NEW
Font size
WorksheetsFred's Topic Sentence Quiz
Total questions: 63
Worksheet time: 32mins
A paragraph is a group of sentences that are about the same ____________.
topic
word
detail
book
What does the topic sentence of a paragraph tell you?
How many sentences the paragraph has
A supporting detail about the topic
The main idea of a paragraph
A summary of the supporting details
The topic sentence is the ____________ sentence of a paragraph.
first
second
third
last
What do supporting details do?
Introduce the main idea
Prove why the main idea is true
Give a summary of the main idea
Restate the main idea in different words
Which of these is most likely a topic sentence?
Out of all the pizza toppings, pepperoni is the best.
First, pepperoni is salty, crispy, and chewy.
I usually order pepperoni on my pizza, today I got olives.
In conclusion, pepperoni is a perfect pizza topping.
Which question would be most helpful when writing a topic sentence?
What is the most interesting detail about this topic?
How do I want this paragraph to end?
What is the main thing I want to say about the topic?
How does this sentence give evidence to support the main idea?
The topic sentence of a paragraph is "Adaptations help animals and plants survive in their environments."
Which of these details best supports the topic sentence?
There are many different species of animals that live on Earth.
Grasshoppers adapted to be bright green so they could blend in with grass.
Harriet opened her book so she could read more about grasshoppers and other insects.
My favorite insect is the grasshopper.
The supporting details of a paragraph include "We have lots of energy in the morning," and "Breakfast foods --like eggs, pancakes, and granola ---are delicious."
Which of these is most likely the topic sentence of the paragraph?
It is hard to wake up in the morning.
Evenings are more fun than mornings.
Morning is the best time of day.
I wake up at 7:30am everyday.
The supporting details of a paragraph include "Fossilized footprints help us understand an animal's size and weight," and "Fossilized teeth can give us hints about an animal's diet."
Which of these is most likely the topic sentence of the paragraph?
Fossils help us learn more about animals and plants that lived on Earth many years ago.
You can find fossils at natural history museums, like the one in New York City.
Paleontologists are scientists who study fossils.
When a species is extinct, it no longer exists on Earth.
Which of these is in a the correct order for writing a paragraph?
topic sentence, closing sentence, detail sentences
detail sentences, topic sentence, closing sentence
closing sentence, detail sentences, topic sentence
topic sentence, detail sentences, closing sentence
A paragraph is a group of sentences that are all about one topic. It is easy to spot a paragraph because the first line is usually indented. That means it is set farther from the left margin than the rest of the text. Paragraphs can give information, or facts, about the topic. They can also express an opinion, or the writer’s beliefs about that topic.
To find the beginning of a paragraph, look for ________.
a fact
an opinion
an indented line
a belief about the topic
Many cultures have their own versions of the same or similar fairy tales. For example, there are Cinderella stories from all over the world! They aren’t exactly the same, though. For instance, the fairy tale “How the Raja’s Son Won the Princess Labam” is from India. “Raja” is a title for king in India. In a Scottish version, the main character is named Rushen Coatie. Even though the details and words might be different, the basic story is similar.
What is the main idea of the passage?
In Scotland, Cinderella is called Rushen Coatie.
Cultures all around the world tell similar fairy tales.
“Raja” is a title for king in India.
There is only one version of the Cinderella story that people tell.
What do supporting details do?
Introduce the main idea
Prove why the main idea is true
Give a summary of the main idea
Restate the main idea in different words
______________________________. 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.
Skiing is expensive.
Skiing is my favorite sport.
Skiing is dangerous.
_________________________________________________. North Americans send cards for many occasions. They send cards to family and friends on birthdays and holidays. They also send thank-you cards, get well cards, graduation cards, and congratulation cards. It is very common to buy cards in stores and send them through the mail, but turning on the computer and sending cards over the Internet is also popular.
Sending cards is very popular in North America.
Birthday cards are the most popular kind of card.
It is important to send thank-you cards.
_____________________________________________ . I enjoy summer sports like water skiing and baseball. The weather is usually sunny and hot, so I can go to the beach almost every day. Gardening is my hobby and I spend many summer days working in my garden. Unfortunately, the days pass too quickly in summer.
I like to garden in the summer.
Summer is my favorite season.
Summer vacation is too short.
