Topic And Supporting Sentences Quiz

1. John hates doing laundry and folding clothes. He thinks all this takes a lot of his time. Also, he believes he is not good at it as he never gets any wrinkles out. In this paragraph, what is the topic sentence?

John hates doing laundry and folding clothes.

He thinks all this takes a lot of his time.

Also, he believes he is not good at it as he never gets any wrinkles out.

None of the above.

The topic sentence of this paragraph is "John hates doing laundry and folding clothes." This is because it introduces the main idea or topic of the paragraph, which is John's dislike for these tasks. The following sentences provide supporting details and examples to further explain and support this main idea.

Explanation

The topic sentence of this paragraph is "John hates doing laundry and folding clothes." This is because it introduces the main idea or topic of the paragraph, which is John's dislike for these tasks. The following sentences provide supporting details and examples to further explain and support this main idea.

2. Choose the best topic sentence: [________________________________] Many people who earn the minimum wage are trying to support families with this salary. No one working full-time and earning the minimum wage makes enough money to pay for rent, food, and other necessities. If we raise the minimum wage, families will have more money to spend, and therefore other businesses will make more money. For so many reasons, it is the right thing to do.

We must worry about jobs, not wages.

Parents in New York City have a lot of expenses.

This economy is especially hard for small business owners.

It is time to raise the minimum wage.

The given answer, "It is time to raise the minimum wage," is the best topic sentence because it clearly introduces the main idea of the paragraph. The subsequent sentences provide supporting details and arguments to justify why raising the minimum wage is necessary. By starting the paragraph with this topic sentence, the reader immediately understands the focus and direction of the paragraph.

Explanation

The given answer, "It is time to raise the minimum wage," is the best topic sentence because it clearly introduces the main idea of the paragraph. The subsequent sentences provide supporting details and arguments to justify why raising the minimum wage is necessary. By starting the paragraph with this topic sentence, the reader immediately understands the focus and direction of the paragraph.

3. Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located between the ancient Italian cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. It has received much attention because of its frequent and destructive eruptions. The most famous of these eruptions occurred in A.D. 79. Which is the topic sentence in this passage?

Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located between the ancient Italian cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

It has received much attention because of its frequent and destructive eruptions.

The most famous of these eruptions occurred in A.D. 79.

None of the above

The topic sentence in this passage is "Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located between the ancient Italian cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum." This is because it introduces the main subject of the passage, which is Mount Vesuvius and its location. The following sentences provide additional information about the volcano and its eruptions, but they are supporting details that expand on the topic introduced in the topic sentence.

Explanation

The topic sentence in this passage is "Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located between the ancient Italian cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum." This is because it introduces the main subject of the passage, which is Mount Vesuvius and its location. The following sentences provide additional information about the volcano and its eruptions, but they are supporting details that expand on the topic introduced in the topic sentence.

4. Choose the best topic sentence: [_______________________________] Unlike some breeds of dogs, they do not need a lot of exercise each day. Crowds and loud noises do not make them nervous. Also, they do not mind being alone for hours if you need to be away from work. On top of all this, they are known to be patient and loving with children. If you are a city-dwelling family looking for a pet, I highly recommend this breed of dog.

Every family should have a dog.

Greyhounds are a good choice of dog for people who live in cities.

Not all dogs are happy living in the city.

All breeds of dogs are pretty much alike -- it's all the same.

The given answer, "Greyhounds are a good choice of dog for people who live in cities," is the best topic sentence because it introduces the main idea of the paragraph, which is that greyhounds are suitable pets for city-dwelling families. The supporting details in the paragraph explain why greyhounds are a good choice, such as their low exercise needs, ability to handle crowds and loud noises, and their patience and love for children. This topic sentence effectively summarizes the main point of the paragraph.

Explanation

The given answer, "Greyhounds are a good choice of dog for people who live in cities," is the best topic sentence because it introduces the main idea of the paragraph, which is that greyhounds are suitable pets for city-dwelling families. The supporting details in the paragraph explain why greyhounds are a good choice, such as their low exercise needs, ability to handle crowds and loud noises, and their patience and love for children. This topic sentence effectively summarizes the main point of the paragraph.

5. Matilda's parents owned quite a nice house with three bedrooms upstairs, while on the ground floor, there was a dining room and a living room, and a kitchen. Her father was a dealer in second-hand cars, and it seemed he did pretty well at it.
"Her father was a dealer in second-hand cars, and it seemed he did pretty well at it. "- In this paragraph, what is this sentence?

Topic sentence

Supporting sentence

Both

None of the above

The sentence "Her father was a dealer in second-hand cars, and it seemed he did pretty well at it" is a supporting sentence. It provides additional information about Matilda's father and his successful career as a dealer in second-hand cars. It supports the main idea of the paragraph, which is to describe Matilda's parents and their nice house.

