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Grade 2 · lesson 3 of 4

Keep a Paragraph on One Topic

Choose a supporting sentence and place it after a topic sentence.

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Supplied materials

  • Original paragraph pieces: Topic: “Our class set up a drawing table.” Detail 1: “We placed blank paper in a tray.” Detail 2: “We put pencils in a cup.” Possible ending: “The table is ready for drawing.” Unrelated note: “My cousin has a blue bicycle.”
  • Paper and pencil; spoken responses are welcome.

Learn the idea

A paragraph is a group of sentences that work together. A topic sentence introduces the main subject, and supporting sentences tell more about it. Here the drawing table is the subject; paper and pencils explain how it was set up. Putting the topic first helps a reader understand why the supplies are mentioned.

A true sentence can still be out of place. The cousin’s bicycle might belong in a different paragraph, but it does not explain the drawing table. An ending can bring the details together without starting a new subject. Reread the finished paragraph and ask how each sentence connects to the same topic.

  1. Read the five paragraph pieces.
  2. Put the drawing-table topic sentence first.
  3. Place the paper and pencil details next.
  4. Finish with readiness for drawing and set aside the bicycle note.
Worked example

See the method in action

Our class set up a drawing table. We placed blank paper in a tray. We put pencils in a cup. The table is ready for drawing. Each sentence connects to the table, unlike the bicycle note.

Your turn

Check your reasoning

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Which sentence belongs as a detail in the drawing-table paragraph?

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See the answer and explanation

We put pencils in a cup.

Pencils are drawing supplies and connect directly to setting up the table. The other sentences introduce unrelated subjects.

Take it further

Change the topic to “Our class set up a reading shelf” and supply “We placed books in two baskets” and “We added a return sign.” Model paragraph uses the new topic and these two details; the pencil cup is omitted because the new subject is book storage.

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Check the subject sources

These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.