Practice: Writing Topic Sentences
Instructions: Read each paragraph. Write a simple topic sentence on the line. Make sure your
sentence has a Topic and a Controlling Idea.
1. ______________________________________________________________________ First,
you should check the air in the tires to make sure they are firm. Next, use a damp cloth to wipe
dirt off the frame and the seat. You should also put a little bit of oil on the chain so it moves
smoothly. Taking these steps will keep your bike safe and ready to ride.
2. ______________________________________________________________________ In the
summer, the weather is hot and the sun stays out late. In the winter, it gets very cold and it might
even snow. Spring brings rain and new flowers, while fall is when the leaves change color and
drop from the trees. Every few months, the outdoors looks and feels completely different.
3. ______________________________________________________________________ Many
people enjoy keeping dogs because they are very loyal and friendly. Cats are also popular
because they are quiet and easy to care for. Some people even like smaller animals like hamsters
or fish because they do not take up much space. There are many kinds of animals that people
choose to live with.
4. ______________________________________________________________________ If you
eat too much candy, the sugar can cause cavities in your teeth. Drinking soda every day is also
bad because it has no vitamins. Instead, eating fruits and vegetables helps your body grow strong
and stay healthy. What we choose to eat has a big effect on how we feel.
5. ______________________________________________________________________ Some
students prefer to study in the morning when they feel fresh and awake. Others like to do their
homework late at night when the house is very quiet. A few people find they learn best if they
study in a library or a coffee shop. Everyone has their own favorite time and place to get work
done.
6. ______________________________________________________________________ You
should never give out your home address or phone number to people you don't know online. It is
also important to use a strong password that is hard to guess. You should be careful about
clicking on links in emails from strangers. These habits help keep your private information safe.
7. ______________________________________________________________________ A
nurse must be very patient when talking to people who are sick or scared. They also need to be
organized so they can give the right medicine at the right time. Being a hard worker is necessary
because they often stand for many hours. It takes a special kind of person to do this job well.
8. ______________________________________________________________________ When
you go to the beach, you can swim in the cool ocean water. Many children enjoy building tall
sandcastles or looking for seashells along the shore. Some people just like to lie under an
umbrella and read a book. It is a great place to relax and have fun.
9. ______________________________________________________________________
Instead of throwing plastic bottles in the trash, you can put them in a recycling bin. You can also
bring your own bags to the grocery store so you don't use plastic ones. Turning off the lights
when you leave a room saves electricity. Small actions like these help protect the earth.
10. ______________________________________________________________________ Long
ago, people had to write letters and wait weeks for them to arrive. Today, we can send an email
or a text message in just one second. We used to use paper maps to find our way, but now we use
GPS on our phones. Life has changed a lot because of new inventions.
11. ______________________________________________________________________
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients on the counter. Read the
instructions carefully so you don't skip a step. It is also a good idea to clean up as you go so the
kitchen doesn't get messy. If you follow these tips, your meal will likely turn out great.
12. ______________________________________________________________________
Watching movies can help you relax after a long, busy day. Playing sports or going for a walk is
a good way to get fresh air and stay active. Some people prefer hobbies like drawing or playing
music to express their feelings. Doing things you love is important for your happiness.
13. ______________________________________________________________________ A
small car is usually cheaper to buy and uses less gas. A large truck is better if you need to carry
heavy things or drive on bumpy roads. Some families choose a van because it has enough seats
for many people. Different types of vehicles are made for different needs.
14. ______________________________________________________________________ In a
library, you are expected to speak in a very soft voice. You must be careful with the books so
they do not get ripped or dirty. It is also important to return the books on time so other people
can read them. Following these rules makes the library a nice place for everyone.
15. ______________________________________________________________________
Lions are known as the "kings" of the wild because they are very strong hunters. Giraffes are
famous for their extremely long necks that help them eat leaves from tall trees. Elephants are
respected because they are very smart and have great memories. Each animal in the wild has its
own amazing features.