Text structure & paragraphs

Topic sentences, paragraph ordering, connectives between paragraphs

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
What is a topic sentence? A) The first sentence of a paragraph that introduces the main idea B) The last sentence that summarises the paragraph C) Any sentence that contains a connective D) The title of the text
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2
Put these sentences in the correct order to make a well-structured paragraph about hedgehogs. Put these in order: They curl into a tight ball so that only their spines are showing., Hedgehogs have a clever way of protecting themselves from predators., This makes it very difficult for foxes or badgers to attack them., Their spines are sharp enough to deter most threats.
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3
True or false: You should start a new paragraph when a new person starts speaking in a story. You should start a new paragraph when a new person starts speaking in a story. A) True B) False
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4
What is the purpose of a paragraph? A) to look pretty B) to organise ideas into groups C) to add colour D) to count words
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5
Which connective best links these two paragraphs? Paragraph 1 argues that school uniforms save time in the morning. Paragraph 2 argues that uniforms stop bullying about clothes. ___, school uniforms prevent children from being teased about what they wear. A) Furthermore B) However C) Nevertheless D) On the other hand
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6
Put these paragraph topics in the best order for a persuasive letter asking for a school garden. Put these in order: Conclusion: summarise and request action, Introduction: state what you are asking for, Reason 2: it could be used for science lessons, Reason 1: it would make the playground more attractive, Counter-argument: address the concern about cost
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7
True or false: Every paragraph in a text should be roughly the same length. Every paragraph in a text should be roughly the same length. A) True B) False
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8
Order these connectives from those that ADD a point to those that show CONTRAST. Put these in order: However, In addition, Furthermore, On the other hand, Moreover
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9
True or false: A one-sentence paragraph is always wrong in formal writing. A one-sentence paragraph is always wrong in formal writing. A) True B) False
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10
A report about volcanoes has these paragraph topics: A) What causes eruptions, B) Famous eruptions in history, C) How scientists predict eruptions, D) What is a volcano? Which should come first? A) D) What is a volcano? B) A) What causes eruptions C) B) Famous eruptions in history D) C) How scientists predict eruptions
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Answer key

Text structure & paragraphs · for parents and teachers

1
The first sentence of a paragraph that introduces the main idea
A topic sentence is typically the first sentence of a paragraph. It introduces the main idea that the rest of the paragraph will develop.
2
Hedgehogs have a clever way of protecting themselves from predators., They curl into a tight ball so that only their spines are showing., Their spines are sharp enough to deter most threats., This makes it very difficult for foxes or badgers to attack them.
The paragraph starts with the topic sentence (general idea about protection), then explains how (curling up), gives detail (sharp spines), and concludes (difficult to attack).
3
True
True. Each new speaker in dialogue gets a new paragraph. This helps the reader keep track of who is saying what.
4
to organise ideas into groups
Paragraphs organise ideas, making text easier to follow.
5
Furthermore
'Furthermore' adds another supporting point. 'However' and 'on the other hand' would introduce a contrasting view, which doesn't fit here.
6
Introduction: state what you are asking for, Reason 1: it would make the playground more attractive, Reason 2: it could be used for science lessons, Counter-argument: address the concern about cost, Conclusion: summarise and request action
A persuasive text opens with the request, presents reasons, addresses counter-arguments (showing you have considered other views), and concludes with a call to action.
7
False
False. Paragraph length should match content. An introduction might be short, a detailed argument longer, and a punchy conclusion brief. Varying length keeps writing interesting.
8
In addition, Furthermore, Moreover, However, On the other hand
'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'Moreover' all add supporting points. 'However' and 'On the other hand' introduce contrasting ideas.
9
False
False. One-sentence paragraphs can be used for dramatic effect or to emphasise a key point. While uncommon in formal writing, they are not incorrect when used deliberately.
10
D) What is a volcano?
A report should define the subject first (What is a volcano?) before explaining causes, giving examples, or discussing predictions. General information comes before specific detail.