Use the topics and main ideas fact sheet below to help you get a better understanding of how factors work. It gives the overarching idea of what the paragraph is about and is supported by the details in subsequent sentences in the paragraph. Main idea and supporting details worksheets pdf the thought is easily the most essential point of the message the author would love to share. The most important sentence in your paragraph is the topic. The topic sentence in a paragraph states the main idea of the paragraph. Topic sentence definition, examples, and guidelines. Middle school to write a good paragraph, you need to follow your topic sentence with supporting details. T topic usually a noun mi main idea something about that noun ts topic sentence a topic sentence is a sentence that contains a topic, and something about that topic called the main idea. English enhanced scope and sequence 1 lesson skill. Here, for instance, is the topic sentence which opens a paragraph about the collapse of the stock market in 1929. Main idea reading comprehension exercises for grade 2. Teaching main idea and supporting details to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students was always a frustrating experience because it is such a confusing and difficult skill.
Hence, in a paragraph, when the main idea is stated directly, it is expressed in what is called the topic sentence. Being able to identify these key ideas in a topic sentence will help you read with more understanding because you better know the papers focus. This sentence tells the reader what the paragraph will be about, and then the rest of the paragraph is built around this topic. A main idea sentence are sentences that support your topic. Topics are simple and are described with just a word or a phrase.
It represents the essential point that the author is trying to convey. It gives the overarching idea of what the paragraph is about and is supported by the details in. Your topic sentence should directly state the problem. The main idea in a paragraph expresses the particular point the author is trying to make about a subject. The main idea is usually reinforced by a series of other points or details which support the premise of the main idea. Displaying all worksheets related to main idea sentence starters. Often, the main idea of a paragraph or section is directly stated in a topic sentence, which is usually the first or the last sentence in that paragraph or section. In order to write a topic sentence, you will first need to know what ideas you are going to write. In literature, the main idea is referred to as the theme. That important idea could be stated at the onset of the paragraph, either in the center or at the conclusion. It shows what the paragraph is about while the controlling idea indicates how the writer will develop that topic idea. It isnt difficult for the reader to identify the topic sentence in this example because of how the succeeding statements support its central message. Not all paragraphs have clearcut topic sentences, and topic sentences can actually occur anywhere in the paragraph as the first sentence, the.
Th ats why you can oft en fi nd the topic in the main idea sentence. Topic sentence and controlling idea exercises with answers. Topic sentence a sentence in the introduction that tells the reader what your paper will be all about. Topicsentences statethemainidea, includeorsummarizereasonsthatsupportmainidea,and makeaclaimaboutthemainideaoftheparagraph. The main idea statement is called a topic sentence in a paragraph. It is the central point that an author is trying to get across to the reader. Topics and stated main ideas 2 pattern of organization authors tone and bias authors purpose supporting details main idea characteristics of a main idea a main idea is always a complete sentence that states an important point about the topic. Sometimes, a paragraph has a stated main idea usually in the topic sentence. Free reading comprehension worksheets from k5 learning. While it is usually at the beginning of the paragraph, it also can be in the middle or end of it. This means that you need to state the main idea in your own words because it. When the main idea is stated in a sentence, we call it the topic sentence of the paragraph. Topic any noun can be a topic a noun is a person, place, thing or idea. In a paragraph, authors often present the main idea to readers in a single sentence called the topic sentence.
Reading as a support technician, you need to read an email. A topic sentence is the sentence that tells the main idea of a paragraph. The main idea might be contained in a single sentence within the paragraph called a topic sentence. It is unquestionably the most important sentence in the paragraph. Many writers use a reverse outline to check their work. These details are specific in nature and not generalized like your topic sentence. A topic sentence is a statement that expresses the main idea of a paragraph or other section of writing.
A topic sentence gives direction to the paragraph that both the reader and writer can follow. In other words, it gives them a look into your topic. Reverse outlining is a process whereby you take away all of the supporting writing and are left with a papers main points or main ideas, sometimes represented by your papers topic sentences. Activity 3 recognizing controlling ideas in topic sentences. A topic sentence usually states a definite opinion or idea.
A topic sentence is a sentence in the introduction that tells the reader what your paper will be all about. Worksheets are main idea and details, main ideas, main idea, writing a topic and main idea, lesson 3 comparing ineffective and effective writing samples, main idea, topic sentences work 1 what is a topic sentence, main idea reading work. In each of the topic sentences below, circle the topic subject and underline the main idea focus. A topic sentence expresses the main idea of the paragraph.
Topic sentences are sentences that writers use to focus their ideas and express the main point of their paragraphs. The main idea, also called the central idea or main point, is the primary concept of a passage. The sentences that explain this main point are called supporting details. Writing a topic sentence strand writing, reading nonfiction sol 3. The topic sentence generally is composed of two parts. All other material in the paragraph fits under the main idea. This engaging activity packet will help students learn the important skill of identifying the topic, main idea, topic sentence and supporting details of a paragraph. The first sentence of a paragraph may present a point. It is the statement under which all other material in the paragraph examples, reasons, facts, details and other. A paragraph is a group of related sentences that develop a main thought, or idea, about a single topic. Activity 1 edicting paragraph pr content from the ontrolling idea read each topic sentence. Aug, 2018 the topic sentence and controlling idea give paragraph direction by identifying a topic and development of that topic. The topic sentence states the main point or controlling idea.
