**Topic Sentences: Building Strong Paragraphs**

A topic sentence is the main idea of a paragraph. It tells the reader what the paragraph is about and helps organize your writing. Topic sentences are usually found at the beginning of a paragraph and are followed by supporting details. Learning to write good topic sentences will make your writing clearer and more interesting.

**Fill in the Blank:** Fill in the blank with the correct words.

1. A topic sentence __________.
2. Topic sentences are usually found at the __________.
3. Supporting details __________ the information in the topic sentence.
4. A good topic sentence makes your writing more __________.
5. The topic sentence helps to __________ the ideas in your paragraph.

**Word bank:** beginning, expand, states, organize, clear, the main idea of a paragraph, of a paragraph, to the reader, the information in the topic sentence.

**Multiple Choice Questions:** Choose the correct answer from the choices for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence?
a) To end a paragraph
b) To introduce the main idea of a paragraph
c) To provide examples
d) To summarize the previous paragraph

2. Where is a topic sentence typically located in a paragraph?
a) In the middle
b) At the end
c) At the beginning
d) Anywhere in the paragraph

3. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good topic sentence?
a) It is clear and specific
b) It introduces the main idea
c) It includes all the supporting details
d) It is usually one sentence long

4. How does a topic sentence help the reader?
a) It tells them what to expect in the paragraph
b) It provides the conclusion of the essay
c) It lists all the sources used
d) It describes the author's personal opinions

5. What should follow a topic sentence in a paragraph?
a) Another topic sentence
b) The conclusion
c) Supporting details
d) A question