone abroad on holiday and cannot take it with them. I will feed him and take him for walks every day.  I'm really looking forward to it.

• Going on holiday.
• Enjoying dogs.
• Looking after a neighbour's dog.
• Getting on with your neighbour.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

Select the best topic sentence for the paragraph.

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

What is the best topic sentence?

____________________. Children who have a cell phone can call for help in an emergency. Also, they can always communicate with their parents. Finally, cell phones help children stay in contact with friends. For these reasons, when possible, children should have a cell phone.

• There are many types of cell phones.

• Cell phones help children call friends and parents.

• Having a cell phone can help children in several ways.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

Which detail sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph?

People should not drink soda. Soda is an unhealthy drink. It contains a lot of sugar. This is why soda is so delicious. Also, soda contains caffeine and other chemicals that are not nutritious. For these reasons, people should avoid drinking soda.

• This is why soda is so delicious.

• It contains a lot of sugar.

• Also, soda contains caffeine and other chemicals that are not nutritious.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.1

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.1

Which detail sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph?

Children should not play video games. First, children should be active, so playing outside is better than playing video games. Secondly, many video games are violent. However, many video games are not violent. Finally, time spent playing video games could be spent reading or spending time with friends and family. In conclusion, many activities are better for children than playing video games.

• Secondly, many video games are violent.

• However, many video games are not violent.

• Finally, time spent playing video games could be spent reading or spending time with friends and family.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.1

CCSS.RL.3.2

What is the best conclusion sentence?

Walking is the best exercise. First, walking is free, so people don’t need to buy a gym membership to do it. Secondly, a person can walk wherever they live. Third, studies show that walking outside not only burns calories but also helps a person feel happy and optimistic. ________________________________.

• For these reasons, walking is an excellent form of exercise.

• In conclusion, walking does not cost any money.

• In summary, many people love to walk.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

Which sentence is the best conclusion to the paragraph?

A new box of crayons arrives in your classroom.  Have you ever wondered how those crayons are made?  Crayons start out as a block of colorless wax.  First, the wax is melted.  Color is added to the melted wax.  Next, the colorful wax is poured into crayon- shaped molds.  After the wax is dry, each crayon goes through a machine that wraps it with a label.

• Most crayons have the same shape and size.

• The crayons are put in boxes that are sent to stores and schools.

• The crayons are taken out of their boxes and used at the factory.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.3

CCSS.RI.3.3

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RI.4.3

CCSS.RI.4.5