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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 25 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 sails turn a long shaft.
  • B.The wind turns the sails.
  • C.A windmill uses wind to make flour.
2."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 wings work like flippers.
  • C.Their feet and tails help them steer.
3."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.Exercise is good for your body.
  • C.It makes your heart stronger.
4."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.Some even lend out tools.
  • C.You can borrow movies and music there.
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.Some seeds float away on the wind.
  • B.Plants spread their seeds in clever ways.
  • C.Others stick to animals' fur.
6."Ants work together to survive. Some ants gather food. Others look after the young. Soldier ants guard the nest." Which is the topic sentence?
  • A.Ants work together to survive.
  • B.Some ants gather food.
  • C.Soldier ants guard the nest.
7."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.Beavers are skilled builders.
  • B.They pile the logs across a stream.
  • C.Mud holds their dams together.
8."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.Camels are well suited to life in the desert.
  • B.They store fat in their humps.
  • C.Thick lashes keep sand out of their eyes.

LessonPrint · W.3.2 · Set 25 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Find the Topic Sentence

Set 25. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.A windmill uses wind to make flour.
  2. 2.Penguins cannot fly, but they are expert swimmers.
  3. 3.Exercise is good for your body.
  4. 4.A library has more than books.
  5. 5.Plants spread their seeds in clever ways.
  6. 6.Ants work together to survive.
  7. 7.Beavers are skilled builders.
  8. 8.Camels are well suited to life in the desert.

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