SAT Reading & Writing: Identifying Topic Sentences
22+ practice questions in Praczo
The concept, explained
- 1
A topic sentence establishes the main idea or argument of a paragraph.
- 2
Every subsequent sentence in the paragraph should provide evidence, detail, or support for the claim made in the topic sentence.
- 3
If you are asked to choose the best topic sentence, look at the evidence in the rest of the paragraph. What general statement do all these details prove?
- 4
Avoid topic sentences that are too broad (covering the whole essay) or too narrow (stating just one piece of evidence).
- ✗ Choosing a topic sentence that contradicts the evidence later provided.
- ✗ Picking a sentence that introduces a compelling idea, but one that is never actually discussed in the paragraph.
SAT-style practice
Paragraph: "[Topic Sentence]. For instance, certain fish have developed antifreeze proteins in their blood. Similarly, some frogs can freeze solid during winter and thaw out unharmed in spring." What is the best topic sentence?
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