Topic Sentence Lesson Plans

Students write a topic sentence to a paragraph and explain that it introduces the main idea. After a whole-class demonstration, students write a complete paragraph with their topic sentence and supporting sentences. There are some excellent examples of student work, and an idea for a graphic organizer, embedded in this plan. Very nice!

Learners practice the strategy of locating the topic sentence in a paragraph to increase their understanding of text as well as becoming better readers. They view and locate the topic sentence in paragraph 3, page 107, from "All About the Jungle," by Armstrong Sperry.

Students write topic sentences for a subject they are given. In this topic sentences lesson plan, students also fill out a multiple choice worksheet where they choose the best topic sentence.

Students identify the purpose of both a topic sentence and a transitional statement. They write a topic sentence which denotes the paragraph topic and the author's stand on that topic. Students write an effective transitional statement which connects the ideas of a preceding paragraph to those of a subsequent paragraph.

Students develop their writing skills. In this topic sentences lesson plan, students discuss the purpose of topic sentences and collaborate to help one another craft topic sentences that are in the form of questions, commands, or exclamations.

Fourth graders discuss who likes hamburgers. Students listen as the teacher compares the hamburger to a paragraph, and the hamburger patty to the topic sentence. The class works together to write a paragraph. The teacher provides gummy (candy) hamburgers to students as a visual reminder for writing their paragraphs.

In this thesis sentence worksheet, students define the fundamentals of a thesis and the components that create a quality thesis. The provided examples illustrate a mediocre, average, and quality sentence and also detail placement instructions, relationship to topic sentences, and the argumentative edge.

Third graders relate the concept of individuality of geometric shapes to the individuality of topic sentences. They write and revise a persuasive argument essay using an established rubric.

To describe the ecological and aesthetic importance of the Potomac River, Middle schoolers name the ways in which the river's values are jeopardized and explain the purpose of Earth Day. They write a response to a newspaper article in a 5 sentence paragraph format, focusing on what makes a strong topic sentence and concluding statement.

Students complete an activity sheet. In this paragraphs lesson, students discuss the essential parts of a paragraph. Students practice thinking of body sentences to support a topic sentence. Students complete an activity sheet where they play a matching game.