________________________________________ . First of all, we need money to repair old roads and build new roads. We also need more to pay teachers’ salaries and to pay for services such as trash collection. Finally, more tax money is needed to give financial help to the poor citizens of the city. It is clear that the city will have serious problems if taxes are not raised soon.
We should raise city taxes.
City taxes are too high.
City taxes pay for new roads.
_________________________________________ . For example, a person can have breakfast in New York, board an airplane, and have dinner in Paris. A businesswoman in London can instantly place an order with a factory in Hong Kong by sending a fax. Furthermore, a schoolboy in Tokyo can turn on a TV and watch a baseball game being played in Los Angeles.
Airplanes have changed our lives.
Advances in technology have made the world seem smaller.
The fax machine was an important invention.
) ___________________________________________ . One thing you must consider is the quality of the university’s educational program. You also need to think about the school’s size and location. Finally, you must be sure to consider the university’s tuition to make sure you can afford to go to school there.
It is expensive to attend a university in the United States.
There are several factors to consider when you choose a university to attend.
You should consider getting a good education.
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.
What is a topic sentence?
It is the ending of 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.
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.
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.
Which of these is most likely a topic sentence?
Out of all the pizza toppings, pepperoni is the best.
First, pepperoni is salty, crispy, and chewy.
I usually order pepperoni on my pizza, today I got olives.
In conclusion, pepperoni is a perfect pizza topping.
The supporting details of a paragraph include "Fossilized footprints help us understand an animal's size and weight," and "Fossilized teeth can give us hints about an animal's diet."
Which of these is most likely the topic sentence of the paragraph?
Fossils help us learn more about animals and plants that lived on Earth many years ago.
You can find fossils at natural history museums, like the one in New York City.
Paleontologists are scientists who study fossils.
When a species is extinct, it no longer exists on Earth.
A paragraph is a group of sentences that are about the same ____________.
topic
word
detail
book
A paragraph can give ________________ about the topic.
only facts
only opinions
facts and opinions
neither facts nor opinions
Once you have the topic sentence, it’s time to write the body of the paragraph. The body includes sentences with supporting details. These details give evidence to support the main idea that was stated in the topic sentence. If your topic sentence is “Dogs are the best kind of pet,” think of reasons why that is true. You might include details like “They wag their tails when they see you,” or “They are cute and cuddly.” Detail sentences can be organized with transition words, like “first,” “next,” “then,” and “also.”
Bears have traits that make them good hunters. Which of these details supports this main idea?
Bears have big paws that help them catch fish.
Bear cubs are born during hibernation in the winter.
Polar bear fur is mostly clear, but it looks white.
Bears love to eat honey and have to avoid bee stings.
A paragraph is a group of sentences that are all about one topic. It is easy to spot a paragraph because the first line is usually indented. That means it is set farther from the left margin than the rest of the text. Paragraphs can give information, or facts, about the topic. They can also express an opinion, or the writer’s beliefs about that topic.
To find the beginning of a paragraph, look for ________.
a fact
an opinion
an indented line
a belief about the topic
Many cultures have their own versions of the same or similar fairy tales. For example, there are Cinderella stories from all over the world! They aren’t exactly the same, though. For instance, the fairy tale “How the Raja’s Son Won the Princess Labam” is from India. “Raja” is a title for king in India. In a Scottish version, the main character is named Rushen Coatie. Even though the details and words might be different, the basic story is similar.
What is the main idea of the passage?
In Scotland, Cinderella is called Rushen Coatie.
Cultures all around the world tell similar fairy tales.
“Raja” is a title for king in India.
There is only one version of the Cinderella story that people tell.
Which of these is in the correct order for writing a paragraph?
topic sentence, closing sentence, detail sentences
detail sentences, topic sentence, closing sentence
closing sentence, detail sentences, topic sentence
topic sentence, detail sentences, closing sentence
What does the topic sentence of a paragraph tell you?
How many sentences the paragraph has
A supporting detail about the topic
The main idea of a paragraph
A summary of the supporting details
Supporting details give ______________ that backs up the main idea.
conclusion
topic
imagination
evidence
Which sentence is most likely the topic sentence of the paragraph?
The best trip my family ever took was to New Orleans, Louisiana. We drove there in two days. I didn't think it would be very interesting, but I was wrong. We saw the Mississippi River, rode a horse carriage in the French Quarter, and visited a cemetery where everyone was buried above the ground. I liked the food best, especially the New Orleans doughnuts called beignets.
