Grades 3–5
Which Sentence Does Not Belong?
Four short paragraphs, each with one off-topic sentence to find and cross out.
Writing worksheet · Paragraph writing and editing
Topic Sentence Match
Four sets of detail sentences to match with their topic sentences, then a topic sentence to write.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–4
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Paragraph structure, Topic and concluding sentences, Revising and editing, Proofreading
What kids do
“A topic sentence tells what a paragraph is about. Read each set of details. Write the letter of the topic sentence that fits.”
Printed on the sheet:
- A. Fall is a colorful season.
- B. The school library is a great place.
- C. Cats love to sleep.
- D. Putting on shoes takes three steps.
- They can sleep up to 20 hours a day. They nap in sunny spots. They curl up on soft blankets.
- First, put on your socks. Next, slide your feet into your shoes. Last, tie the laces.
- Leaves turn red, orange and yellow. The air gets cool. Kids jump in big leaf piles.
- You can read in the cozy corner. You can borrow books to take home. The librarian helps you find new stories.
Teacher tip
Have kids read the details first and guess what the paragraph is mostly about.
How to use it
- Have kids use one color for revision and another for editing.
- Post the editing or revision checklist on the board.
- Keep a word wall or a word bank in reach so spelling does not stop the ideas.
Watch for
Revising and editing mixed up. Revising is the ideas; editing is the rules.
Talk about it
- Which change made the biggest difference?
- Where else do writers use this skill?
Take it further
Trade paragraphs with a partner for a peer edit.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
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