50+ Writing worksheets for 8th Grade on Quizizz | Free & Printable - Free Printable

Let’s go through each question one by one, think carefully, and make sure we get the right answers.

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Question 1: What is one type of a controlling idea?

A “controlling idea” is the main point or focus of a paragraph or essay. In expository writing, the topic sentence in each body paragraph acts as the controlling idea for that paragraph — it tells what that paragraph will be about.

Supporting details, examples, and conclusions are parts of the paragraph but not the *controlling idea* itself.

✔ So, correct answer: A. Topic Sentence

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Question 2: True or False: The topic sentence belongs in the first sentence of each body paragraph.

In most standard expository writing (especially at school level), yes — the topic sentence usually comes first in the body paragraph to clearly state what the paragraph is about. Sometimes it can come later, but the rule taught in schools is typically “first sentence.”

So for this quiz, they’re likely expecting:
✔ A. True

*(Note: In advanced writing, it can vary — but for this level, stick with “True.”)*

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Question 3: True or False: The topic sentence should explain what the entire essay will be about.

No — that’s the job of the thesis statement, which goes in the introduction.

The topic sentence only explains what that one paragraph is about.

So this is false.

✔ B. False

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Question 4: True or False: The thesis statement belongs in your body paragraphs.

No! The thesis statement goes in the introduction paragraph, usually at the end of it. It tells the reader what the whole essay is about.

Body paragraphs support the thesis — they don’t contain it.

✔ A. False

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Question 5: The thesis statement should answer the question and give 2-3 ________.

Thesis statements often include the main claim + 2–3 reasons why that claim is true. These reasons become the topics of your body paragraphs.

Example: “Schools should start later because students need more sleep, grades improve, and mental health gets better.” → Those are 3 reasons.

✔ C. Reasons

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Question 6: True or False: The topic sentence should be at the beginning of each body paragraph and should tell what the body paragraph will be about.

Yes — this matches what we said in Q2 and Q3. Standard structure: topic sentence first, then supporting details.

✔ A. True

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Question 7: In each body paragraph you should have a topic sentence followed by a ________.

After the topic sentence, you need to back up your point. That means using text evidence (quotes, facts, data from sources) to prove your point.

“Example” could work too, but “Text Evidence” is more precise in academic/expository writing — especially if you’re citing an article or source.

Looking at the options:

- A. Example → okay, but vague
- B. Thesis Statement → no, that’s in intro
- C. Connection → maybe later, after evidence
- D. Text Evidence → best fit for structured expository writing

Most curricula teach: Topic Sentence → Text Evidence → Explanation/Connection

So ✔ D. Text Evidence

*(If “Example” was the only option, it might work — but since “Text Evidence” is there, it’s more accurate.)*

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Question 8: True or False: The text evidence can be anything from the article, even if it doesn't support the reason.

NO! You must choose evidence that supports your point. If it doesn’t support your reason, it’s irrelevant and weakens your argument.

You shouldn’t just pick random stuff from the article — pick stuff that proves your topic sentence.

✔ B. False

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Now let’s compile all final answers:

Final Answer:
1. A
2. A
3. B
4. A
5. C
6. A
7. D
8. B