First, you need to start your essay with a good topic sentence. This no prep resource helps students think about the different aspects of paragraph writing while building a better understanding of main idea. As if that werent enough, the writer must make sure the topic sentence is well written and free of errors. Generally, the main idea of a paragraph is stated in the topic sentence. They state the central focus of the paragraph and provide cohesion for the paragraph. A topic sentence also states the point the writer wishes to make about that subject. A lesson on topic sentences strong paragraphs are the building blocks of academic writing, and wellwritten topic sentences are key to developing effective paragraphs.
Bccc tutoring center 1 topic sentences if a thesis is a road map to a paper, then a topic sentence is a guide to a paragraph. It also provides example paragraphs and practice choosing the best topic sentence for each one. Topic sentences and supporting details worksheets tpt. Materials copies of the main idea group activityattached, cut apart, and placed into envelopes copies of an interesting recent informational article copies of the topic sentence writing gameattached and envelopes. This video and worksheet explain what a topic sentence is and what it does in a paragraph. If you teach a course where writing is a focus, then youll probably be covering this topic at some point. The first two days focus on writing topic sentences, and the final two days zero in on writing parallel conclusion sentences. A topic sentence must predict or promise what follows, so it cannot be a question. Turtles could not survive without their marvelous shells. Place the subjects and predicates in random order in a pocket chart or along the chalkboard ledge. Their backbones and ribs are attached to the flat bony plates of their shells. The topic sentence helps the writer to focus on what shehe needs to include in the paragraph and what should be left out of the paragraph. A simple sentence is a sentence structure that contains one independent clause and no dependent clauses.
Exercises on paragraph writing a topic sentences the topic sentence is the most important sentence of a paragraph. The topic sentence of a paragraph should convey that paragraphs content. Choose the best topic sentence for each group of supporting sentences and circle the answer. You might think of it as a signpost for your readersor a headline something that alerts them to the most important, interpretive points in your essay. The bundle contains materials for 4 days of writing lessons. Most importantly, turtles shells serve as the base for their skeletons. Writers often repeat key words or use related words to discuss and emphasize their main point.
Reading as a support technician, you need to read an email. Writing a topic sentence strand writing, reading nonfiction sol 3. English enhanced scope and sequence 1 lesson skill. Every paragraph should include a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the paragraph. Each paragraph should have its own topic sentence and should focus on only one main idea or point. Topic sentences are usually at the beginning of the paragraph and in the first sentence. To orient the reader, you may use a question as the first sentence, with the topic sentence as the answer to that question. Often, journal writing is a very personal and private activity. Remember, what makes someones writing stand out isnt always what they say, but also how they say it. Cut the sentence strips into their subject and predicate.
Then, write the best topic sentence on the line above the paragraph. The example below shows how adding a topic sentence at the end of a paragraph in bold can give the reader a better context for understanding the paragraphs overarching point. Exercise 1 choose the sentences part 1 look at the topic sentences below and choose the best 4 supporting sentences for each one. Practical writing worksheets in these writing practice worksheets, students practice reading and practical writing. A topic sentence is used to identify the purpose of each paragraph in writing. Write whats good or bad about the possible topic sentences below each example. These simple sentences worksheets are for students at the beginner and intermediate level. Students who complete this text will then have the skills needed for a more advanced english composition and essay writing course. When writing a text, we organize our writing into paragraphs, which are sections writing of focused on particular themes, or topics.
It states the main idea and introduces the reader to the topic. Thesis statements are used for essay writing when the writer expresses an opinion, takes a position, or makes an argument. Which would be the best topic sentence for this paragraph. Here are some tips to keep in mind while writing topic sentences. Topic sentence practice with images topic sentences. Each worksheet begins with a prompt that gives students a chance to write practically. Writing a perfect paragraph general a paragraph is a series of sentences that are about one topic. Your topic sentence should directly state the problem. The topic sentence is the most important sentence of a paragraph.
This esl writing exercise tries to get students writing creatively by identifying which topic sentences are interesting and which topic sentences are boring. Four worksheetsactivities for practicing how to identify and write strong topic sentences. Topic sentence and controlling idea exercises with answers generally, a paragraph has 3 parts. As students read the supporting details and concluding sentence for a specific topic, they.
