Paragraph Development: Focus on Topic Sentences

English
Year 9
9 questions
~18 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

A comprehension practice worksheet exploring the importance of topic sentences in paragraph development, set within the context of modern fiction.

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Paragraph Development: Focus on Topic Sentences

Subject: EnglishGrade: Year 9
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9
A

Understanding Topic Sentences in Modern Fiction

In contemporary fiction, authors often use the opening sentence of a paragraph to set the tone or introduce the main idea. For example, in the novel 'The Whispering Shadows' by Elizabeth Harper, the author begins a key paragraph with: 'The night was unusually still, each shadow hiding a secret.' This topic sentence immediately establishes a mysterious atmosphere and prepares the reader for the unfolding events. Writers may also use a topic sentence to shift focus within a story or to highlight a character's internal thoughts, as seen when the protagonist reflects, 'Could she trust the stranger lurking in the alley?' Effective topic sentences help readers follow the narrative and understand the significance of each paragraph.
1.
What is the purpose of the opening sentence in a paragraph, based on the passage?
[2 marks]
2.
Identify one example of a topic sentence from the passage and explain its effect.
[3 marks]
3.
Which technique is used in the sentence: 'Could she trust the stranger lurking in the alley?'
Aa) Foreshadowing
Bb) Internal monologue
Cc) Character development
Dd) Setting description
4.
How do effective topic sentences contribute to the cohesion of a paragraph?
[2 marks]
5.
Choose the best topic sentence that could replace the existing one to improve clarity: 'The story was about her feelings.'
Aa) Her feelings overwhelmed her.
Bb) The story explored her complex emotions.
Cc) She was feeling sad.
Dd) The story was long and detailed.
6.
Explain how a strong topic sentence can influence the reader's understanding of a paragraph.
7.
Create a suitable topic sentence for a paragraph about the character's surprise in a modern fiction story.
[3 marks]
8.
In your own words, describe how a writer might use a topic sentence to introduce a change in the story's direction.
[3 marks]
9.
Design a short paragraph with a clear topic sentence about the theme of trust in modern fiction. Include at least two supporting ideas.

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet