Our community garden is a busy place in summer. Neighbours grow tomatoes, beans and squash. Winter is my favourite season because I love to skate. Children help water the plants each morning.
Grade 4 Paragraph Power worksheet
from Gradelings · Name: ______________________
How to explain it
- The topic sentence tells what the whole paragraph is about.
- Every detail should fit the topic. Take out a sentence that doesn’t belong.
- Transitions link ideas: for example (adds one), however (shows a change), as a result (shows an effect).
Example: Maya studied every night, so she did well on the test. What is the effect? The cause is why it happened: she studied. The effect is what happened because of it. Answer: Maya did well on the test.
Question 1
Which transition best fills the blank?
We forgot to water our plant for two weeks.
___, its leaves turned brown and droopy.
- For example
- However
- First
- As a result
As a result
Hint: The droopy leaves happened BECAUSE nobody watered the plant. Which words show an effect?
Question 2
Which is the best topic sentence for these details?
Some people like adventure stories full of exciting action.
Others enjoy funny books that make them laugh out loud.
Many readers love mysteries that keep them guessing until the end.
- The library opens at nine o'clock.
- Mysteries keep readers guessing.
- Readers enjoy many different kinds of books.
- Books are made of paper.
Readers enjoy many different kinds of books.
Hint: A topic sentence tells the main idea of the WHOLE paragraph. It shouldn't be just one detail, and it must be on topic.
Question 3
Ravi left the gate open. What is a likely EFFECT?
- The grass would grow faster.
- Ravi's shoes would come untied.
- It would start to rain.
- The dog could get out of the yard.
The dog could get out of the yard.
Hint: Think about what an open gate lets happen.
Question 4
Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph?
- Winter is my favourite season because I love to skate.
- Children help water the plants each morning.
- Our community garden is a busy place in summer.
- Neighbours grow tomatoes, beans and squash.
Winter is my favourite season because I love to skate.
Hint: Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea. Find the one that talks about something else.
Question 5
Which is the best concluding sentence for this paragraph?
Bats are amazing animals.
Many bats eat huge numbers of insects each night.
Some bats help spread seeds and pollinate flowers.
- Owls also fly at night.
- Bats sleep hanging upside down.
- First, bats eat insects.
- Clearly, bats are important to the world around us.
Clearly, bats are important to the world around us.
Hint: A concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph by restating the main idea in a new way. It doesn't add a brand-new detail.
Question 6
Put the sentences in order to make a paragraph.
- A paper snowflake is a fun winter craft.
- Then, cut small shapes along the edges.
- Next, fold the triangle in half two more times.
- Finally, unfold the paper to see your snowflake.
- First, fold a square of paper in half to make a triangle.
A paper snowflake is a fun winter craft. → First, fold a square of paper in half to make a triangle. → Next, fold the triangle in half two more times. → Then, cut small shapes along the edges. → Finally, unfold the paper to see your snowflake.
Hint: Start with the topic sentence that tells what the paragraph is about. Then follow the clue words: First, Next, Then, Finally.
Question 7
What is the CAUSE in this sentence?
The puppy chewed the shoe because it was teething.
- The puppy chewed the shoe.
- The puppy was teething.
- The puppy was hungry.
- The shoe was brand new.
The puppy was teething.
Hint: Ask: WHY did the puppy chew the shoe? Look after the word “because”.
Question 8
Which word is often a clue that a sentence shows cause and effect?
- also
- however
- first
- because
because
Hint: Cause-and-effect clue words include because, so and as a result.
Question 9
Put the sentences in order.
- Finally, watch for a green sprout to appear.
- Next, push a bean seed into the soil.
- Then, water it and set it in a sunny spot.
- First, fill a cup with soil.
First, fill a cup with soil. → Next, push a bean seed into the soil. → Then, water it and set it in a sunny spot. → Finally, watch for a green sprout to appear.
Hint: Follow the clue words: First, Next, Then, Finally.
Question 10
Which transition word best fills the blank?
First, we mixed the paint.
___, we painted the birdhouse.
Finally, we let it dry.
- For example
- However
- Next
- Finally
Next
Hint: This is a list of steps in order. What word comes between “First” and “Finally”?
Answer key
- 1. As a result
- 2. Readers enjoy many different kinds of books.
- 3. The dog could get out of the yard.
- 4. Winter is my favourite season because I love to skate.
- 5. Clearly, bats are important to the world around us.
- 6. A paper snowflake is a fun winter craft. → First, fold a square of paper in half to make a triangle. → Next, fold the triangle in half two more times. → Then, cut small shapes along the edges. → Finally, unfold the paper to see your snowflake.
- 7. The puppy was teething.
- 8. because
- 9. First, fill a cup with soil. → Next, push a bean seed into the soil. → Then, water it and set it in a sunny spot. → Finally, watch for a green sprout to appear.
- 10. Next
Want more than 10 questions?
In Gradelings the questions change every time and adjust to your child, with hints and kind feedback.