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
A paragraph discusses how volunteering builds empathy, develops professional skills, creates social connections, and improves mental health. Which topic sentence best introduces this paragraph?
Answer: Volunteering benefits the volunteer as much as the community by fostering personal growth across multiple dimensions
The supporting details cover four types of personal benefits (empathy, skills, connections, mental health). The topic sentence must introduce the concept of multiple personal benefits from volunteering.
In academic writing, what is the relationship between a topic sentence and a thesis statement?
Answer: A topic sentence supports the thesis by stating the main idea of one paragraph within the larger essay
A thesis statement is the main argument of the entire essay, while each topic sentence states the main idea of its paragraph, supporting one aspect of the thesis.
Read the paragraph: 'First, the Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles across northern China. Second, it was built over many centuries by multiple dynasties. Third, it was originally designed to protect against northern invasions. The Great Wall of China is one of the most remarkable engineering achievements in human history.' Where is the topic sentence?
Answer: Last sentence
This paragraph uses an inductive structure — it presents specific facts first and builds to the main idea in the final sentence. The topic sentence appears at the end as a conclusion drawn from the evidence.
Which of the following is NOT a function of a topic sentence?
Answer: Presenting every detail that will appear in the paragraph
A topic sentence introduces the main idea and sets expectations, and it may provide transition. However, it does NOT present every detail — that's what the supporting sentences do.
A student writes: 'Social media has both positive and negative effects on teenagers.' A teacher says this topic sentence could be improved. What is the most likely reason?
Answer: The sentence tries to cover too much ground for a single paragraph and would work better as a thesis for a multi-paragraph essay
Covering both positive AND negative effects of social media on teenagers is too broad for one paragraph — this scope is better suited as a thesis statement for an essay with separate paragraphs for each type of effect.
Read the following sentences and identify which one functions as a topic sentence: (1) 'The tomato was originally believed to be poisonous.' (2) 'Europeans called it the poison apple.' (3) 'Lead plates reacted with tomato acid, causing lead poisoning.' (4) 'The tomato's journey from feared fruit to kitchen staple is one of food history's most surprising reversals.'
Answer: Sentence 4
Sentence 4 is the broadest statement that encompasses the entire narrative — from being feared to becoming a staple. The other sentences are specific historical details that support this larger point.