Text Practice
Now it is time to practice what you have learned! In this lesson, you will read passages and identify key parts of multi-paragraph writing including topic sentences, supporting details, and transitions.
Practice Makes Perfect
Time to Show What You Know!
In this lesson, you will practice identifying essay parts, finding topic sentences, spotting transitions, and recognizing supporting details in real passages.
Remember: Good readers and writers can spot the building blocks of essays. As you practice, look for:
- Introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Topic sentences that tell what each paragraph is about
- Transitions that connect ideas
- Supporting details that give examples and reasons
Practice Passage 1: The Amazing Elephant
Read this essay carefully, then answer the questions that follow.
The Amazing Elephant
[Paragraph 1]
Have you ever seen an elephant at the zoo? Elephants are one of the most fascinating animals on Earth. They are amazing creatures because of their incredible size, their intelligence, and their strong family bonds.
Have you ever seen an elephant at the zoo? Elephants are one of the most fascinating animals on Earth. They are amazing creatures because of their incredible size, their intelligence, and their strong family bonds.
[Paragraph 2]
First, elephants are the largest land animals in the world. Adult elephants can weigh up to 14,000 pounds! Their ears alone can be as big as a blanket. Their long trunks help them grab food, drink water, and even give themselves a bath.
First, elephants are the largest land animals in the world. Adult elephants can weigh up to 14,000 pounds! Their ears alone can be as big as a blanket. Their long trunks help them grab food, drink water, and even give themselves a bath.
[Paragraph 3]
In addition to their size, elephants are also very smart. They can remember things for many years. Scientists have seen elephants use tools and solve problems. Elephants can even recognize themselves in a mirror, which shows they are self-aware.
In addition to their size, elephants are also very smart. They can remember things for many years. Scientists have seen elephants use tools and solve problems. Elephants can even recognize themselves in a mirror, which shows they are self-aware.
[Paragraph 4]
Most importantly, elephants have strong family bonds. Baby elephants stay with their mothers for many years. The whole herd works together to protect the young ones. When an elephant is sick or hurt, other elephants help take care of it.
Most importantly, elephants have strong family bonds. Baby elephants stay with their mothers for many years. The whole herd works together to protect the young ones. When an elephant is sick or hurt, other elephants help take care of it.
[Paragraph 5]
In conclusion, elephants truly are amazing animals. Their giant size, brilliant minds, and loving families make them special. Next time you see an elephant, remember all the wonderful things that make it unique!
In conclusion, elephants truly are amazing animals. Their giant size, brilliant minds, and loving families make them special. Next time you see an elephant, remember all the wonderful things that make it unique!
Question 1: What is the main idea of this essay?
Question 2: Which paragraph is the introduction?
Question 3: What transition word starts Paragraph 3?
Question 4: What is the topic sentence of Paragraph 4?
Question 5: Which is a supporting detail in Paragraph 2?
Practice Passage 2: My Favorite Sport
Read this essay and answer the questions below.
Why Soccer is the Best Sport
[Paragraph 1]
What sport can you play almost anywhere with just a ball? Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and I think it is the best! Soccer is a great sport because it is fun to play, it keeps you healthy, and anyone can learn it.
What sport can you play almost anywhere with just a ball? Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and I think it is the best! Soccer is a great sport because it is fun to play, it keeps you healthy, and anyone can learn it.
[Paragraph 2]
First, soccer is incredibly fun to play. You get to run around with your friends and work as a team. Scoring a goal feels amazing, and even just passing the ball well is exciting. Every game is different, so you never get bored.
First, soccer is incredibly fun to play. You get to run around with your friends and work as a team. Scoring a goal feels amazing, and even just passing the ball well is exciting. Every game is different, so you never get bored.
[Paragraph 3]
Also, soccer is great exercise that keeps you healthy. You have to run, jump, and kick during the game. This makes your legs strong and helps your heart stay healthy. Playing soccer burns lots of energy and helps you stay in shape.
Also, soccer is great exercise that keeps you healthy. You have to run, jump, and kick during the game. This makes your legs strong and helps your heart stay healthy. Playing soccer burns lots of energy and helps you stay in shape.
[Paragraph 4]
Finally, soccer is a sport that anyone can learn. You do not need expensive equipment - just a ball and some space. Kids all around the world play soccer because the rules are simple. Whether you are tall or short, you can be good at soccer.
Finally, soccer is a sport that anyone can learn. You do not need expensive equipment - just a ball and some space. Kids all around the world play soccer because the rules are simple. Whether you are tall or short, you can be good at soccer.
[Paragraph 5]
For all these reasons, I believe soccer is the best sport. It brings joy, keeps you fit, and welcomes everyone. If you have never tried soccer, I hope you will give it a chance!
For all these reasons, I believe soccer is the best sport. It brings joy, keeps you fit, and welcomes everyone. If you have never tried soccer, I hope you will give it a chance!
Question 1: What type of writing is this essay?
Question 2: Which transition word is used to begin Paragraph 3?
Question 3: How many body paragraphs does this essay have?
Identify the Parts
For each sentence, identify what part of an essay it belongs to.
"Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue?"
This sentence is most likely from the:
"In conclusion, reading is one of the best hobbies you can have."
This sentence is most likely from the:
"First, dogs need to be walked every day to stay healthy."
This sentence is most likely a:
"For example, my dog Max loves to chase squirrels at the park."
This sentence is most likely a:
"There are three important reasons why everyone should recycle."
This sentence is most likely from the:
Find the Off-Topic Sentence
In each paragraph below, click on the sentence that does NOT belong.
Click the Off-Topic Sentence
Topic: Why breakfast is important
Eating breakfast gives you energy to start your day.
Students who eat breakfast do better in school.
My favorite TV show comes on at 7 o'clock.
A healthy breakfast includes protein and whole grains.
Click the Off-Topic Sentence
Topic: How to take care of a pet fish
Feed your fish a small amount of food once or twice a day.
Keep the fish tank clean by changing the water regularly.
Make sure the water temperature is right for your type of fish.
Dogs like to play fetch in the backyard.
Click the Off-Topic Sentence
Topic: Why recycling helps the environment
Recycling reduces the amount of trash in landfills.
I got a new bicycle for my birthday last month.
Making products from recycled materials uses less energy.
Recycling paper helps save trees in our forests.
Match the Transition
Choose the best transition word to complete each sentence.
"I wanted to go to the park. _____, it started raining."
"Apples are a healthy snack. _____, they contain vitamins and fiber."
"_____, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. _____, mix the ingredients together."
Check Your Understanding
What are the three main parts of an essay?
What does a topic sentence do?
Why are transition words important?
What We Practiced
A
Essay Structure
Introduction, body, conclusion
*
Topic Sentences
Finding the main idea of paragraphs
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Transitions
Words that connect ideas
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Supporting Details
Examples and reasons
Great job practicing! The more you read and analyze essays, the better you will become at writing them. In the next lesson, you will apply these skills to your own writing!
Next Steps
- Read a book or article and try to identify the main idea and supporting details
- Look for transition words in the texts you read
- Practice identifying topic sentences in paragraphs
- Move on to the Writing Application lesson to write your own multi-paragraph essay!