Lesson 3: Use Topic Sentences and Transitions

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟢 A. Paragraphs and Organization

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Objective

I can write a clear topic sentence and use transitions to connect the details in my paragraph.

Materials

Common transitions: first, next, then, finally, because, for example, in addition, however.

Mini-lesson — Topic Sentences & Transitions

  1. Topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph.
  2. Transitions guide the reader from one idea to the next.
  3. Placement: Topic sentence is often first, but not always.
  4. Check: Do all details clearly connect back to the topic sentence?
  5. Vary transitions: Use time order, examples, reasons, or contrasts.

Guided Practice — Writing Pad (Keyboard)

Topic sentence starter: “Joining a school club helps fourth graders grow.”

  • Plan: Outline 3 details (e.g., new friends, leadership, new skills).
  • Draft: 1 paragraph (90–130 words) with transitions.
  • Edit: Improve the topic sentence and strengthen one transition.
0 words Saved

Drag & Drop — Build Strong Topic/Detail Sentences with Transitions

Drag a word and release it inside a slot to drop it. Chips stay within their own question. After several tries, the answer will be shown automatically.

Firstjoiningaclubhelpsstudentsmakenewfriends.
Nexttheypracticeleadershipbyplanningevents.
Becauseclubsmeetweeklystudentsbuildresponsibility.
Forexamplememberslearnnewskillslikecodingorart.
Inadditionclubsconnectstudentswithhelpfulmentors.
Finallyastrongclosingsentencerestatesthemainpoint.
Atopicsentencetellswhattheparagraphismostlyabout.
Transitionsconnectideassothewritingflowssmoothly.
Howeversometransitionsshowcontrastbetweenideas.
Becausereasonsexplainresultstheycanlinkcauseandeffect.

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) Which sentence is a topic sentence?

2) What do transitions do?

3) Which introduces an example?

4) Best topic sentence for a paragraph about “Why recess matters”:

5) Which is a sequence transition?

6) Best closing for “Clubs build confidence”:

7) Choose the best transition for contrast:

8) If a detail doesn’t connect to the topic sentence, you should…

9) Which topic sentence is best for a paragraph about “Healthy lunches”?

10) Which transition introduces a reason?

11) A paragraph with examples but no clear topic sentence still works if…

12) Best revision to improve flow:

13) Which is too narrow for a topic sentence?

14) A strong closing sentence should…

15) Which revision improves clarity?

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

I will practice…

Lesson 4 →