Identify
the Topic Sentence
The topic sentence in a
paragraph states the main idea of the paragraph. While it is usually at the
beginning of the paragraph, it also can be in the middle or end of it.
In each
paragraph below, underline the topic sentence.
1. The best trip my family
ever took was to New Orleans, Louisiana. We drove there in two days. I didn’t
think it would be very interesting, but I was wrong. We saw the Mississippi
River, rode a horse carriage in the French Quarter, and visited a cemetery
where everyone was buried above the ground. I liked the food best, especially
the New Orleans doughnuts called beignets.
2. No one likes to eat with a
dirty knife, fork, or spoon. It is important to completely wash all utensils
before using them. Clean utensils won’t transmit germs and bacteria. They also
are more pleasant to eat with.
3. Many people think poetry
is old-fashioned and uninteresting. They don’t realize that every time they
hear a song sung, they are hearing poetry in the form of song lyrics. Just like
many written poems, many song lyrics use rhythm, rhyme, and literary imagery.
It turns out that poetry isn’t old-fashioned; it’s as modern as the latest hit
song!
4. Growing a garden can be
fun, good exercise, and will provide fresh fruits and vegetables for the
gardener. It is interesting to watch the seeds pop their heads above the soil
for the first time. It is sometimes hard to believe that a little seed can
become a large vine or plant in just a few weeks. Planting the seeds and
pulling weeds are good exercise for anyone. Then, after watching the plant grow
and produce, the gardener ends up with delicious tomatoes, beans, or other
yummy produce from the garden.
5. Sometimes it is hard to
fall asleep. Maybe you are not sleepy, or maybe you are thinking about what
happened during the day. You can also lie awake if a big event, like a test or
a party, is happening the next day. There are several things you can do to try
and fall asleep. You can try counting sheep, or just counting, which will keep
your mind busy with a repetitious activity. Sometimes listening to soft music
or gentle sounds, like rain, helps. You can even try telling yourself a story,
which may distract your mind enough that you will be asleep in no time.