Subject Sentence Flashcards
6 cards from real Reading Comprehension practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Subject Sentence flashcards as text
Which of the following sentences best functions as a topic sentence for a paragraph about the benefits of regular exercise?
Answer: Regular exercise provides numerous physical and mental health benefits
A topic sentence states the main idea that the rest of the paragraph will develop. This sentence introduces the broad claim (numerous benefits) that supporting details about specific physical and mental benefits would elaborate on.
Read the paragraph: '_______________. For example, students who take notes by hand tend to retain information better than those who type. Additionally, breaking study sessions into shorter intervals improves long-term memory. Finally, teaching material to someone else reinforces the learner's own understanding.' Which sentence best fills the blank as a topic sentence?
Answer: Research has identified several effective study strategies that improve learning outcomes
The supporting details present three research-backed study strategies (handwriting notes, spaced practice, teaching others). The topic sentence must introduce the concept of research-based study strategies.
In the passage 'Coral reefs are sometimes called the rainforests of the sea. They cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support approximately 25% of all marine species. This incredible biodiversity makes them one of the most ecologically important habitats on Earth,' which sentence is the topic sentence?
Answer: The first sentence comparing reefs to rainforests
The first sentence introduces the central comparison (reefs are like rainforests) that the subsequent sentences develop by explaining WHY this comparison is apt (biodiversity, ecological importance).
A student writes the following topic sentence: 'My dog Buster is a golden retriever.' Why is this a weak topic sentence for a paragraph?
Answer: It states a simple fact that cannot be developed with supporting arguments or analysis
A breed identification is a closed fact — there's nothing to argue, analyze, or develop. A strong topic sentence makes a claim that requires elaboration and evidence.
Where is the topic sentence located in the following paragraph? 'Honeybees perform a waggle dance to indicate the distance and direction of food sources. Scout bees return to the hive and dance in specific patterns that other bees can interpret. The angle of the dance relative to the sun indicates direction, while the duration of the waggle indicates distance. Honeybee communication is remarkably sophisticated for an insect species.'
Answer: First sentence
The first sentence introduces the main idea — bees use a waggle dance to communicate food locations. The following sentences provide details about how this works, and the last sentence offers a concluding observation.
Which revision transforms the weak topic sentence 'There are many types of renewable energy' into a stronger one?
Answer: Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power offer viable alternatives to fossil fuels that can reduce carbon emissions
The revised sentence specifies the types of renewable energy, makes a claim (viable alternatives that reduce emissions), and invites development through examples and evidence for each energy source.