Crafting Strong Topic Sentences

Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.

Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.

Objective

I can develop a strong topic sentence that clearly states the main point I want to discuss.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Scribbr · 2:10Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by Scribbr on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    A topic sentence acts as a headline for a paragraph and includes the topic and the central point.

  2. 2

    To maintain focus in an essay, topic sentences should support the essay's thesis statement by expanding upon it.

  3. 3

    Topic sentences usually appear at the beginning of a paragraph and can also be used to create transitions between paragraphs.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

11 questions

1

What are the two key components of a strong topic sentence?

2

Why is it important for topic sentences to support the essay's thesis statement?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Write a strong topic sentence for a paragraph about the positive effects of exercise on mental health. Your topic sentence should clearly state both the topic and the central point of the paragraph.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

    Ready to present

We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.

Teaching a group at a different level?

Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.

Adapt This Lesson