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Paragraph Structure: Topic Sentences, Evidence and Linking — Answers

Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the Year 8 informative writing worksheet.

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Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheetYear 8 · English · Informative Writing

Paragraph Structure: Topic Sentences, Evidence and Linking — Answers

Part A: How a paragraph works

Read the model paragraph. A common way to remember the parts is TEEL: Topic sentence, Explanation, Evidence or example, Link. Circle the job each sentence is doing.

(1) Trees make towns and cities better places to live. (2) One important reason is that they provide shade, which keeps streets and playgrounds cooler on hot days. (3) For example, walking along a tree-lined street in summer feels noticeably cooler than walking along a street with no trees at all. (4) Trees also take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen as they grow, and their leaves trap some of the dust in the air. (5) In addition, they provide food and shelter for birds, insects and other wildlife. (6) For these reasons, planting and protecting trees should be a priority for every town and city.

(Model paragraph written for this worksheet.)

1.Sentence (1): 'Trees make towns and cities better places to live.'
  1. Atopic sentence
  2. Bexplanation
  3. Cevidence or example
  4. Dlinking sentence

Answer: topic sentence

It states the main idea that the rest of the paragraph supports.

2.Sentence (2): 'One important reason is that they provide shade, which keeps streets and playgrounds cooler on hot days.'
  1. Atopic sentence
  2. Bexplanation
  3. Cevidence or example
  4. Dlinking sentence

Answer: explanation

It explains the first supporting point and says why it matters.

3.Sentence (3): 'For example, walking along a tree-lined street in summer feels noticeably cooler ...'
  1. Atopic sentence
  2. Bexplanation
  3. Cevidence or example
  4. Dlinking sentence

Answer: evidence or example

'For example' signals a concrete example that backs up the explanation.

4.Sentence (6): 'For these reasons, planting and protecting trees should be a priority for every town and city.'
  1. Atopic sentence
  2. Bexplanation
  3. Cevidence or example
  4. Dlinking sentence

Answer: linking sentence

It sums up the paragraph and links back to the main idea in the topic sentence.

5.Sentences (4) and (5) each add a new supporting point. What are the two points?

Answer: (4) Trees take in carbon dioxide, release oxygen and trap some dust, so they help the air. (5) Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife.

6.Which linking words or phrases does the writer use to move between ideas? List four.

Answer: 'One important reason', 'For example', 'also', 'In addition', 'For these reasons'.

Part B: Choose the topic sentence

A good topic sentence states the main idea clearly. It is general enough to cover every supporting sentence.

7.Supporting details: Dogs need to be walked every day. They must be fed and given fresh water. They need regular check-ups at the vet. Which is the best topic sentence?
  1. ADogs are cute.
  2. BOwning a dog is a big responsibility.
  3. CSome people prefer cats.
  4. DMy neighbour has a dog called Rex.

Answer: Owning a dog is a big responsibility.

It is a general statement that all three details support. The others are too narrow or off topic.

8.Supporting details: Reading builds your vocabulary. It improves your concentration. It lets you see the world through other people's eyes. Which is the best topic sentence?
  1. AReading for pleasure has many benefits.
  2. BLibraries are quiet places.
  3. CI read a book last weekend.
  4. DSome books are very long.

Answer: Reading for pleasure has many benefits.

It names the main idea (benefits of reading) that every detail explains.

9.Which is the weakest topic sentence for a paragraph about why students should drink water during the day?
  1. ADrinking water regularly helps students stay focused and healthy.
  2. BStudents should be encouraged to drink water throughout the school day.
  3. CThis paragraph is about water.
  4. DStaying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to feel better at school.

Answer: This paragraph is about water.

Announcing 'This paragraph is about...' tells the reader the subject but not the point. A topic sentence should make a clear claim.

Part C: Stay on topic

Read the paragraph. One sentence is true but off topic.

