Understanding Paragraph Structure

What is the main idea of a paragraph?

• A small detail about the topic

• The most important idea the paragraph is about

• A fact that is fun to know

• The last sentence of the paragraph

Where is the topic sentence usually found in a paragraph?

• In the middle

• At the end

• At the beginning

• It can only be in the first sentence

Which of the following is a topic sentence?

• "Ice cream is my favorite dessert because it is sweet and cold."

• "Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are common ice cream flavors."

• "Many people eat ice cream in the summer."

• "Ice cream can melt quickly in hot weather."

What does a supporting detail do?

• Introduces a new topic

• Supports and explains the main idea

• Confuses the reader

• Tells the reader what to think

Which sentence best supports the topic sentence: "Dogs make great pets"?

• "Cats are also popular pets."

• "Some people prefer reptiles as pets."

• "Dogs are loyal and can be trained easily."

• "Birds can sing beautiful songs."

Which of the following sentences is not a strong topic sentence?

• "Going to the beach is my favorite summer activity."

• "Swimming, building sandcastles, and playing volleyball are fun beach activities."

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

• "The beach has warm sand, cool water, and bright sun."

What question can you ask to find the main idea of a passage?

• "What are the small details?"

• "What is this passage mostly about?"

• "What is the hardest word in the passage?"

• "Who wrote this passage?"

If the main idea is "Exercise is important for staying healthy," which is NOT a supporting detail?

• "Exercising helps your heart stay strong."

• "Eating vegetables is also good for your health."

• "Playing sports is a fun way to exercise."

• "Walking every day can keep you fit."

What should a strong topic sentence do?

• Tell the main idea of the paragraph

• Include many small details

• Be confusing so the reader keeps reading

• List every fact about the topic

Which sentence does NOT belong in a paragraph about "Why reading is important"?

• "Reading helps you learn new words."

• "Reading can improve your imagination."

• "My favorite book is about dinosaurs."

• "Books can teach you new information."