Topic Sentence Assessment
Reading Comprehension
1. Read the following paragraph:
The rainforest canopy is home to an astonishing variety of species. Colorful birds like toucans
and macaws nest in the highest branches. Monkeys and sloths travel through the treetops,
rarely descending to the forest floor. Countless insects and small reptiles make their homes in
this elevated ecosystem.
Which sentence is the topic sentence?
A) Colorful birds like toucans and macaws nest in the highest branches.
B) The rainforest canopy is home to an astonishing variety of species.
C) Monkeys and sloths travel through the treetops, rarely descending to the forest floor.
D) Countless insects and small reptiles make their homes in this elevated ecosystem.
2. Read the following paragraph:
Reading fiction has several benefits for developing minds. It improves vocabulary and language
skills through exposure to diverse writing styles. Fiction also enhances empathy by allowing
readers to experience different perspectives. Additionally, the concentration required for
reading helps improve focus and attention span.
What is the function of the topic sentence in this paragraph?
A) To provide a specific example
B) To introduce a counterargument
C) To present the main idea that will be developed
D) To summarize the previous paragraph
3. Read the following paragraph:
Many animals have developed remarkable adaptations for survival. Some desert creatures can
go for long periods without water. Certain fish species can change their coloration to blend
with their surroundings. Arctic animals often have thick layers of fat to insulate against
extreme cold.
Which sentence is the topic sentence?
A) Arctic animals often have thick layers of fat to insulate against extreme cold.
B) Some desert creatures can go for long periods without water.
C) Many animals have developed remarkable adaptations for survival.
D) Certain fish species can change their coloration to blend with their surroundings.
4. Read the following paragraph:
Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Discarded plastic items often
end up in oceans, where they break down into microplastics. These tiny particles are
consumed by fish and other sea creatures, causing internal injuries and disrupting food chains.
Additionally, larger plastic waste can entangle marine animals, leading to injury or death.
What is the primary function of the topic sentence in this paragraph?
A) To provide a definition of plastic pollution
B) To introduce the main problem that will be explained
C) To offer a solution to plastic pollution
D) To compare plastic pollution to other environmental issues
5. Read the following paragraph:
Learning a new language requires consistent practice and exposure. Daily study sessions, even
short ones, help reinforce vocabulary and grammar concepts. Engaging with native speakers
provides authentic practice opportunities. Consuming media in the target language—such as
movies, books, and music—enhances comprehension and cultural understanding.
Which sentence is the topic sentence?
A) Consuming media in the target language enhances comprehension and cultural
understanding.
B) Learning a new language requires consistent practice and exposure.
C) Daily study sessions help reinforce vocabulary and grammar concepts.
D) Engaging with native speakers provides authentic practice opportunities.
6. Read the following paragraph:
The invention of the printing press revolutionized information sharing in the 15th century.
Before its creation, books were painstakingly copied by hand, making them rare and expensive.
The printing press allowed for mass production of written materials, significantly reducing their
cost. This democratization of knowledge contributed to increased literacy rates and the spread
of new ideas across Europe.
What is the purpose of the topic sentence in this paragraph?
A) To provide historical context
B) To introduce the central idea that will be developed with supporting details
C) To compare past and present technologies
D) To present a counterargument
7. Read the following paragraph:
Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important in our fight against climate
change. Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity without producing carbon
emissions. Wind turbines harness the power of moving air to generate clean energy.
Hydroelectric systems utilize flowing water to create electricity without depleting natural
resources.
Which sentence is the topic sentence?
A) Hydroelectric systems utilize flowing water to create electricity without depleting natural
resources.
B) Wind turbines harness the power of moving air to generate clean energy.
C) Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity without producing carbon emissions.
D) Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important in our fight against
climate change.
8. Read the following paragraph:
Exercise provides numerous benefits beyond physical fitness. Regular physical activity
improves mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. It enhances cognitive function,
including memory and concentration. Exercise also promotes better sleep quality, which
affects overall well-being.
What role does the topic sentence play in this paragraph?
