Language Skills: Structural Relationships

Recognize Effective Thesis Statements, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details

A paragraph presents a collection of information unified by the main idea stated in the topic sentence. All the information in the paragraph must be relevant to the main idea. Relevance in a paragraph means that a piece of information is directly related to the topic sentence. The information must relate not only to the very limited subject but also to what you will show about it.

For the two topic sentences below, find any information listed that is not relevant.


Topic Sentence: Toxic chemicals can cause drastic harm. When you are finished check answer.

   burn lungs when inhaled
   expensive
   poison animals
   kill plant life
   pollute water supply
   corrode skin if touched
   necessary in manufacturing
   dumps look unsightly


Topic Sentence: Her office desk was a picture of professional efficiency. When you are finished check answer.

   appointment book
   family photos
   good desk lamp
   scratches on the desk
   computer
   calculator
   worksheets placed in folders
   Oriental carpet on floor


Study the topic sentence below. Check the relevance of the information in the following sentences by seeing if it relates to the topic sentence. Identify the irrelevant sentences.

Topic Sentence: Some tiny insects can be deadly summer pests. When you are finished check answer.

  1. The stings of bees, hornets, and yellow jackets can cause a serious allergic reaction in five percent of Americans.

  2. Moths eat holes in fabrics such as woolens.

  3. The bull's-eye shaped rash signals lyme disease from the bite of a tick.

  4. The encephalitis virus carried by some mosquitoes can cause brain inflammation.

  5. Disoriented behavior in skunks may indicate rabies.


Study the topic sentence below. Check the relevance of the information in the following sentences by seeing if it relates to the topic sentence. Identify the irrelevant sentences.

Topic Sentence: If you lose your job, you should take immediate action to curb your budget. When you are finished check answer.

  1. Seek help with budgeting and payment plans from a nonprofit credit counseling service.

  2. A good credit rating is important to a family.

  3. Even families with good jobs can get into financial trouble.

  4. Forgo unnecessary expenses.

  5. A recession can reduce income.

  6. Decide what payments must be made first.

  7. Stop using your credit cards immediately.