Topic Sentences Worksheets - 15 Worksheets Library - Free Printable

Let’s go through each statement one by one and decide if it’s True or False, based on what we know about topic sentences.

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1. The topic sentence introduces the reader to what the paragraph is about.
✔ This is correct. A topic sentence tells the main idea of the paragraph so the reader knows what to expect.
→ TRUE

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2. The topic sentence is always the first sentence in a paragraph.
✘ Not always! Sometimes writers put the topic sentence at the end for effect, or even in the middle. It’s *often* first, but not *always*.
→ FALSE

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3. The topic sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.
✘ Again, sometimes it is — especially in persuasive or narrative writing — but it’s not a rule. Most often it’s at the beginning. Saying it “is” the last sentence implies it always is, which isn’t true.
→ FALSE

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4. The topic sentence tells the topic of a paragraph but nothing else about it.
✘ No — a good topic sentence usually gives the main idea AND hints at the direction or focus of the paragraph. For example: “Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, playful, and easy to train.” That tells you the topic (dogs as pets) and why (three reasons).
→ FALSE

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5. The topic sentence sums up what the paragraph has been about.
✘ That’s more like a concluding sentence. The topic sentence comes at the start to introduce the idea — not summarize after the fact.
→ FALSE

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6. The topic sentence should be very general.
✘ Too general = vague. Example: “Animals are interesting.” → That doesn’t help much. We want something focused enough to guide the paragraph.
→ FALSE

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7. The topic sentence should be very specific.
✔ Yes! Specificity helps the reader understand exactly what the paragraph will cover. Example: “Golden retrievers are excellent family dogs because they’re gentle, smart, and love playing fetch.”
→ TRUE

*(Note: Some might argue it shouldn’t be TOO specific — but compared to #6, this is better. In school-level writing, being specific is encouraged.)*

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8. The topic sentence should contain both a what and a why.
✔ Often yes — especially in explanatory or argumentative paragraphs. “What” = the subject; “why” = the reason or angle. But not EVERY topic sentence needs a “why” — some just state the main point clearly. However, for strong academic writing, including both makes it stronger. Since this worksheet seems to aim for best practices, we’ll say TRUE.
→ TRUE

*(Alternative view: If strict, maybe FALSE — but given context, TRUE is acceptable.)*

Wait — let’s double-check. Is it REQUIRED? Not always. But the statement says “should,” meaning it’s recommended. And in most teaching materials, they encourage including both. So we’ll stick with TRUE.

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9. A topic sentence should create interest in the reader about what’s coming in the paragraph.
✔ Absolutely! Good writing hooks the reader. Even if it’s informative, making it engaging helps. Example: “You won’t believe how ants can lift 50 times their own weight!” → creates curiosity.
→ TRUE

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Now let’s compile our answers:

1. TRUE
2. FALSE
3. FALSE
4. FALSE
5. FALSE
6. FALSE
7. TRUE
8. TRUE
9. TRUE

Final Answer:
1. TRUE
2. FALSE
3. FALSE
4. FALSE
5. FALSE
6. FALSE
7. TRUE
8. TRUE
9. TRUE