Informational Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Sort each sentence as a Topic Sentence that introduces the main idea or a Detail Sentence that supports it.
Topic Sentence
Bees are busy insects that help plants grow.Bats are fascinating night animals.Rain is an important part of weather.Turtles live in many different places. Detail Sentence
They visit many flowers every day.They use sound to find their food in the dark.Drops fall from clouds when the air cools.Some turtles swim in the deep ocean. Topic sentences introduce what a paragraph is about, while detail sentences add facts that support the main idea.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A topic sentence tells the main idea of a paragraph.
A topic sentence introduces what the paragraph will be about.
2. A detail sentence gives a fact that supports the main idea.
Details add facts that back up the topic sentence.
3. The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph.
Writers often put the topic sentence first so readers know the main idea right away.
4. Detail sentences should stay on the same topic as the topic.
Details that stray off the topic confuse the reader.
5. A strong topic sentence is clear and short.
Short, clear topic sentences help readers understand the main idea fast.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. A topic sentence tells the main idea of a paragraph.
True False
The topic sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
2. Detail sentences should talk about a different topic than the main idea.
True False
Detail sentences must support the same topic; otherwise the paragraph feels off.
3. Every paragraph needs at least one detail sentence to explain the topic.
True False
Details give facts and examples so the topic sentence is clear and believable.
4. The topic sentence and the detail sentences should never connect to each other.
True False
The topic and details must connect so the paragraph makes sense.