Date:
Name:
Paragraphs / Main Ideas / Topic Sentences
squirrel is a sduirrel that can glide through the air. A fold of skin on each side of
its body connects the front and back legs. There are different types of squirrels living in North
America. Most squirrels like eating different types of nuts. When a flying squinel stretches out
its legs, the folds of skin form "wings". It glides from tree to tree, using its broad, flat tail to
guide its flight. Like other squirrels, flying squinels nest in the hollow of trees.
(A) A flying
1. What
is the main idea?
2. Copy the sentence which is the topic
3. Using
a
sentence.
ruler, cross out the sentences that don't belong.
(B) At competitions, the pilots of hot-air balloons can take part in three exciting events. ln a
hare-and-hounds race, a single balloon called the hare, takes off and flies for a certain length of
time. A few minutes later, the other people in the race take off. The winner is the pilot who
lands closest to the hare, In the spot-landing event, a target is set up downwind from the starting
place. The contestants try to land as close to the target as possible. The winner of the crosscountry race is the per son who travetrs the greatest distance in a set period of time.
1. What is the main idea?
2. Copy the sentence which
3.
is the topic sentence.
What are the three events that a balloon pilot can enter?
(C) The propane burner is located on a platform above the pilot. To go up the balloonist simply
turns on the burner. As the air is heated, the balloon rises. To come down the pilot turns the
burner off and lets the air cool.
What is the main idea?
Write an interesting topic sentence for the paragraph.
(D)
Decide on a main idea for each of the following paragraph topics. Then use this idea to
write an interesting topic sentence. Remember that your sentence should tell your reader clearly
*hat the paragraph will be about.
Example
Topic: An unusual pet
Main ldea: Winston, my brother's raccoon
Topic Sentence: As soon as we opened the door, we realized that Winston had escaped from his
cage.
l.
Topic: Afrightening experience
Main ldea:
Topic Sentence:
2. Topic: Afunny incident
Main Idea:
Topic Sentence:
3. Topic: Abadday
Main Idea:
Topic Sentence:
Use an eraser
if you
make a mistake!