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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 20 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."Our school garden gives us a lot. We grow beans and carrots for lunch. Birds and bees visit the flowers. Classes go there to read on sunny days." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.Our school garden gives us a lot.
  • B.We grow beans and carrots for lunch.
  • C.Birds and bees visit the flowers.
2."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.You can borrow movies and music there.
  • B.A library has more than books.
  • C.Some even lend out tools.
3."Penguins cannot fly, but they are expert swimmers. Their wings work like flippers. Their smooth bodies slip through the water. Their feet and tails help them steer." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.Penguins cannot fly, but they are expert swimmers.
  • B.Their feet and tails help them steer.
  • C.Their wings work like flippers.
4."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.Winter can be hard for birds.
  • B.Ponds freeze, so there is little to drink.
  • C.Food is difficult to find under the snow.
5."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.The sails turn a long shaft.
  • B.The wind turns the sails.
  • C.A windmill uses wind to make flour.
6."Exercise is good for your body. It makes your heart stronger. It helps your muscles grow. It even helps you sleep well." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.It makes your heart stronger.
  • B.Exercise is good for your body.
  • C.It even helps you sleep well.
7."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.Plants spread their seeds in clever ways.
  • B.Others stick to animals' fur.
  • C.Some seeds float away on the wind.
8."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.Their soft feathers let them fly without a sound.
  • B.Their big eyes collect what little light there is.
  • C.Owls are built for hunting in the dark.

LessonPrint · W.3.2 · Set 20 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Find the Topic Sentence

Set 20. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.Our school garden gives us a lot.
  2. 2.A library has more than books.
  3. 3.Penguins cannot fly, but they are expert swimmers.
  4. 4.Winter can be hard for birds.
  5. 5.A windmill uses wind to make flour.
  6. 6.Exercise is good for your body.
  7. 7.Plants spread their seeds in clever ways.
  8. 8.Owls are built for hunting in the dark.

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