# Lesson 3: Use Topic Sentences and Transitions

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

← Back to Level 4

Tip: In your browser’s print dialog, turn off Headers and footers for a clean page.

## Objective

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

## Materials

- Keyboard device (laptop/tablet) ⌨️
- Writing Pad (below)
- Optional: notebook for quick outlines

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.

Video won’t be included when printing.

## 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.

First joining a club helps students make new friends.
Next they practice leadership by planning events.
Because clubs meet weekly students build responsibility.
For example members learn new skills like coding or art.
In addition clubs connect students with helpful mentors.
Finally a strong closing sentence restates the main point.
A topic sentence tells what the paragraph is mostly about.
Transitions connect ideas so the writing flows smoothly.
However some transitions show contrast between ideas.
Because reasons explain results they can link cause and effect.

## Quick Check (15 questions)

#### 1) Which sentence is a topic sentence?

Next, we cleaned up the table. Joining a club helps students grow in many ways. The markers were dry.

#### 2) What do transitions do?

Add random facts Make sentences longer Connect ideas so writing flows

#### 3) Which introduces an example?

for example finally however

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

The swings were busy today. Recess supports health and learning for students. I like the red slide.

#### 5) Which is a sequence transition?

because however then

#### 6) Best closing for “Clubs build confidence”:

That’s why clubs help students feel ready to lead. We met on Tuesdays. The school has a large gym.

#### 7) Choose the best transition for contrast:

for example however next

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

keep it because it’s interesting change the topic sentence randomly revise or remove the detail

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

Healthy lunches give kids energy to learn. Apples are red. The cafeteria has chairs.

#### 10) Which transition introduces a reason?

finally because for example

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

the last word rhymes it uses long adjectives all examples point to one idea

#### 12) Best revision to improve flow:

replace repeated “then” with “next” or “finally” add three unrelated details remove the topic sentence

#### 13) Which is too narrow for a topic sentence?

There are several reasons to read daily. Today I read page 4 of one book. Reading builds knowledge and imagination.

#### 14) A strong closing sentence should…

start a new topic repeat the first sentence word-for-word reflect on and reinforce the main idea

#### 15) Which revision improves clarity?

Replace “good” with a precise word like “effective”. Add details that don’t fit. Remove transitions.

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Clear topic sentence states the main idea Uses transitions to connect details Details clearly support the topic sentence Strong closing that wraps the idea

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 My topic sentence & transitions were clear 🙂 I need to vary transitions more 😅 It was tricky to keep all details on topic

#### I will practice…

Writing a sharper topic sentence Using “because/for example/in addition” Restating the main idea in the closing
Lesson 4 →