Missing Topics worksheet for writing practice with three paragraphs and a topic sentence exercise.

You're looking at a worksheet titled “Missing Topics” designed to help students practice identifying and writing topic sentences — the main idea sentence that tells what the whole paragraph is about.

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🧩 The Task:

> “A topic sentence is sometimes called the main idea.
> Read the groups of sentences. Then write a topic sentence that tells the main idea of each paragraph.”

There are three paragraphs, each missing its topic sentence. Your job is to read each group of sentences and write a clear, concise sentence that summarizes the main idea of that paragraph.

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## ✔ Let’s solve each one:

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🔹 Paragraph 1:

> *One reason is that guinea pigs do not usually bite. Second, guinea pigs don’t make as much noise as other rodents might during the night. Last, they are large enough that they can be found if they ever get lost in a house.*

#### ➤ What’s the main idea?
This paragraph lists reasons why guinea pigs make good pets — they’re gentle (don’t bite), quiet (good for nighttime), and easy to find if lost.

#### ✍️ Possible Topic Sentence:
> Guinea pigs make good pets for several reasons.

*(Alternative: “There are many reasons why guinea pigs are suitable household pets.”)*

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🔹 Paragraph 2:

> *First, spread peanut butter on two pieces of bread. Next, cut a banana into slices and lay them on top of the peanut butter. Then close the two pieces of bread into a sandwich. Last, eat up!*

#### ➤ What’s the main idea?
This is a step-by-step recipe for making a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

#### ✍️ Possible Topic Sentence:
> Here’s how to make a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

*(Alternative: “Follow these steps to prepare a delicious banana and peanut butter sandwich.”)*

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🔹 Paragraph 3:

> *Frogs usually have longer legs and softer skin than toads do. Many frogs live near a water source of some kind while toads prefer a drier, muddy environment. Frog eggs and toad eggs are different in shape.*

#### ➤ What’s the main idea?
This paragraph compares and contrasts frogs and toads — their physical features, habitats, and egg shapes.

#### ✍️ Possible Topic Sentence:
> Frogs and toads have several important differences.

*(Alternative: “Although frogs and toads look similar, they differ in body structure, habitat, and egg shape.”)*

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## 💡 Bonus Tip (from the lightbulb icon):
> *On another piece of paper, make a list of three subjects you know a lot about. Write a possible topic sentence for each of the subjects.*

This encourages students to think critically and apply the skill independently. For example:

1. Subject: Soccer
→ *Soccer is the most popular sport in the world because it’s simple to play and unites people across cultures.*

2. Subject: Recycling
→ *Recycling helps protect the environment by reducing waste and conserving natural resources.*

3. Subject: Dogs
→ *Dogs are loyal companions that provide emotional support and security to their owners.*

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## ✔ Final Answer Summary:

Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence:
> Guinea pigs make good pets for several reasons.

Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence:
> Here’s how to make a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence:
> Frogs and toads have several important differences.

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Let me know if you’d like to turn this into a printable answer key or need help with the bonus activity too! 🐸🍞📚