These worksheets ask students to identify the main idea of a text as well as the details that support it. Topic sentences are usually at the beginning of the paragraph and in the first sentence. To view a worksheet or download a printable pdf, simply click on the title. Incorrect these are complete sentences growing up in a small town. Teaching main idea so students actually understand. In this issue and topic sentences are very different. The last two worksheets focus on the use of supporting details. When the main idea of a paragraph is stated, it is most often found in the first sentence of the paragraph. Help your student recognize when to use a capital letter. Inform the student that youre going to locate the idea of each sentence. While it is usually at the beginning of the paragraph, it also can be in. A paragraph typically starts with the main idea or point also called the topic sentence, and the rest of the paragraph provides speci. Writing a topic and main idea monterey peninsula college.
Worksheets are topic sentences work 1 what is a topic sentence, topic sentence, writing topic sentences, topic sentences practice, topic sentences and controlling ideas, part two topics main ideas and topic sentences, topic sentences work, unit supporting and concluding 4 sentences. Main idea characteristics of a main idea a main idea is always a complete sentence that states an important point about the topic. This sentence begins a body paragraph, and tells the reader what the paragraph will be all about, not the entire paper. The topic sentence gives a paragraph direction and purpose. Wrac handout finding the main idea in paragraphs paragraphs. Think of the main idea as an umbrellait is the authors primary point about a topic. Choose the best answer for each of the following questions. Each paragraph should have its own topic sentence and should focus on only one main idea or point, which is referred to as paragraph unity. Topic sentences and supporting details worksheets tpt. These are called supporting ideas and may also be stated or implied. This sentence tells the reader what the passage is about and gives the main point the author is making. Topic sentences are a vital part of paragraph writing.
Nothing i taught seemed to have an effect on my students either they understood it without my help or they didnt understand no matter what i did or said. Carefully read each paragraph and identify the narrowed topic. However, sometimes, the main idea is not clearly stated in a topic sentence but rather is implied or hinted at throughout the paragraph. Supporting details supporting details are reasons, examples, steps, or other kinds of factual evidence that explain a. A topic sentence provides the reader with a clear understanding o f what a paragraph is going to be about. Students will be asked to write their introduction, a main idea, three topic sentences, three supporting details for each topic sentence, and a conclusion. Sometimes, a paragraph doesnt have a stated main idea, but has an implied main idea. It is no longer than the idea requires, and it stresses the important word or phrase.
The main idea may be stated in the first sentence of a paragraph and then be repeated or restated at the end of the paragraph. The topic sentence is the most important sentence of a paragraph. The main idea of a paragraph is the primary point or concept that the author wants to communicate to the readers about the topic. The main idea in a paragraph is the most important idea. This is a sheet that has two nonfiction paragraphs about pets and summer. Main idea in order to become a better and faster reader, recognizing the main idea is the most important skill you can develop. 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. With this main idea tree, students will create an outline that allows them to better understand the different parts of a five paragraph essay. Topic sentence and controlling idea exercises with answers generally, a paragraph has 3 parts. Contents of this packet can be used in learning centers, small and large g. Students are to read the paragraphs, give each paragraph a title, underline the topic sentence in red, and the supporting details in blue.
Then select the authors sentence containing the main idea. Writing a topic and main idea what is the difference between a topic and a main idea. The topic sentence sea supporting english acquisition. Its important for students to learn to write clear and concise topic sentences. Oxford university press headway plus elementary writing guide 201112 topic sentences worksheet 1. My summer vacation at my grandparents farm was filled with hard work and fun. A good topic sentence is a sentence that contains a specific topic, a specific main idea and grabs the readers interest.
The topic the topic is the subject of the paragraph. Keep in mind that the main idea is often the first or last sentence of a paragraph. Main idea in three sentences worksheet about this worksheet. A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph.
It states the main idea and introduces the reader to the topic. Main ideas and supporting details main ideas investigator. They are free for you to use at home or in the classroom. The topic sentence states the main, or controlling, idea. In every topic sentence, there is a controlling idea which shows where the discussion is headed. For further help, be sure to check subscribe to our channel by clicking the button below. One main idea two supporting details one extra sentence students sort the cards to find the main idea, supporting details, and extra information. The supporting sentences provide the information that backs up and proves the claim you made in the topic.
We give you a very short passage and ask you to choose the best main idea that sums it up for you. Main ideas and supporting details in writing 4 a paragraph is a series of sentences that support a main idea, or point. The facts and examples the writer provides as support for the main idea. Choose the best topic sentence for each group of supporting sentences and circle the answer. They state the central focus of the paragraph and provide cohesion for the paragraph.
A topic sentence is a sentence, sometimes at the beginning of a paragraph, that states or suggests the main idea or topic of a passage. Then predict the kind of information you will find in the paragraph. Main ideas the main idea is the central, or most important, idea in a paragraph or passage. Please use any of the printable main idea worksheets below in your classroom or. Students underline the topic sentence in each activity.
The main idea statement is called a thesis or thesis statement in an essay or article. A paragraph is group of related sentences that develop a main thought, or idea, about a single topic. When your writing shifts to a new idea, you need to begin a new paragraph and write a new topic sentence adapted from pacheco. The worksheets below are aimed to help your student become a master at recognizing and writing topic sentences. Mark which of the following statements would be considered stated main ideas. Topic sentences a topic sentence is a sentence that indicates the main idea or thesis of a paragraph.
A topic sentence is a sentence that indicates the main idea or thesis of a paragraph. This means the paragraph says what the main idea is. The topic sentence is the sentence in which the main idea of the paragraph is stated. However, the main idea may be found in any sentence of the paragraph. Topic the topic is the general subject of a paragraph or essay. The main idea would be what the author says about the topic, a complete sentence. Topic sentences are usually provided at the beginning of each new paragraph in your essay. The packet contains both fiction and nonfiction paragraphs. This download includes 28 main idea and detail cards. Displaying all worksheets related to topic sentence.