6 Exercises for Teaching Topic Sentences
19th December 2024
Why should students learn about topic sentences?
A topic sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph. It tells the reader what the paragraph is about. If you don’t know how to write a topic sentence, your paragraph will probably be confusing. A well-written topic sentence can make your paragraph more interesting.
Writing basic topic sentences
This topic sentence worksheet helps students transform basic statements into clear paragraph openings. The examples show how to turn simple phrases like “The park has stuff” into precise previews that outline three key features. The practice section uses pictures to prompt students to complete structured sentences about food, movies, careers, travel, annoyances and computer use.
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Introduction to topic sentences quiz
Testing students’ knowledge of paragraph structure, this quiz focuses on topic sentence fundamentals. The seven multiple-choice questions cover definition, purpose, writing techniques, and common mistakes, with a complete answer key included.
Understanding topic sentences
This topic sentence practice sheet guides students through two key skills. Students first select the strongest sentences from groups of three options, then transform overly general statements into specific, meaningful topic sentences using clear examples as models.
Understanding topic sentences exercises (PDF)
Creating topic sentences from supporting ideas
Working backward from supporting details, this ESL worksheet teaches students to create strong topic sentences. Six sets of related statements help students identify main ideas and craft introductory sentences that effectively preview paragraph content.
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Finding and creating topic sentences
This topic sentence practice offers a dual approach to paragraph structure. Students alternate between spotting topic sentences in completed paragraphs and crafting their own introductory statements for incomplete ones, with an answer key provided for self-checking. The passages range from personal essays about mothers to debates about school uniforms.
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