Detailed Explanation of Choosing the Best Topic Sentence ✍️
A topic sentence is the very first sentence in a paragraph that tells the reader what the paragraph is about. It is like a guide that helps readers understand the main idea before they read the details. Choosing the best topic sentence is very important because it keeps the paragraph clear and focused.
What is a Topic Sentence? 🤔
A topic sentence explains the main point of a paragraph in one clear sentence. For example, if you are writing a paragraph about your favourite animal, your topic sentence might be:
“My favourite animal is the dolphin because they are very intelligent and friendly.”
This sentence tells the reader exactly what the paragraph will be about.
Why is the Topic Sentence Important? 🔑
The topic sentence is important because:
- It helps the reader understand the main idea right away.
- It keeps the paragraph focused on one idea.
- It links the paragraph to the rest of the writing.
How to Choose the Best Topic Sentence 📝
To choose the best topic sentence, you need to:
- Identify the main idea: Read the information or think about the paragraph’s main point. What is the most important thing you want to say?
- Make it clear and specific: The topic sentence should clearly state the main idea. Avoid vague or too general sentences.
- Ensure it matches the rest of the paragraph: The other sentences in the paragraph should support or explain the topic sentence.
Tips for Finding the Main Idea 🔍
- Ask yourself: What is this paragraph mostly about?
- Look for repeated words or ideas in the paragraph.
- Think about what answer the paragraph is giving to a question.
Example 🐬
Imagine a paragraph with these sentences:
- Dolphins are very smart animals.
- They can learn tricks and solve problems.
- Dolphins live in the ocean and use sounds to communicate.
A good topic sentence for this paragraph would be:
“Dolphins are very intelligent animals.”
This sentence matches the rest of the paragraph because the other sentences give examples of their intelligence.
Summary 📚
Remember, the best topic sentence clearly tells the main idea of the paragraph and matches what the rest of the paragraph says. Practice by reading paragraphs and finding or writing the topic sentences to get better at this important skill!
20 Examination-Style Questions with Answers on Choosing the Best Topic Sentence for Year 6 English 🏆
Multiple Choice Questions
- Which sentence is the best topic sentence for a paragraph about dogs as pets?
a) Dogs are friendly and loyal animals.
b) Some dogs like to play with toys.
c) Dogs bark loudly at night.
d) Cats are different from dogs.Answer: a) Dogs are friendly and loyal animals.
Explanation: This sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph, which is about dogs as pets, and it gives a clear overview. - Choose the best topic sentence for a paragraph about recycling.
a) Recycling helps protect the environment.
b) Plastic bottles can be recycled.
c) People throw trash in bins.
d) Reducing waste is important.Answer: a) Recycling helps protect the environment.
Explanation: The sentence clearly states the main idea and purpose of recycling, suitable as a topic sentence. - What is the best topic sentence for a paragraph about how to stay healthy?
a) Eating lots of sweets is fun.
b) Drinking water and exercising are ways to stay healthy.
c) Some people like to watch TV.
d) Sleep is not necessary.Answer: b) Drinking water and exercising are ways to stay healthy.
Explanation: This sentence outlines the main details that the paragraph would explain. - Which sentence would not be a good topic sentence about space?
a) Space is very big and full of stars.
b) Astronauts wear special suits.
c) Computers help us explore space.
d) My favourite colour is blue.Answer: d) My favourite colour is blue.
Explanation: This sentence does not relate to the topic of space at all. - Choose the best topic sentence for a paragraph about summer.
a) People go swimming and enjoy the sunshine.
b) Autumn comes after summer.
c) It rains a lot in winter.
d) Some animals hibernate in winter.Answer: a) People go swimming and enjoy the sunshine.
Explanation: This sentence introduces ideas commonly associated with summer, making it a good topic sentence.
Short Answer Questions
- Write the best topic sentence for a paragraph about the benefits of reading books.
Answer: Reading books helps improve your imagination and vocabulary.
Explanation: This sentence clearly introduces the paragraph’s main idea, focusing on reading benefits. - Why is it important for a topic sentence to be clear?
Answer: Because it helps the reader understand what the paragraph will be about.
Explanation: A clear topic sentence guides the reader and sets the paragraph’s focus. - Which sentence is better to introduce a paragraph about healthy snacks: “Snacks can be unhealthy” or “Healthy snacks give you energy”? Explain your choice.
Answer: “Healthy snacks give you energy” because it focuses on the positive benefits that the paragraph will discuss.
Explanation: A good topic sentence should introduce the main idea clearly and positively if possible. - What makes a sentence a strong topic sentence? Give two reasons.
Answer: It clearly states the main idea and it is interesting enough to keep the reader reading.
Explanation: These qualities help to focus the paragraph and engage the reader. - Choose the best topic sentence for a paragraph about the importance of exercise:
a) Many people like to exercise.
b) Exercise helps keep your body strong and healthy.
c) Some exercises are hard to do.Answer: b) Exercise helps keep your body strong and healthy.
Explanation: This sentence clearly states the main point the paragraph will explore.
Mixed Format Questions
- Which sentence best introduces a paragraph about the seasons changing?
a) Leaves fall off trees in autumn.
b) The seasons change because of the Earth’s movement around the sun.
c) I like summer best.Answer: b) The seasons change because of the Earth’s movement around the sun.
Explanation: This is a clear and informative topic sentence about why seasons change. - Fill in the blank to create a good topic sentence about animals in the wild:
“_____ live in the wild and have special ways to survive.”
Answer: Many animals
Explanation: This sentence introduces the paragraph by stating the main idea clearly. - Which topic sentence best fits a paragraph about teamwork?
a) Teamwork makes tasks easier and more fun.
b) People work alone sometimes.
c) I like playing games.Answer: a) Teamwork makes tasks easier and more fun.
Explanation: This sentence sets up a paragraph explaining why teamwork is beneficial. - Explain why this is not a good topic sentence for a paragraph about water:
“Water is cold in winter.”
Answer: It is too specific and does not introduce a clear main idea about water overall.
Explanation: A topic sentence should introduce the overall idea, not just one fact. - Choose the best topic sentence for a paragraph about school life:
a) Students learn many subjects at school.
b) Schools are closed during holidays.
c) Teachers give homework sometimes.Answer: a) Students learn many subjects at school.
Explanation: This sentence gives a clear main idea for the paragraph. - Write a topic sentence for a paragraph about why exercise is good for mental health.
Answer: Exercise helps reduce stress and makes you feel happier.
Explanation: This sentence clearly explains the paragraph’s main focus. - What is the main purpose of a topic sentence?
Answer: To tell the reader what the paragraph will be about.
Explanation: It guides the rest of the paragraph’s content. - Choose the best topic sentence for a paragraph about favourite hobbies:
a) Everyone has a favourite hobby.
b) Some people like reading, while others enjoy sports.
c) Hobbies can be fun and relaxing.Answer: c) Hobbies can be fun and relaxing.
Explanation: This sentence gives a clear idea about the benefits of hobbies. - Why should a topic sentence come at the start of a paragraph?
Answer: So the reader knows what to expect before reading the details.
Explanation: It helps organise writing and makes reading easier. - Which sentence is the best topic sentence for a paragraph about saving water?
a) Water is important for plants and animals.
b) You should always turn off the tap.
c) Saving water helps the planet.Answer: c) Saving water helps the planet.
Explanation: This sentence clearly introduces the paragraph’s key idea about saving water.
These questions support Year 6 students in developing their understanding of how to choose the best topic sentence, aligned with the key stage 2 English curriculum’s focus on writing clear and effective paragraphs.
