Informational Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which is the best topic sentence for facts about bees making honey, living in hives, and buzzing?
A) Bees are amazing insects that do many things.
B) I love the color yellow.
C) My grandma has a garden with roses.
D) Once upon a time a bee flew away.
Only the first choice names bees, the topic of all the facts.
2. Which sentence does NOT belong in an informational paragraph about dogs?
A) Dogs have four legs and a tail.
B) Dogs can bark and wag their tails.
C) My friend has a red bike at home.
D) Dogs come in many sizes and colors.
The bike sentence is off-topic because it is not about dogs.
3. Which is the best topic sentence for facts about rain falling from clouds, helping plants grow, and filling rivers?
A) My favorite game is tag.
B) Rain is an important part of nature.
C) The zoo is fun to visit with friends.
D) My cat is sleeping on my bed.
Only the second choice names rain, the topic of all the facts.
4. Which is the best topic sentence for facts about soccer having two teams, a ball, and goals?
A) I ate toast for breakfast today.
B) Penguins live in very cold places.
C) Soccer is a fun sport played around the world.
D) Stars shine bright in the night sky.
Only the third choice names soccer, the topic of all the facts.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. A topic sentence should name the topic of the paragraph.
Topic sentences name the main subject of the paragraph.
2. Every fact in a paragraph should match the topic word.
Matching the topic word keeps all facts on point.
3. A sentence that does not match the topic is called off topic.
Off-topic sentences do not belong in the paragraph.
4. You should remove off-topic sentences from your paragraph.
Removing off-topic sentences keeps your writing focused.
5. A good topic sentence is short and clear.
Short, clear topic sentences help readers follow along.