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Writing Topic Sentences

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Writing Topic Sentences

A strong topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph. It is clear, focused and broad enough for several supporting details. Read the mini-paragraph, then complete the writing challenges. For open-ended answers, examples are provided; your wording may differ.

Spot the paragraph's focus

Read this paragraph about a community planting day.

Last Saturday, neighbours planted flax and small native shrubs beside the stream. The plants will give insects and birds more places to shelter. Volunteers also picked up rubbish along the walking track. Everyone can help the stream become a healthier place for wildlife.

1.Which sentence best introduces the whole paragraph?

Last Saturday was sunny.
Community planting days can help make local streams healthier for wildlife.
Flax is a plant with long leaves.

2.Write two details from the paragraph that support the topic sentence you chose.

3.A writer adds this sentence to the paragraph: “A rugby ball is usually oval.” Should it stay? Explain how you know.

Repair and improve

A topic sentence should guide the reader without being too narrow or too vague.

4.A paragraph will explain that kiwi have nostrils near the tips of their beaks, use smell to find food, and are active at night. Which topic sentence gives room for all these details?

Kiwi are fascinating birds with special ways of finding food and living.
Kiwi have nostrils near the ends of their beaks.
Some birds are interesting.

5.Rewrite this vague topic sentence so it clearly introduces a paragraph about ways to reduce lunchbox rubbish: “Rubbish is a problem.”

6.A topic sentence should be so detailed that it lists every fact the paragraph will include.

TrueFalse

Build a paragraph that holds together

Pick a topic and plan a focused paragraph. Keep every detail connected to your opening sentence.

7.Choose one topic: helping native wildlife, making a sports team welcoming, or a useful place in your community. Write a topic sentence that is clear and focused.

8.For the topic sentence “Planting native flowers can help local birds and insects,” mark each detail as supporting or not supporting: (a) Native flowers can provide nectar. (b) Some insects visit flowers to collect food. (c) The garden gate is painted blue.

9.Using your topic sentence from Question 7, write a paragraph of three to five sentences. Include at least two supporting details that connect to the main idea.

10.Reread your paragraph. Copy its topic sentence, then explain which supporting detail makes the main idea clearest.