Topic Sentences
How to add well written topic
sentences.
Topic Sentences
• Remember topic sentences are the main
idea of the paragraph.
• They should tell the reader what the
paragraph is about.
• They should answer the question:
What is the point of all of this?
_________________________. She was a princess
and the wife of the pharaoh. She was born in the
desert. When her husband died, her ten-year-old
stepson was supposed to become pharaoh.
Hatshepsut said that he was too young to rule on
his own. So she was named co-ruler. She ruled
for about 15 years until her death in 1458 BC.
Choose the best topic sentence.
A. Hatshepsut is an ancient Egyptian name.
B. Hatshepsut organized a trading expedition.
C. Hatshepsut was one of the few female rulers in
Egypt.
D. There were few female rulers in Egypt.
_________________________. She was a princess
and the wife of the pharaoh. She was born in the
desert. When her husband died, her ten-year-old
stepson was supposed to become pharaoh.
Hatshepsut said that he was too young to rule on
his own. So she was named co-ruler. She ruled
for about 15 years until her death in 1458 BC.
Which of the following facts would support the topic
sentence?
A. During her reign, she ordered trips to look for gold
and ivory.
B. The current prime minister of Egypt was Ahmed
Nazif.
C. Egypt is the size of Texas.
D. Egypt is one of the most ancient civilizations in the
world.
In 1066, the Normans of France conquered England.
England’s best land was divided among the
Norman nobleman. Then, Normans took over all
of the positions in the government, courts, and
church. The English language gained many
French words at this time. The French-speaking
Normans ruled England, and the English-speaking
people were there servants.
Which event happened first?
A. Norman noblemen divided the land.
B. Norman took positions all over the country.
C. Normans conquered England.
D. English-speaking people served the Normans.
The use of money has a long and far-reaching
history. The oldest known coins date from
about 700BC. The ancient Greeks
stamped important historical information on
their coins. Paper money was used in
China by 1300 BC. Some of the first paper
money in North America was playing
cards.
What is the topic sentence in this paragraph?
A. Sentence 1
B. Sentence 2
C. Sentence 3
D. Sentence 4
Read the following paragraph and decide which detail
could be added to support the topic sentence.
The Venus flytrap is a plan that can catch insects.
The tip of each leaf of the Venus flytrap has two pads
that hinge at the base. Each pad has sensitive hairs on
its surface. When an insect lands on a pad, these hairs
move slightly, causing the pads to snap shut. If you
want help catching insects in your home, you might
want to get a Venus flytrap.
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Venus flytrap is a plant that can be grown indoors.
The pitcher plant is another carnivorous plant.
It takes the flytrap about ten days to digest its food.
The long “teeth” at the edges of the pads keep insects
from escaping.
Create a topic sentence for each of the paragraphs.
1. _____________ They walk to school
every morning. Afterschool, the boys ride
their bikes and play games together.
Sometimes, Joseph and Tom sleep at
each other’s house. The boys like to be
together.
Create a topic sentence for each of the paragraphs.
2. _____________ First, you get two
slices of bread. Next, you spread peanut
butter on one slice of bread. Then, you
spread jelly on the other slice of bread.
Last, you put the two slices together and
you eat!
Create a topic sentence for each of the paragraphs.
3. _____________ Dogs know how to do
tricks. They love to run and play. Dogs
are furry and very cute. They love to lick
you when you hug them. They are fun to
have.
4. _____________ I like decorating my
tree with lights. Santa Claus brings us
nice presents. In the morning, we get to
open our presents and play with our toys.
Then, our family eats a big dinner for
Christmas. I love Christmas with my
family.
Create a topic sentence for each of the paragraphs.
5. _____________ She lets me buy
my own clothes. I get to try on
different shoes. My mom takes me
to eat lunch. Then, we look at toys
at the toy store. When we leave,
she lets me help her with the bags
and we go home.