Understanding Key Sentences

Understanding Key Sentences

Read each section carefully and answer the questions. Remember, a key sentence tells the main idea of a paragraph.

What is a Key Sentence?

Every good paragraph has a main idea. This main idea is often found in a special sentence called the key sentence, or topic sentence. The key sentence usually comes at the beginning of the paragraph, but sometimes it can be in the middle or at the end. All the other sentences in the paragraph give details or examples that support the key sentence. When you find the key sentence, you understand what the whole paragraph is about.

1. What is another name for a key sentence?

2. Where is a key sentence usually found in a paragraph?

3. The key sentence tells the   of a paragraph.

4. All other sentences in a paragraph give   or examples.

Read the paragraph below. Underline or write the key sentence.

5. My dog, Buster, loves to play in the park. He chases after squirrels, rolls around in the grass, and barks at other dogs. Sometimes, he even tries to catch the frisbee.

6. There are many fun things to do on a rainy day. You can read a good book, play board games with your family, or even build a fort in your living room. Rainy days are perfect for indoor adventures.

7. Write a short paragraph about your favorite animal. Make sure to include a clear key sentence at the beginning.