I didn't think it would be very interesting, but I was wrong.
We drove there in two days.
The best trip my family ever took was to New Orleans, Louisiana.
I liked the food best, especially the New Orleans doughnuts called beignets.
Which sentence is most likely the topic sentence of the paragraph?
No one likes to eat with a dirty knife, fork, or spoon. It is important to completely wash all utensils before using them. Using clean, soapy water is best. Clean utensils won't transmit germs and bacteria. They also are more pleasant to eat with. No one likes to pick up a fork with food stuck on it!
No one likes to eat with a dirty knife, fork, or spoon.
It is important to completely wash all utensils before using them.
Clean utensils won't transmit germs and bacteria.
They also are more pleasant to eat with.
Which sentence is most likely the topic sentence of the paragraph?
Many people think poetry is old-fashioned and uninteresting. They don't realize that every time they hear a song sung, they are hearing poetry in the form of song lyrics. Just like many written poems, many song lyrics use rhythm, rhyme, and literary imagery. It turns out that poetry isn't old-fashioned; it's as modern as the latest hit song!
Many people think poetry is old-fashioned and uninteresting.
They don't realize that every time they hear a song sung, they are hearing poetry in the form of song lyrics.
Just like many written poems, many song lyrics use rhythm, rhyme, and literary imagery.
It turns out that poetry isn't old-fashioned; it's as modern as the latest hit song!
Which sentence is most likely the topic sentence of the paragraph?
Growing a garden can be fun, good exercise, and will provide fresh fruits and vegetables for the gardener. It is interesting to watch the seeds pop their heads above the soil for the first time. It is sometimes hard to believe that a little seed can become a large vine or plant in just a few weeks. Planting the seeds and pulling weeds are good exercise for anyone. Then, after watching the plant grow and produce, the gardener ends up with delicious tomatoes, beans, or other yummy produce from the garden.
Growing a garden can be fun, good exercise, and will provide fresh fruits and vegetables for the gardener.
It is interesting to watch the seeds pop their heads above the soil for the first time.
It is sometimes hard to believe that a little seed can become a large vine or plant in just a few weeks.
Planting the seeds and pulling weeds are good exercise for anyone.
Which sentence is most likely the topic sentence of the paragraph?
Sometimes it is hard to fall asleep. Maybe you are not sleepy, or maybe you are thinking about what happened during the day. You can also lie awake if a big event, like a test or a party, is happening the next day. There are several things you can do to try and fall asleep. You can try counting sheep, or just counting, which will keep your mind busy with a repetitious activity. Sometimes listening to soft music or gentle sounds, like rain, helps. You can even try telling yourself a story, which may distract your mind enough that you will be asleep in no time.
Sometimes it is hard to fall asleep.
You can even try telling yourself a story, which may distract your mind enough that you will be asleep in no time.
There are several things you can do to try and fall asleep.
Maybe you are not sleepy, or maybe you are thinking about what happened during the day.
Which sentence is most likely the topic sentence of the paragraph?
Miniature golf is both fun and relaxing. Because of the wide variety of course themes, playing each individual course is like taking a mini-vacation. You can play in exotic locales like jungles or pirate islands. You can travel in time and play in different places in history. Or you can take a leap of the imagination and play under the sea, in space, or in alien worlds. For a very low price, you can take a different vacation every time you play!
Miniature golf is both fun and relaxing.
Because of the wide variety of course themes, playing each individual course is like taking a mini-vacation.
You can play in exotic locales like jungles or pirate islands.
For a very low price, you can take a different vacation every time you play!
Which sentence is most likely the topic sentence of the paragraph?
Clarion angelfish live in reef waters. They eat sponges, sea grasses, and algae. They live in small schools typically underneath a ledge or rocky overhanging. A large Clarion angelfish is eight inches long. Its thin body helps it slip in and around rocky reefs. Clarion angelfish are quite unique.
Clarion angelfish live in reef waters.
A large Clarion angelfish is eight inches long.
Clarion angelfish are quite unique.
They eat sponges, sea grasses, and algae.
Which sentence is most likely the topic sentence of the 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 can find something they enjoy doing.
Everyone comes for the food and dessert.
The county fair is a great place for entertainment and fun.
Choose the best topic sentence for each paragraph.
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.
Skiing is expensive.
Skiing is my favorite winter sport.
Skiing is dangerous and potentially deadly.
