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Worksheet3rd GradeLevel 1 · Easier

Free 3rd Grade Topic Sentences and Supporting Details: Informational Paragraphs Worksheet

A 3rd grade informative writing worksheet. Using a short paragraph about the Texas horned lizard, students learn that a topic sentence tells the main idea of a paragraph and that supporting details are facts that explain it. They find the topic sentence, choose the best topic sentence for a group of details, cross out a detail that does not belong, add details to a topic sentence, and write an informational paragraph of their own.

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Grade
3rd Grade
Subject
English
Topic
Informative Writing
Difficulty
Level 1 · Easier
Estimated time
25 minutes
Curriculum
Texas grade levels (TEKS)
Questions
10
Answers
Included, with working
Format
PDF (A4), print or complete online

Students will practice

  • identifying the topic sentence of a paragraph
  • writing a topic sentence that states the main idea
  • choosing supporting details that fit the main idea
  • removing details that do not belong
  • writing an informational paragraph

Curriculum: Texas grade levels (TEKS). We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.

What's next?

Completed: Topic Sentences and Supporting Details: Informational Paragraphs

  1. 1How-To Writing: Steps and Sequence Words

How to use this worksheet

  1. Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
  2. Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
  3. Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
  4. Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.

Common questions

Who is this worksheet for?

3rd Grade students (typically ages 8–9) working on informative writing. It is pitched at level 1 · easier.

Are the answers included?

Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.

How long does it take?

About 25 minutes for 10 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.

Do I need to sign up to download?

No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.

What should we do next?

Try How-To Writing: Steps and Sequence Words.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheets3rd Grade · English · Informative Writing

Topic Sentences and Supporting Details: Informational Paragraphs

Name

Date

Score /

First tell the main idea. Then give facts that explain it.

Part A: Find the topic sentence

A topic sentence tells what the whole paragraph is about. Supporting details are facts that explain the topic sentence. Read the paragraph, then answer.

The Texas Horned Lizard

The Texas horned lizard has some amazing ways to stay safe. Its brown, spotted skin helps it blend in with dirt and rocks. If a hungry animal comes close, the lizard can puff up its body so it looks bigger and is harder to swallow. The sharp horns on its head also make it a prickly meal. When it is in great danger, it can even squirt a stream of blood from the corners of its eyes to scare a predator away.

1.Which sentence is the topic sentence?
  1. AThe Texas horned lizard has some amazing ways to stay safe.
  2. BIts brown, spotted skin helps it blend in with dirt and rocks.
  3. CThe sharp horns on its head also make it a prickly meal.
  4. DIt can squirt a stream of blood from its eyes.
2.Write two supporting details from the paragraph. (answer space)
3.What do all the supporting details have in common?
  1. AThey tell what the lizard eats.
  2. BThey tell how the lizard stays safe.
  3. CThey tell where the lizard sleeps.
  4. DThey tell how big the lizard grows.

Part B: Choose the best topic sentence

Read the details. Circle the topic sentence that fits them all.

4.Details: Bluebonnets grow along roads in spring. Their flowers are blue with white tips. In 1901, the bluebonnet became the state flower of Texas. Which is the best topic sentence?
  1. AI like flowers.
  2. BThe bluebonnet is a famous Texas wildflower.
  3. CSpring is a season.
  4. DSome flowers are red.
5.Details: Fire trucks carry ladders. They carry long hoses. They also carry tools for opening doors and cutting metal. Which is the best topic sentence?
  1. AFire trucks are red.
  2. BMy uncle is a firefighter.
  3. CFire trucks carry many tools to help firefighters do their job.
  4. DLadders can be tall.

Part C: Which detail does not belong?

Every detail must support the topic sentence. Circle the detail that does not belong.

6.Topic sentence: Owls are skilled night hunters. Which detail does not belong?
  1. AOwls have large eyes that help them see in the dark.
  2. BOwls can fly almost silently.
  3. CMy friend has a stuffed owl on her bed.
  4. DOwls can hear tiny sounds, like a mouse moving in the grass.
7.Topic sentence: Recycling helps our planet. Which detail does not belong?
  1. ARecycling means less trash goes to landfills.
  2. BOld cans can be made into new cans.
  3. CPizza is my favorite food.
  4. DRecycled paper means fewer trees need to be cut down.
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Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.

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About this resource

Created by
Success Tutoring
Last reviewed
1 October 2026
How it was made
Written by our team

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