Topic Sentences Chapter Notes | Language Arts for Grade 3 PDF Download

Introduction

Select the Detail That Does Not Support the Topic Sentence

• Understand what a topic sentence is:
  • A topic sentence is the main idea of a paragraph.
  • It tells the reader what the paragraph will talk about.
  • It is usually the first sentence, but it can sometimes be in the middle or end.
• Know what supporting details are:
  • Supporting details are sentences that give more information about the topic sentence.
  • They explain, describe, or give examples to make the topic sentence clear.
  • All details in a paragraph should connect to the topic sentence.
• Learn to find details that don’t belong:
  • Sometimes, a sentence in a paragraph does not match the topic sentence.
  • This sentence talks about something different and can confuse the reader.
  • To find the detail that does not support the topic sentence:
    • Read the topic sentence carefully to understand the main idea.
    • Check each detail sentence to see if it connects to the main idea.
    • Look for a sentence that talks about a different topic or idea.
    • The sentence that does not match the topic is the one that does not support it.
• Practice with examples:
  • Example: Topic sentence - "My dog loves to play outside."
    • Supporting detail: He runs after his favorite ball.
    • Supporting detail: He jumps in the grass and chases squirrels.
    • Non-supporting detail: My cat sleeps all day.
    • The non-supporting detail is about the cat, not the dog, so it does not belong.
  • Another example: Topic sentence - "Summer is a great time to go swimming."
    • Supporting detail: The pool is cool and refreshing.
    • Supporting detail: I practice my swimming strokes every day.
    • Non-supporting detail: I like to eat ice cream in winter.
    • The non-supporting detail is about winter and ice cream, not swimming in summer.
• Why this is important:
  • Finding details that don’t fit helps keep paragraphs clear and focused.
  • It makes sure all sentences work together to explain the main idea.
  • It helps readers understand the paragraph better.

Choose Topic Sentences for Narrative Paragraphs

• Understand narrative paragraphs:
  • Narrative paragraphs tell a story or describe an event.
  • They have a beginning, middle, and end.
  • They often include characters, a setting, and actions.
• Know the job of a topic sentence in a narrative paragraph:
  • It introduces the main idea of the story or event.
  • It gives a hint about what the story will be about.
  • It makes the reader want to keep reading.
• Learn to choose a good topic sentence for a narrative paragraph:
  • A good topic sentence for a narrative paragraph should:
    • Tell the main idea of the story in a clear way.
    • Be interesting to catch the reader’s attention.
    • Fit the events or actions in the paragraph.
  • When choosing a topic sentence:
    • Read the paragraph to understand the story or event.
    • Look for a sentence that sums up the main idea of the story.
    • Make sure the sentence connects to the characters, setting, or actions in the paragraph.
    • Avoid sentences that are too general or about a different topic.
• Practice with examples:
  • Example: A paragraph about a fun day at the park.
    • Good topic sentence: "My day at the park was full of exciting adventures."
    • Why it’s good: It tells the main idea (a fun day at the park) and makes the reader curious about the adventures.
    • Bad topic sentence: "I have a pet dog."
    • Why it’s bad: It does not talk about the park or the events in the paragraph.
  • Another example: A paragraph about a school play.
    • Good topic sentence: "Performing in the school play was a memorable experience."
    • Why it’s good: It introduces the main idea (the school play) and fits the story.
    • Bad topic sentence: "I like to read books."
    • Why it’s bad: It does not connect to the school play or the events in the paragraph.
• Why this is important:
  • Choosing the right topic sentence helps the reader understand the story.
  • It makes the paragraph more interesting and fun to read.
  • It keeps the story focused on one main idea.

Choose Topic Sentences for Expository Paragraphs

• Understand expository paragraphs:
  • Expository paragraphs explain or give information about a topic.
  • They use facts, examples, or details to teach the reader something.
  • They are not stories but focus on explaining or describing.
• Know the job of a topic sentence in an expository paragraph:
  • It tells the main idea of what the paragraph will explain.
  • It introduces the topic in a clear and simple way.
  • It helps the reader know what information they will learn.
• Learn to choose a good topic sentence for an expository paragraph:
  • A good topic sentence for an expository paragraph should:
    • Clearly state the topic or main idea.
    • Be specific about what the paragraph will explain.
    • Connect to the facts or details in the paragraph.
  • When choosing a topic sentence:
    • Read the paragraph to understand what it explains.
    • Look for a sentence that sums up the main topic or idea.
    • Make sure the sentence matches the facts or details in the paragraph.
    • Avoid sentences that tell a story or are about a different topic.
• Practice with examples:
  • Example: A paragraph about how bees make honey.
    • Good topic sentence: "Bees make honey through a special process."
    • Why it’s good: It tells the main idea (how bees make honey) and fits the explanation.
    • Bad topic sentence: "Bees fly from flower to flower."
    • Why it’s bad: It is too specific and does not cover the whole process of making honey.
  • Another example: A paragraph about why exercise is important.
    • Good topic sentence: "Exercise keeps our bodies healthy and strong."
    • Why it’s good: It introduces the main idea (why exercise is important) and matches the details.
    • Bad topic sentence: "I like to play soccer."
    • Why it’s bad: It is about a personal story, not explaining why exercise is important.
• Why this is important:
  • Choosing the right topic sentence helps the reader understand the information.
  • It makes the paragraph clear and easy to follow.
  • It keeps all the details focused on explaining one topic.