Informational Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Dogs are nice. There are many breeds of dogs that have different sizes and personalities.
Corrected: There are many breeds of dogs that have different sizes and personalities.
The corrected sentence is: "There are many breeds of dogs that have different sizes and personalities.". The original sentence "Dogs are nice. There are many breeds of dogs that have different sizes and personalities." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
I will tell you about volcanoes. Volcanoes form when hot magma pushes through the Earth's crust.
Corrected: Volcanoes form when hot magma pushes through the Earth's crust.
The corrected sentence is: "Volcanoes form when hot magma pushes through the Earth's crust.". The original sentence "I will tell you about volcanoes. Volcanoes form when hot magma pushes through the Earth's crust." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
The ocean is big and blue and has lots of stuff in it.
Corrected: The ocean is home to thousands of plant and animal species.
The corrected sentence is: "The ocean is home to thousands of plant and animal species.". The original sentence "The ocean is big and blue and has lots of stuff in it." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about .
The topic sentence introduces the main idea and tells the reader what the paragraph will discuss.
2. Facts, definitions, and examples are used to support the main idea.
Supporting details back up the main idea with evidence, facts, and examples.
3. The word "also" is an example of a transition word.
Transition words like "also," "however," and "for example" connect ideas within a paragraph.
4. The last sentence of an informational paragraph is the concluding statement.
A concluding statement ends the paragraph by restating or wrapping up the main idea.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Why is a strong topic sentence important in informational writing?
Sample answer: A strong topic sentence tells the reader the main idea so they know what the paragraph will explain.
An effective topic sentence orients the reader and sets the focus for all the details that follow.
2. Name two types of details an author can use to support a topic sentence.
Sample answer: An author can use facts and examples to support the topic sentence and give the reader more information.
Facts and examples are the most common types of supporting details in informational paragraphs.