A) It provides a specific example of exercise
B) It introduces the main idea that the paragraph will develop
C) It offers a counterargument to common beliefs about exercise
D) It summarizes the previous paragraph's main points
9. Read the following paragraph:
Social media has transformed how we communicate in the modern world. Platforms like
Instagram and Twitter allow instantaneous sharing of information across vast distances. Video
calls enable face-to-face conversations regardless of physical location. These technologies have
created new forms of community and connection that weren't possible before.
Which sentence is the topic sentence?
A) These technologies have created new forms of community and connection that weren't
possible before.
B) Social media has transformed how we communicate in the modern world.
C) Platforms like Instagram and Twitter allow instantaneous sharing of information across
vast distances.
D) Video calls enable face-to-face conversations regardless of physical location.
10. Read the following paragraph:
Ancient civilizations developed sophisticated methods of agriculture. The Egyptians created
irrigation systems to harness the Nile's annual flooding. Mesopotamians engineered complex
canals to water their crops in arid regions. In the Americas, the Inca built terraced fields on
mountainsides to maximize growing space in difficult terrain.
What is the function of the topic sentence in this paragraph?
A) To provide a specific example of ancient farming
B) To compare different ancient civilizations
C) To introduce the main idea that will be supported with examples
D) To present a counterargument to modern agricultural practices
Paragraph Organisation
11. Which of these sentences would be the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph
about the importance of recycling?
A) Many people don't understand how recycling works.
B) Recycling significantly reduces waste and conserves valuable resources.
C) Plastic bottles can be recycled into many different products.
D) Some cities have implemented mandatory recycling programs.
12. Which of these sentences should come first in a paragraph about the history of cinema?
A) The first commercial film was shown in Paris in 1895.
B) Today, movies are created using advanced digital technology.
C) Cinema has evolved dramatically since its invention in the late 19th century.
D) The silent film era ended in the late 1920s with the introduction of sound.
13. Which sentence would be the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph about the
benefits of reading?
A) Many people enjoy reading fiction novels.
B) Libraries offer a wide selection of books for all ages.
C) Reading regularly provides numerous cognitive and emotional benefits.
D) Some schools require students to read a certain number of books each year.
14. Which of these sentences should come first in a paragraph about the impacts of climate
change?
A) Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities worldwide.
B) Some scientists propose geoengineering solutions to combat global warming.
C) Climate change is causing widespread environmental and societal disruptions.
D) Extreme weather events have become more frequent in recent decades.
15. Which sentence would be the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph about the
importance of sleep?
A) Teenagers often don't get enough sleep during the school week.
B) Regular, quality sleep is essential for physical and mental health.
C) The recommended amount of sleep varies by age group.
D) Many people use electronic devices before bedtime.
16. Which of these sentences should come first in a paragraph about the benefits of learning a
musical instrument?
A) Piano lessons can be expensive but worthwhile.
B) Many famous musicians began playing instruments at a young age.
C) Learning to play a musical instrument develops multiple skills simultaneously.
D) Practice is essential for improving musical ability.
17. Which sentence would be the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph about the
causes of ocean pollution?
A) Ocean pollution stems from multiple human activities both on land and at sea.
B) Plastic waste is particularly harmful to marine life.
C) Many countries have implemented laws to reduce ocean dumping.
D) The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive collection of marine debris.
18. Which of these sentences should come first in a paragraph about the history of space
exploration?
A) The International Space Station has been continuously occupied since 2000.
B) The space race between the United States and Soviet Union accelerated technological
development.
C) Humanity's journey into space began in the mid-20th century and continues to evolve.
D) Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon in 1969.
19. Which sentence would be the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph about the
importance of healthy eating?
A) Fast food is convenient but often unhealthy.
B) A balanced diet is fundamental to overall health and well-being.
C) Many people don't consume enough fruits and vegetables.
D) Nutritional requirements vary based on age, gender, and activity level.
20. Which of these sentences should come first in a paragraph about the effects of social
media on teenagers?
A) Many teenagers spend several hours daily on social media platforms.
B) Parents often worry about their children's social media usage.
C) Social media has profound and complex effects on adolescent development and well-
being.
D) Instagram and TikTok are particularly popular among teenagers.
Editing Tasks
21. Which revision creates the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph about the
importance of water conservation?
Original: Water is wet and people use it.
A) Water is necessary for life and people use it every day.