There are incredible views on the skiing trail.
Choose the best topic sentence for the paragraph.
For example, a person can have breakfast in New York, board an airplane, and have dinner in Paris. A businesswoman in London can instantly place an order with a factory in Hong Kong by sending a fax. Furthermore, a schoolboy in Tokyo can turn on a TV and watch a baseball game being played in Los Angeles.
Airplanes have changed our lives.
Advances in technology have made the world seem smaller.
The fax machine was an important invention.
Global lifestyles are evolving.
General topic: Winter
Which is the best topic sentence?
Winter is a good season.
Winter weather is cold, and it snows.
The best season for kids is winter.
General topic: Soccer
Which is the best topic sentence?
Soccer is popular for many reasons.
You need a leather ball to play soccer.
Soccer is a nice game.
General topic: Los Angeles
Which is the best topic sentence?
There are many people in Los Angeles.
People from many different cultures live in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is a big city in California.
General topic: Bilingual dictionaries
Which is the best topic sentence?
Monolingual dictionaries have only one language, but bilingual dictionaries have two languages.
Many language students prefer bilingual dictionaries to monolingual dictionaries.
Dictionaries that have two languages, such as French and English, are called bilingual dictionaries.
General topic: Perfume
Which is the best topic sentence?
French perfumes are expensive for a number of reasons.
My mother's perfume smells flowery.
You can purchase perfumes in expensive blue crystal bottles.
General topic: "An American Education" (a novel)
Which is the best topic sentence?
"An American Education" has 946 pages.
A woman graduates in "An American Education."
"An American Education" is an excellent historical novel.
General topic: Cars with manual transmission (gear sticks)
Which is the best topic sentence?
There are many benefits to driving a car with a manual transmission.
Some cars have manual transmission.
Cars with manual transmission usually have five or six gears, plus reverse.
General topic: A plane crash
Which is the best topic sentence?
The shocking crash of a 747 jumbo jet off the coast of New York baffled investigators.
Sometimes, planes crash.
It is a very sad thing when planes crash and passengers die.
General topic: Crossword puzzles
Which is the best topic sentence?
My father does a crossword puzzle every day.
Crossword puzzles are not only educational and fun but also addictive.
Crossword puzzles are sometimes too difficult.
General topic: Cats and goldfish as pets
Which is the best topic sentence?
Cats are better pets than goldfish for many reasons.
Cats and goldfish are both animals.
Cats cannot swim very well, but goldfish can.
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?
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
Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are bakers. They work at a store called Bake Goods to Go. Mrs. Jones works nights. She bakes cakes, cookies, and pies. Mrs. Brown works in the daytime. She bakes bread and rolls. Both Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are very good bakers.
What is the main idea?
Mrs. Jones bakes pies
Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are bakers
Mrs. Brown bakes rolls.
They work at a store called Bake Goods to Go
A statement that tells what a passage is mostly about is called
concluding sentence
Topic sentence
Supporting details
Support ideas
Which sentence is a supporting detail that you should get enough sleep?
Many people sleep later on the weekends.
Dark rooms are best for sleeping.
Caffeine keeps some people awake at night.
Seven to nine hours keeps you refreshed the next day
Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer. Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball. They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score. Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.
What is the main idea?
They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.
Soccer players learn how to dribble.
Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.
They learn how to work together as teammates
Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit.
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
Which supporting detail best supports this topic sentence?
Elle Woods taught us that you can do anything you put your mind to.
She got into law school and became a lawyer even though no one believed in her.
Elle really likes to socialize and have fun
Her best friend works at a salon, so she always looks good.
Her best friend works at a salon, so she always looks good.
Which supporting detail best supports this topic sentence?
It takes a lot of hard work to become a professional athlete.
The pros live the good life
Professional athletes spend countless hours practicing their sports.
People like professional football players make a lot of money.
All of us can be professional athletes
Which supporting detail best supports this topic sentence?
Subway is a healthier option than McDonald's.
It's best to just cook food at home.
McDonald's french fries are salty and delicious.
A lot of people choose to eat Subway for lunch and dinner.
Subway uses fresh ingredients whereas McDonald's has processed fried food.
Select the supporting detail that doesn't fit.
Topic Sentence: There are many differences between cats and dogs.
Cats can be trained to use a litter box inside.
They're both pets that people have.
Dogs have to be let outside to use the bathroom
Dogs need to be taken on walks, and cats don't
