Grade: Grade 6 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Paragraph Structure Lesson: 6 of 6 SAT: ExpressionOfIdeas ACT: English

Unit Checkpoint

Unit Review

This checkpoint will help you assess your mastery of paragraph structure skills. Review the key concepts before completing the assessment.

Key Concepts from This Unit

Lesson 1: Topic and Concluding Sentences

  • Topic sentences state the main idea and control the paragraph
  • Strong topic sentences are specific, focused, and engaging
  • Concluding sentences summarize the main point or transition to the next idea
  • Avoid weak openings like "This paragraph is about..."

Lesson 2: Transition Words

  • Transitions show relationships between ideas
  • Categories: addition, contrast, cause/effect, example, sequence, conclusion
  • Choose transitions that match the logical relationship
  • Transitions make writing flow smoothly

Lesson 3: Text-Based Practice

  • All supporting sentences must relate to the topic sentence
  • Remove or relocate off-topic sentences
  • Arrange ideas in logical order (chronological, spatial, importance)
  • Each paragraph should focus on one main idea

Lesson 4: Writing Application

  • Plan before writing: outline your main idea and support
  • Draft with structure in mind: topic, support, conclusion
  • Revise for unity (all sentences support main idea)
  • Revise for coherence (ideas flow logically)

Lesson 5: Editing Workshop

  • TOPIC checklist: Topic sentence, Organization, Proof, Interconnection, Closing
  • Fix weak topic sentences by making them specific
  • Add transitions where ideas feel disconnected
  • Delete off-topic sentences

Unit Assessment

Complete all sections of this assessment. Check your answers at the end.

Part A: Multiple Choice (Questions 1-4)

Question 1

Which is the strongest topic sentence?

  1. This paragraph is about why breakfast is important.
  2. Breakfast is good.
  3. Eating a nutritious breakfast improves students' concentration and academic performance.
  4. Many people eat breakfast.

Question 2

Which transition best shows contrast?

  1. Furthermore
  2. However
  3. For example
  4. Therefore

Question 3

What is the purpose of a concluding sentence?

  1. To introduce a new topic
  2. To provide the first piece of evidence
  3. To summarize the main point or transition to the next paragraph
  4. To list all the points in the paragraph

Question 4

Which sentence should be removed from this paragraph?

"(1) Regular exercise provides numerous health benefits. (2) Physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation. (3) My favorite sport is basketball. (4) Exercise also boosts mental health by reducing stress. (5) For optimal health, experts recommend 30 minutes of activity daily."

  1. Sentence 1
  2. Sentence 2
  3. Sentence 3
  4. Sentence 5

Part B: Fill in the Blank (Questions 5-6)

Question 5

Add appropriate transitions to connect these sentences:

"Recycling reduces waste in landfills. _____, it conserves natural resources by reusing materials. _____, some items like plastic bottles can be recycled into new products. _____, everyone should make recycling a daily habit."

Question 6

Write a topic sentence and concluding sentence for this paragraph:

"[TOPIC SENTENCE] First, libraries offer free access to thousands of books for readers of all ages. Additionally, many libraries provide computer access and internet for students without these resources at home. Libraries also host educational programs, from reading groups to homework help sessions. [CONCLUDING SENTENCE]"

Part C: Paragraph Analysis (Questions 7-8)

Question 7

Using the TOPIC checklist, identify THREE problems with this paragraph:

"Pets. Dogs are loyal. Cats are independent. I have a hamster named Fluffy. Fish are easy to care for. Birds can be noisy. Some apartments don't allow pets. Pets are fun."

Question 8

Reorganize these sentences into a logical paragraph (number them 1-5):

  • ____ As a result, students feel more prepared when test day arrives.
  • ____ Studying regularly over time is more effective than cramming.
  • ____ Additionally, shorter study sessions reduce stress and prevent burnout.
  • ____ When students review material daily, information moves into long-term memory.
  • ____ Therefore, spreading study time across several days leads to better retention and performance.

Part D: Writing Application (Questions 9-10)

Question 9

Rewrite this paragraph with proper structure, including a strong topic sentence, transitions, and concluding sentence:

"School lunches. They should be healthier. Students eat junk food. Some schools have salad bars. Pizza is popular. Healthy food gives energy. Kids learn better when they eat well."

Question 10

Write a complete, well-structured paragraph on ONE of the following topics. Your paragraph must include a clear topic sentence, at least three supporting sentences with transitions, and a concluding sentence.

  • Topic A: Why students should read for pleasure
  • Topic B: The benefits of learning a second language
  • Topic C: Why schools should have longer recess

Answer Key

Click to reveal answers

Part A: Multiple Choice

1. C - This topic sentence is specific (mentions nutrition, concentration, performance) and makes a clear, focused claim.

2. B - "However" signals contrast or opposition. "Furthermore" and "For example" add information; "Therefore" shows result.

3. C - Concluding sentences wrap up the paragraph's main idea and may provide a bridge to the next paragraph.

4. C - "My favorite sport is basketball" is a personal off-topic comment that doesn't support the main idea about health benefits of exercise.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

5. Sample answers: "Additionally" or "Furthermore," "For example" or "Specifically," "Therefore" or "In conclusion"

6. Topic sentence: "Public libraries serve as essential community resources that benefit people of all ages." Concluding sentence: "For these reasons, communities should continue to support and fund their local libraries."

Part C: Paragraph Analysis

7. TOPIC problems: (T) Topic sentence is just one word "Pets" - not a complete sentence or clear claim; (O) No logical organization - random list of pet facts; (P) Off-topic sentences like "Some apartments don't allow pets"; (I) No transitions between ideas; (C) Weak concluding sentence "Pets are fun" doesn't summarize.

8. Order: 4, 1, 3, 2, 5. The paragraph should flow: Topic (studying regularly is better) -> Evidence (daily review helps memory) -> Additional point (reduces stress) -> Result (feel prepared) -> Conclusion (spreading time leads to success).

Part D: Writing Application

9. Sample revision: "School cafeterias should offer more nutritious lunch options to support student health and learning. Currently, many school menus feature processed foods high in sugar and fat, which can cause energy crashes during afternoon classes. However, schools that have introduced fresh salad bars and whole-grain options have seen improvements in student focus and behavior. Additionally, research shows that students who eat balanced meals perform better on tests and have fewer behavioral issues. Therefore, investing in healthier school lunches is an investment in student success."

10. Sample paragraph for Topic A: "Reading for pleasure offers students benefits that extend far beyond entertainment. First, recreational reading expands vocabulary naturally, as readers encounter new words in context rather than through memorization. Additionally, reading fiction develops empathy by allowing readers to experience life from different perspectives. Furthermore, students who read for pleasure consistently outperform their peers on standardized tests in all subjects, not just reading. For these compelling reasons, schools and parents should encourage students to set aside time each day for reading books they genuinely enjoy."

Self-Assessment

After checking your answers, use this rubric to assess your mastery:

Score Mastery Level Next Steps
9-10 correct Advanced You have mastered paragraph structure! Move on to the next unit.
7-8 correct Proficient Review any concepts you missed, then proceed to the next unit.
5-6 correct Developing Review Lessons 3-5 and practice the exercises again before moving on.
0-4 correct Beginning Restart the unit from Lesson 1 and work through all practice exercises.

Next Steps

  • Apply paragraph structure skills to all your writing assignments
  • Use the TOPIC checklist when editing your work
  • Practice identifying paragraph elements in texts you read
  • Continue to the next ELA unit