Explanation

The sentence "Her father was a dealer in second-hand cars, and it seemed he did pretty well at it" is a supporting sentence. It provides additional information about Matilda's father and his successful career as a dealer in second-hand cars. It supports the main idea of the paragraph, which is to describe Matilda's parents and their nice house.

6. Choose TWO supporting sentences for this topic sentence: Young children should not be allowed to cross Fourth Avenue by themselves.

There are many good restaurants on that street.

Last year, two children were injured while crossing that street.

Cars are always speeding down that avenue.

There is a school located on Fourth Avenue.

The best supporting sentences directly relate to the topic sentence's claim about child safety on Fourth Avenue. "Two children were injured" provides evidence of past accidents, making it dangerous. "Cars are always speeding" explains why it's unsafe, highlighting the traffic hazard. The other sentences are irrelevant to the safety concern.

Explanation

The best supporting sentences directly relate to the topic sentence's claim about child safety on Fourth Avenue. "Two children were injured" provides evidence of past accidents, making it dangerous. "Cars are always speeding" explains why it's unsafe, highlighting the traffic hazard. The other sentences are irrelevant to the safety concern.

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7. Choose the best topic sentence: [_______________________________] She always takes the time to listen to me. When I was in the hospital, she came to visit me. She always makes sure I get the medication I need. Several of my friends now go to see her, and they like her as much as I do!

I am very happy with my doctor.

It is hard to find a good doctor.

Seeing a doctor has become very expensive.

I love my mother.

The topic sentence "I am very happy with my doctor" is the best choice because it introduces the main idea of the paragraph, which is the speaker's satisfaction with their doctor. The following sentences provide specific examples and reasons for this satisfaction, such as the doctor's attentiveness, visits to the hospital, and ensuring medication needs are met. The sentence about loving the mother is unrelated to the topic of the paragraph, while the sentence about finding a good doctor and the cost of seeing a doctor are not supported by the information given in the paragraph.

Explanation

The topic sentence "I am very happy with my doctor" is the best choice because it introduces the main idea of the paragraph, which is the speaker's satisfaction with their doctor. The following sentences provide specific examples and reasons for this satisfaction, such as the doctor's attentiveness, visits to the hospital, and ensuring medication needs are met. The sentence about loving the mother is unrelated to the topic of the paragraph, while the sentence about finding a good doctor and the cost of seeing a doctor are not supported by the information given in the paragraph.

8. Which sentence is the topic sentence in the following paragraph?

The library is a great place to spend a quiet afternoon.

You can browse the shelves for interesting books.

You can use the computers to research a topic.

You can even relax in a comfy chair and read a magazine.

The topic sentence is the main idea of a paragraph. In this paragraph, the topic sentence is the first sentence, "The library is a great place to spend a quiet afternoon." The other sentences are supporting sentences that provide details and examples to support the topic sentence.

Explanation

The topic sentence is the main idea of a paragraph. In this paragraph, the topic sentence is the first sentence, "The library is a great place to spend a quiet afternoon." The other sentences are supporting sentences that provide details and examples to support the topic sentence.

9. Choose TWO supporting sentences for this topic sentence: I need to look for a new job.

Since we now have another child, my salary really isn't enough for our family.

I like working with my brother.

The commute is very long, and I would like to spend more time with my family.

This is a tough economy, and I am lucky that I still have a job.

The two supporting sentences for this topic sentence should be "I need to look for a new job" are "Since we now have another child, my salary really isn't enough for our family" and "The commute is very long, and I would like to spend more time with my family." These two sentences provide valid reasons for the person to consider finding a new job. The first sentence highlights the financial strain caused by the addition of another child, indicating the need for a higher salary. The second sentence emphasizes the desire for a better work-life balance by reducing the long commute and spending more time with family.

Explanation

The two supporting sentences for this topic sentence should be "I need to look for a new job" are "Since we now have another child, my salary really isn't enough for our family" and "The commute is very long, and I would like to spend more time with my family." These two sentences provide valid reasons for the person to consider finding a new job. The first sentence highlights the financial strain caused by the addition of another child, indicating the need for a higher salary. The second sentence emphasizes the desire for a better work-life balance by reducing the long commute and spending more time with family.

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10. Choose TWO supporting sentences for this topic sentence: Students need to learn good ways to study.

Sometimes studying in a group can be helpful.

Making friends is important to happiness and success.

Many high-paying jobs require a college degree.

Studying instead of sleeping help to learn or increase test scores.

The two supporting sentences for the topic sentence "Students need to learn good ways to study" are "Sometimes studying in a group can be helpful" and "Studying instead of sleeping help to learn or increase test scores." These sentences provide examples and explanations of different study methods and emphasize the importance of effective studying techniques.

Explanation

The two supporting sentences for the topic sentence "Students need to learn good ways to study" are "Sometimes studying in a group can be helpful" and "Studying instead of sleeping help to learn or increase test scores." These sentences provide examples and explanations of different study methods and emphasize the importance of effective studying techniques.

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