Today we are going to identify (find) the

topic sentence in a paragraph (group of

sentences about one idea).

Let’s say I want to write a paragraph about McDonalds

McDonalds

great play area

great toysgreat food

The detail sentences should answer the question:Why is McDonalds a great place to eat?

They have a play area.

It has yummy food.

The happy meal toys are cool.

What is the main idea?

McDonalds is a great place to eat.

Topic Sentence

The topic sentence is the main idea in a paragraph, and it tells us what the paragraph is going to be about.

My birthday party was so cool. We went swimming. All my friends came. There was a giant piñata. I got many presents.

Soccer is my favorite sport. The Galaxy is playing tonight. My friend got a soccer ball for his birthday. My brother plays soccer.

It’s important to identify a topic sentence

in a paragraph because it helps you or the

reader understand what the paragraph is

going to be about. Plus, it keeps your

writing focused.

Some people use buses to go to work. Other people take the train. My dad takes his car to work.

Which is the best topic sentence for this paragraph?

a) It’s fun to ride the train.b) My father works at Costco.c) People go to work in different ways.d) It costs $1.25 to ride the bus.

1. What is a topic sentence?

2. How do we identify a topic sentence?

3. Why is it important to identify a topic sentence?

Independent Practice• Name:• Directions: Choose the best topic sentence for the following paragraphs.• • They eat, draw, and write with their hands. Hands are also used for swimming. People wave to their friends with their hands. Sometimes adults shake hands when they meet new

people.• • •

When other animals come near, they spread out their ears to scare them away. Their large ears also help them to hear sounds from far away. When it is hot, they flap their ears to fan themselves. Elephants can beat their ears on their backs to call their young.

• • •

For one thing, I would like to see kangaroos hoping around as you go down the highway. Besides have interesting animals, Australia has many kinds of land. I’ve seen pictures of strange rock shapes in the middle of the wild land. Finally, I would like to meet many Australian people.

• Date:• • • A. People eat pizza with their hands.• B. Hands can get dirty sometimes.• C. People use their hands for many things.• D. People shake hands to say hello. • • A. Elephant’s ears are very useful.• B. Elephants ears are very big.• C. Large ears are good for hearing.• D. Young elephants listen to their parents.• • A. Australian people are very nice.• B. Australia has interesting animals.• C. There are great beaches in Australia.• D. I would like to visit Australia.