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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 24 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."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 wind turns the sails.
  • B.The sails turn a long shaft.
  • C.A windmill uses wind to make flour.
2."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.A butterfly goes through four stages in its life.
  • B.Then it makes a chrysalis.
  • C.First, a caterpillar hatches from an egg.
3."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 soft feathers let them fly without a sound.
  • C.Their big eyes collect what little light there is.
4."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 even helps you sleep well.
  • B.It makes your heart stronger.
  • C.Exercise is good for your body.
5."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.Some seeds float away on the wind.
  • C.Others stick to animals' fur.
6."A lighthouse keeper had many jobs. He trimmed the wick every evening. He polished the great lens. He wrote the weather in a log book." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.He trimmed the wick every evening.
  • B.He polished the great lens.
  • C.A lighthouse keeper had many jobs.
7."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.Their wings work like flippers.
  • B.Penguins cannot fly, but they are expert swimmers.
  • C.Their feet and tails help them steer.
8."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.Birds and bees visit the flowers.
  • B.We grow beans and carrots for lunch.
  • C.Our school garden gives us a lot.

LessonPrint · W.3.2 · Set 24 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Find the Topic Sentence

Set 24. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.A windmill uses wind to make flour.
  2. 2.A butterfly goes through four stages in its life.
  3. 3.Owls are built for hunting in the dark.
  4. 4.Exercise is good for your body.
  5. 5.Plants spread their seeds in clever ways.
  6. 6.A lighthouse keeper had many jobs.
  7. 7.Penguins cannot fly, but they are expert swimmers.
  8. 8.Our school garden gives us a lot.

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