Writing topic sentences help your students get focused. Topic sentences worksheets writing skills k12reader. This concludes the paragraph about the writers family. The poem contains many thoughtprovoking references to love and death. Using this writing topic sentences worksheet, students write a broad topic and then write a limited topic that connects. The topic sentence answers one or more questions like why, how, or where. Write the topic and choose the best topic sentence. People can avoid cybercrime by taking three main precautions. The worksheets are find the topic sentence, write the topi.
Choosing topic sentences choose the best topic sentence for each group of supporting sentences. What usually follows a topic sentence are a number of supporting sentences that develop the main idea with specific details. Its important for students to learn to write clear and concise topic sentences. Writing topic sentences for paragraphs or essays pdf. Writing on topic paragraphs and quality topic sentences requires students to have a solid understanding of main idea. The english course writing book 1 writing good paragraphs unit 4 25 supporting sentences read again what you learned above about supporting sentences. A topic sentence should not contain supporting details. In academic writing, many paragraphs or groups of paragraphs start with topic sentences, which are like minithesis statements. See if you can pick the best topic sentence and identify good supporting sentences in the paragraphs below. One of the best ways to write a topic sentence is to start with the idea. Write a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of each paragraph.
The topic sentence should also give readers an idea of whats to come. Next the chapter will cover the different kinds of sentences that can be used when writing. Topic sentences are used for paragraph and report writing when the writer is explaining facts. Topic sentences a topic sentence expresses the main idea of the paragraph. How to write a topic sentence practice packet contains the follow. Generally, the topic sentence appears at the beginning of the paragraph. Example answers are provided for students to read and model their answer after. The rest of the paragraph is comprised of sentences that provide specific details which support and develop the main idea. Topic sentence and controlling idea exercises with answers. There are several advantages to living and working in a small town. Match each supporting sentence with the corresponding topic sentence by writing the correct topic sentence number on the line beside the supporting sentences. Information and advice for students in higher education. Practice selecting workable topic sentences in an online exercise at. This is an overly broad topic sentence that will allow the author to list various references in more or less random order without necessarily making any argument about.
A topic sentence states the main point of a paragraph. Topic sentences and controlling ideas when writing a paragraph, the writer should begin by creating a topic sentence that states a controlling idea. It is designed to be an intensive onesemester course. Topic sentences if a thesis is a road map to a paper, then a topic sentence is a guide to a paragraph.
The topic sentence tells the topic of the paragraph and the general idea regarding the topic that is going to be discussed. Some guidelines for writing strong topic sentences. Writing simple sentences university of mississippi. Based on amber fosters class exercise, writing clinic. Download lesson as pdf introduction to topic sentences when you write a formal essay in english, you need to follow some rules. This exercise offers practice in creating topic sentences that will attract the interest of your readers. For a formal definition, a topic sentence is the very first one of a paragraph that provides an overview of the sentences to follow whereas, supporting sentences are the ones that come after the topic sentence to help form the main idea. Therefore, you should think of topic sentences as kinds of minitheses, organizing and enabling the development of each paragraph in a paper.
What are three reasons that people do not exercise regularly. Commonly appearing at or near the beginning of a paragraph, a topic sentence expresses the main idea of a paragraph. This esl writing exercise gives presents students with several paragraphs, each of which is missing a topic sentence. Some people who write journals never share a single word of their writing. Write a paragraph using one of the topic sentences include support, example and a concluding sentence. The students must read the paragraphs, then come up with a suitable topic sentence for each one. Each prompt features a real world writing activity. The worksheets below are aimed to help your student become a master at recognizing and writing topic sentences.
Sentence and paragraph writing takes students from basic sentence writing skills at the beginning to sound and competent paragraph writing at the end. To view a worksheet or download a printable pdf, simply click on the title. Writing simple sentences practice the skill 1015 minutes step 1. The topic sentence is used to let the readers know what the entire content. Topic sentences are idea indicators, or signs that help guide a reader along from idea to idea. Topic sentences are a vital part of paragraph writing. A paragraph should begin with a topic sentence, or main idea.
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