Choose topic sentences for narrative paragraphs

  • A topic sentence is the sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is mainly about.
  • It sets the stage for the rest of the paragraph.
  • The topic sentence usually comes at the beginning of the paragraph. Example:
  • “I had the best day at the park yesterday.” (This introduces the main idea of the paragraph.)

  • A narrative paragraph tells a story or describes an event in the order it happens.
  • It has a beginning, middle, and end, and is often written in chronological order.
  • The topic sentence introduces the event or the main idea of the story. Example:
  • “Last Saturday, my family went on a fun picnic by the lake.”

  • The topic sentence should be clear and related to the story.
  • It should give a hint about what the paragraph will describe or explain.
  • Ask yourself: “What is the main event or focus of the story?” Example:
  • If the paragraph is about how you won a race, a good topic sentence might be: “Winning my first race was an unforgettable experience.”

  • The topic sentence should not include details that do not fit the main story.
  • It should not be too broad or unrelated to the events in the paragraph. Example:
  • Wrong: “I love ice cream.” (This doesn’t relate to a story about winning a race.)
  • Right: “The race was tough, but I kept running as fast as I could.”

  • A strong topic sentence makes you want to read more to find out what happens next.
  • It should connect with the other sentences that follow in the paragraph. Example:
  • “My trip to the beach turned into an exciting adventure when I found a mysterious seashell.”

  • For a paragraph about a trip: “Our visit to the zoo was filled with exciting animal encounters.”
  • For a paragraph about a birthday party: “My 8th birthday party was the most fun I’ve ever had!”
  • For a paragraph about a new pet: “Getting my new puppy was the happiest moment of my week.”

  • The topic sentence helps the reader know what to expect in the paragraph.
  • It gives the story a focus and helps make the writing clearer.