(1) Playing a team sport has benefits that go well beyond fitness. (2) Players learn to communicate clearly, because a team cannot succeed if its members do not talk to each other. (3) They also learn to cope with losing, which is an important skill in every part of life. (4) Basketball was invented in the United States in the 1890s. (5) Most importantly, team sport helps young people make friends outside their usual group. (6) Clearly, joining a team is about much more than winning games.

10.Which sentence does not belong in this paragraph?
  1. ASentence (2)
  2. BSentence (3)
  3. CSentence (4)
  4. DSentence (5)

Answer: Sentence (4)

Sentence (4) is a true fact, but it is about the history of basketball, not the benefits of team sport. Every sentence must support the topic sentence.

11.Rewrite sentence (4) so that it does support the topic sentence.

Answer: For example: 'Players also learn to work towards a shared goal, putting the team ahead of their own success.'

Part D: Linking words

Fill each gap with a linking word or phrase that does the job shown in brackets. Choose from: However, For example, As a result, Furthermore, In conclusion.

12.Bike helmets help protect riders from serious head injuries. (answer space), they must be worn correctly to work properly. (adds a contrast or condition)

Answer: However

'However' signals a contrast or limitation.

13.Many animals are active at night. (answer space), owls hunt for mice in the dark. (introduces an example)

Answer: For example

'For example' or 'For instance' introduces a specific case.

14.The river flooded after days of heavy rain. (answer space), several roads were closed. (shows a result)

Answer: As a result

'As a result' (or 'Consequently' / 'Therefore') shows cause and effect.

15.Cycling to school is good exercise. (answer space), it saves money on transport. (adds another point)

Answer: Furthermore

'Furthermore', 'In addition' or 'Also' adds a further point.

16. (answer space), regular exercise improves both physical and mental health. (begins a concluding sentence)

Answer: In conclusion

'In conclusion', 'Overall' or 'For these reasons' signals a summing-up sentence.

Part E: Build the paragraph

17.Put these sentences in the best order. Write the letters. (A) For instance, a short walk at lunchtime can make it easier to concentrate in the afternoon. (B) Spending time outdoors is good for students' wellbeing. (C) Overall, schools should make sure students have time to get outside every day. (D) Being outside gives the eyes a break from screens and close-up work. (E) Fresh air and movement can also help people feel calmer and more alert.

Answer: B, D, E, A, C. B is the topic sentence; D gives the first supporting point; E adds a second point (signalled by 'also'); A gives an example of E; C is the linking sentence.

  1. Find the topic sentence first: the most general claim (B).
  2. Find the linking sentence: it begins with a summing-up word (C, 'Overall').
  3. Place the example ('For instance', A) directly after the point it supports (E).

Part F: Write your own

18.Choose one topic and write a TEEL paragraph of 5–7 sentences: (a) why everyone should learn to cook; (b) why sleep is important for students; (c) why people should spend less time on screens. Underline your topic sentence and circle your linking words.

Model answer: Learning to cook is one of the most useful skills a young person can develop. Cooking gives people more control over what they eat, because they can choose fresh ingredients and decide how much salt and sugar to use. For example, a simple homemade pasta sauce can be made in a few minutes with tomatoes, garlic and herbs. Cooking also saves money, since meals made at home usually cost less than takeaway. In addition, sharing a home-cooked meal is a good way to spend time with family and friends. For these reasons, every student should learn to prepare at least a few simple meals before they leave school.

Success criteria:

  • Topic sentence clearly states the main idea
  • At least two supporting points are explained
  • At least one specific example or piece of evidence
  • Every sentence stays on topic
  • Linking words connect the ideas smoothly
  • Final sentence links back to the topic sentence
19.Swap with a partner or check your own paragraph. Which part of TEEL is strongest in your paragraph, and which part could be improved?

Answer: Answers will vary. A useful self-check: Does my topic sentence make a clear point? Does every sentence support it? Have I given a specific example? Does my last sentence link back to the main idea?

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Marking tips

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