Grade 3 · Writing · Informative

3rd Grade Informative Topic Sentences worksheets

6 printable versionsBuilding ConfidenceAbout 6 minutes eachFree · no account

When it’s done, scan the sheet with your phone and PencilGo marks it and picks the next one. Create a free account

★

Tired of searching for worksheets?

We’ll email one free Grade 3 worksheet every school day. Your child does it on paper. No account needed.

Version

Informative Topic Sentences

Grade 3 Writing Worksheet - Building Confidence

NameDate

Circle the answer, or write your answer on the lines.

1.
Facts: Owls are awake at night. Owls have big eyes. Owls fly without a sound. Which topic sentence fits all the facts?
- Owls have special ways to live at night.
- Owls are my favorite bird.
- Owls have big eyes.
2.
A paragraph is about frogs. Which sentence tells only one small detail?
- Some frogs are green.
- Frogs change a lot as they grow.
- Frogs have bodies made for water and land.
3.
Title: "How Bees Make Honey." Which topic sentence matches the title?
- Bees can sting.
- Honey tastes sweet on toast.
- Bees work together to turn flower nectar into honey.
4.
Which sentence would be a good topic sentence for a paragraph about trains?
- Trains carry people and goods from place to place.
- Do you like trains?
- Trains are the best way to travel.
Read the facts. Write a topic sentence that fits all of them. Facts: Ladybugs have spots. Ladybugs have six legs. Ladybugs can fly.
Topic sentence

3rd Grade Informative Topic Sentences worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Informative writing begins with a topic sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph will explain. Many third graders either write a tiny detail, such as a color or one body part, or they write an opinion that belongs in a different kind of writing. This worksheet isolates the opening sentence of an informative paragraph. Students match topic sentences to groups of facts, identify sentences that are too narrow, and choose openings that fit a title.

Because each item has a correct answer, children can practice the decision before they write full paragraphs on their own. The best answers are broad enough to cover all the facts but still specific enough to guide the reader. This habit also helps children check whether later details still belong.

What your child will learn

Choose a topic sentence for an informative paragraph
Match a topic sentence to related facts
Avoid openings that are too narrow
Tell informative topic sentences from opinions

Common Core standard: W.3.2

Worked example

For facts about wings, nectar, and caterpillars, 'Butterflies are insects with interesting body parts and life stages' fits better than one detail about antennae.

Common mistake

Using one small fact as the topic sentence, which leaves the rest of the paragraph without a clear focus.

Helpful hint

The topic sentence should fit all the facts, not just one detail.

Next skill: Organize Facts and Definitions Earlier: Support an Opinion

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with informative topic sentences?

Using one small fact as the topic sentence, which leaves the rest of the paragraph without a clear focus.

How can I help my child with informative topic sentences?

The topic sentence should fit all the facts, not just one detail.

Are these 3rd grade writing worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

Similar: Organize Facts and Definitions

More 3rd grade informative

See all informative

Next stepOrganize Facts and Definitions6 printable versions

Every sheet you scan goes into your child’s record: dated, marked and ready for the year-end portfolio. Homeschool records