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Worksheet7th GradeLevel 2 · Standard

Free 7th Grade Paragraph Structure: Topic Sentences, Evidence and Linking Worksheet

Students learn how a strong paragraph works: a clear topic sentence, explanation, supporting evidence or examples, and a linking sentence that ties it together. They label the parts of a model paragraph, choose the best topic sentence for a set of details, spot a sentence that does not belong, practice linking words and reorder a jumbled paragraph, then write and check a paragraph of their own.

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Grade
7th Grade
Subject
English
Topic
Informative Writing
Difficulty
Level 2 · Standard
Estimated time
30 minutes
Curriculum
Texas grade levels (TEKS)
Questions
19
Answers
Included, with working
Format
PDF (A4), print or complete online

Students will practice

  • writing a clear topic sentence that states the main idea
  • supporting a main idea with explanation, evidence and examples
  • keeping every sentence in a paragraph on topic
  • using linking words and a linking sentence to connect ideas
  • sequencing sentences into a logical 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: Paragraph Structure: Topic Sentences, Evidence and Linking

  1. 1What Makes a Community a Good Place to Live? — Expository Essay
  2. 2How to Write an Information Report: Structure and Language Features
  3. 3Writing an Explanation: Cause and Effect, Sequence and Connectives

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?

7th Grade students (typically ages 12–13) working on informative writing. It is pitched at level 2 · standard.

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 30 minutes for 19 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 What Makes a Community a Good Place to Live? — Expository Essay.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheets7th Grade · English · Informative Writing

Paragraph Structure: Topic Sentences, Evidence and Linking

Name

Date

Score /

Every good paragraph has one main idea. Make it clear at the start, support it in the middle and link it at the end.

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
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
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
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
5.Sentences (4) and (5) each add a new supporting point. What are the two points? (answer space)
6.Which linking words or phrases does the writer use to move between ideas? List four. (answer space)

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 neighbor has a dog called Rex.
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.
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.

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)
11.Rewrite sentence (4) so that it does support the topic sentence. (answer space)
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Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.

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Informative Writing in other year levels

About this resource

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

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