🔍 Part 1: Identifying Paragraph Parts

Read this paragraph about kiwi birds:

The kiwi is New Zealand's most famous native bird. These unique birds cannot fly and have long beaks that help them find food in the ground. Kiwis are nocturnal, which means they are active at night when most other birds are sleeping. They also have brown, hair-like feathers that make them look quite different from other birds. The kiwi truly is one of the most special birds in the world.

1. Which sentence is the TOPIC SENTENCE? (Circle one)

The kiwi is New Zealand's most famous native bird.

These unique birds cannot fly and have long beaks.

The kiwi truly is one of the most special birds in the world.

2. How many SUPPORTING DETAIL sentences are in this paragraph?

3. Which sentence is the CONCLUDING SENTENCE? Write it here:

🎨 Part 2: Colour-Coding Detective Work

Read this paragraph about rugby:

Rugby is one of the most popular sports in New Zealand. The All Blacks are our national rugby team and they perform the haka before each game. Many children learn to play rugby at school and in local clubs around the country. Rugby brings communities together and creates lasting friendships. This exciting sport will always be an important part of New Zealand culture.

4. Use different colours to highlight each part:

• Blue = Topic sentence

• Green = Supporting detail sentences

• Red = Concluding sentence

5. What is the main topic of this paragraph?

🧩 Part 3: Paragraph Puzzle

6. These sentences belong to a paragraph about pohutukawa trees, but they're mixed up! Number them 1-5 in the correct order:

The pohutukawa tree is known as New Zealand's Christmas tree.

These beautiful red flowers bloom in December, right during our summer holidays.

The pohutukawa's bright red blooms make it a true symbol of New Zealand summer.

Many families have picnics under pohutukawa trees at the beach.

The trees can live for hundreds of years and grow very large.

✏️ Part 4: Detective Skills Practice

7. Match each paragraph part with its job:

Topic Sentence

Supporting Details

Concluding Sentence

Wraps up the main idea

Tells what the paragraph is about

Give examples and more information

8. Fill in the blanks about paragraph structure:

A good paragraph has _______ main parts. The _____________ sentence tells us what the paragraph is about. The _____________ sentences give us more information and examples. The _____________ sentence finishes the paragraph and wraps up the main idea.

9. Why do you think paragraphs help make writing easier to understand?