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Find the Topic Sentence is a free printable Grade 3 English worksheet on choosing the sentence that states a paragraph's central idea, aligned to Common Core standard W.3.2. It prints 8 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Set 14 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

Find the Topic Sentence

W.3.2

NameDate

Read each paragraph, then circle the right answer.

1."First, a caterpillar hatches from an egg. Next it eats and grows. Then it makes a chrysalis. A butterfly goes through four stages in its life." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.First, a caterpillar hatches from an egg.
  • B.Then it makes a chrysalis.
  • C.A butterfly goes through four stages in its life.
2."Beavers cut down trees with their strong teeth. They pile the logs across a stream. Beavers are skilled builders. Mud holds their dams together." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.Mud holds their dams together.
  • B.They pile the logs across a stream.
  • C.Beavers are skilled builders.
3."The wind turns the sails. The sails turn a long shaft. The shaft turns a heavy stone that grinds the grain. A windmill uses wind to make flour." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.A windmill uses wind to make flour.
  • B.The sails turn a long shaft.
  • C.The wind turns the sails.
4."Some seeds float away on the wind. Others stick to animals' fur. Plants spread their seeds in clever ways. A few even burst out of their pods." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.Some seeds float away on the wind.
  • B.Plants spread their seeds in clever ways.
  • C.Others stick to animals' fur.
5."Camels can go for days without drinking. They store fat in their humps. Camels are well suited to life in the desert. Thick lashes keep sand out of their eyes." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.Thick lashes keep sand out of their eyes.
  • B.They store fat in their humps.
  • C.Camels are well suited to life in the desert.
6."A library has more than books. You can borrow movies and music there. Many libraries hold story times. Some even lend out tools." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.A library has more than books.
  • B.You can borrow movies and music there.
  • C.Some even lend out tools.
7."Owls hunt at night. Owls are built for hunting in the dark. Their big eyes collect what little light there is. Their soft feathers let them fly without a sound." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.Owls are built for hunting in the dark.
  • B.Their big eyes collect what little light there is.
  • C.Their soft feathers let them fly without a sound.
8."Winter can be hard for birds. Food is difficult to find under the snow. Ponds freeze, so there is little to drink. Long nights leave little time to feed." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.Ponds freeze, so there is little to drink.
  • B.Winter can be hard for birds.
  • C.Food is difficult to find under the snow.

LessonPrint · W.3.2 · Set 14 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Find the Topic Sentence

Set 14. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.A butterfly goes through four stages in its life.
  2. 2.Beavers are skilled builders.
  3. 3.A windmill uses wind to make flour.
  4. 4.Plants spread their seeds in clever ways.
  5. 5.Camels are well suited to life in the desert.
  6. 6.A library has more than books.
  7. 7.Owls are built for hunting in the dark.
  8. 8.Winter can be hard for birds.

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to W.3.2 of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.