B) Water conservation is an important practice that helps preserve this essential resource.
C) There are many ways to conserve water in your daily life.
D) Water shortages are becoming more common in many regions.
22. Which revision creates the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph about the
benefits of exercise?
Original: Exercise is good and people should do it.
A) Exercise is something that many people enjoy doing.
B) Regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits for both body and mind.
C) There are many different types of exercise to choose from.
D) Exercise can be done indoors or outdoors depending on the weather.
23. Which revision creates the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph about pollution?
Original: Pollution is bad for the environment.
A) Environmental pollution presents serious threats to ecosystems and human health
worldwide.
B) There are several types of pollution including air, water, and soil pollution.
C) Many countries have laws against pollution.
D) Factories and cars cause a lot of pollution.
24. Which revision creates the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph about the
importance of friendship?
Original: Friends are nice to have.
A) Meaningful friendships play a vital role in supporting emotional well-being and personal
growth.
B) Most people have at least one good friend.
C) Friends can help you when you're feeling sad.
D) Making friends can be difficult for some people.
25. Which revision creates the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph about
technological advancements?
Original: Technology is changing things.
A) Modern technology has been developed rapidly in recent years.
B) Technological advancements are transforming virtually every aspect of contemporary
society.
C) Many people use technology every day for various purposes.
D) Smartphones and computers are examples of modern technology.
Text Analysis
26. How does the topic sentence in this paragraph contribute to the overall argument about
education?
Education should be accessible to all children regardless of their background or circumstances.
When education is limited to certain groups, society loses the potential contributions of many
talented individuals. Universal access to quality education promotes social mobility and
reduces inequality. Additionally, educated populations tend to be healthier, more stable, and
more economically productive.
A) It presents a specific example that is then explained in detail
B) It introduces a counterargument that is then refuted
C) It states the main position that is then supported with reasoning and evidence
D) It provides a historical context for the discussion that follows
27. How does the topic sentence in this paragraph contribute to the text's overall argument
about climate action?
Individual actions, while important, are insufficient to address the scale of the climate crisis.
Personal choices like reducing meat consumption or using public transportation have limited
impact compared to the emissions of large corporations and entire industries. Meaningful
climate progress requires systematic changes in policy, energy production, and industrial
practices. This is why focusing solely on individual behavior change can distract from the
necessary structural reforms.
A) It establishes a limitation that frames the rest of the paragraph's argument
B) It introduces a comparison that is then developed with examples
C) It provides a definition that is then clarified through examples
D) It presents a conclusion that summarizes previous points
28. How does the topic sentence in this paragraph contribute to the text's discussion of
historical events?
The Renaissance was characterized by a renewed interest in classical learning and artistic
innovation. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo created works that demonstrated
new techniques and aesthetic principles. Scholars rediscovered ancient Greek and Roman
texts, inspiring new approaches to philosophy, science, and literature. This intellectual and
artistic flowering spread from Italy throughout Europe, transforming culture and thought for
centuries to come.
A) It provides a specific date range for the events being discussed
B) It introduces the central characteristic of the period that is then illustrated
C) It presents a controversial claim that is then defended with evidence
D) It offers a comparison between different historical periods
29. How does the topic sentence in this paragraph contribute to the text's explanation of
photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Using
chlorophyll in their leaves, plants capture energy from sunlight. This energy is used to
transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose serves as food for
the plant, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct.
A) It provides a technical definition that is then broken down into simpler components
B) It introduces a problem that is then solved through the process described
C) It presents a comparison between different biological processes
D) It offers a historical context for the scientific discovery
30. How does the topic sentence in this paragraph contribute to the text's argument about
plastic pollution?
Reducing plastic waste requires action at multiple levels of society. Individuals can make a
difference by choosing reusable alternatives to single-use plastics. Businesses need to develop
sustainable packaging solutions and take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products.
Governments must implement and enforce regulations that limit plastic production and
incentivize recycling and waste reduction.
A) It presents a specific example that is then analyzed in detail
B) It introduces a multi-faceted approach that is then explored through examples
C) It offers a counterargument that is then refuted with evidence
D) It provides a historical context for the problem being discussed
