Topic Sentences: Kickstart Your Paragraphs!

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

A paragraph is like a story, and your topic sentence is the opening line that gets your reader excited about what’s to come.

But not all topic sentences are the same!

There are different ways to introduce your paragraph, and knowing which one to use can make your writing more interesting and clear.

Here is a break down of the four types of topic sentences.

State an Opinion

This is where you tell your reader what you think.

For example: Pizza is the best food in the world.

Include a Number or Number Word

This type starts with a number, making your paragraph more specific and clear.

For example: Three things make a birthday party great: fun games, delicious food, and good friends.

Be Explicit

This type clearly lists what the paragraph will be about.

For example: There are three important steps to making a sandwich: gather your ingredients, prepare the bread, and add the fillings.

Combination

This is a mix of two or more types.

For example: My favorite animals are three types of dogs: Beagles, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.

Knowing these four types will help you write topic sentences that make your paragraphs more interesting and easier to understand.

Head to the Got It? section to give it a try!