Writing Paragraphs Worksheet: Paragraph Unity

On the lines provided, write “yes” if the sentence supports the topic sentence.
Write “no” if the sentences do not support the topic sentence.

1. Topic Sentence: American Society is becoming more mobile with three out
of ten families moving every year.
______ a. Some families move because a parent has been transferred to a
job in a new region.
______ b. Some families move just to get a change of scenery.
______ c. Factors, such as cost and adjustment to new surroundings, should
be considered before a family move.
______ d. Movers say that fragile items should be packed carefully and
labeled clearly.
______ e. Some people like to stay in the same town all their lives.

2. Topic Sentence: Driver education courses taught in high school promote

highway safety.
______ a. Therefore, every school should offer students the opportunity to
take a driver education course.
______ b. Driver education courses give students the opportunity to
practice under simulated conditions and familiarize themselves with the
rules of the road.
______ c. Seat belts save thousands of lives each year.
______ d. Children who fool around while their parents are driving are
risking the lives of everyone in the car.
______ e. The more teenagers know about cars, roads, and the laws
governing both, the safer they will be in their cars.
______ f. Highway signs are designed to be read easily.

3. Topic Sentence: The healthy food movement offers positive choices as

remedies for what is wrong with the way most American eat.
______ a. High in refined sugar and refined flour, the typical American
meal offers few nutrients.
______ b. Exercise is a vital part of a good health program.
 ______ c. Yogurt, wheat germ, and nuts are just a few of the natural foods
that have been rediscovered since the health food movement began.
______ d. Teenagers eat far too many fast-food meals on the run.
______ e. Many overweight men and women try one fad diet after
another.

4. Topic Sentence: Modeling is always presented as a glamorous career, but in

reality, it is a demanding job.
______ a. Perhaps the dreariest part of a modeling job is the long hours,
which often begin at five o’clock in the morning.
______ b. The taller the person is the more likely that she or he will be able to
model.
______ c. The television camera lens makes a person look heavier.
______ d. Because models work with different photographers at different
studios every day, they find it difficult to sustain friendships among those with
whom they work.
______ e. Every move a model makes before a camera is subject to criticism.
______ f. While models wear beautiful clothes in front of the camera, they
rarely get to keep them.

Writing Paragraphs Worksheet: Paragraph Coherence

The order of the sentences in each group below is not logical. In the space
provided, number the sentences in the order in which they should be
arranged to form a coherent paragraph.

5. Group 1
______ By the time the engines arrive at the fire, the fire fighters are suited up
and ready to go to work.
______ Though the situation is often chaotic at the scene of the fire, fire
fighters are always calm yet forceful.
______ As soon as the alarm sounds, fire fighters are on their feet, ready to
board the truck.
______ They grab their protective slickers, helmets, & boots and put them on
while the truck rushes to the fire.
______ The flashing red lights & the blaring sirens clear the traffic as the
engine picks up speed and races on.
6. Group 2
______ Light snacks and cold soup make as excellent appetizer.
______ Salad and rolls should be served just before the main course.
______ Every host knows that serving the meal must go smoothly if the party
is to be a success.
______ Dessert should be the crowning glory, the perfect end to a perfect
meal.
______ After clearing the salad & dressings, the host should serve the entrée
and accompanying vegetables.
______ Before dessert is served, the table should be cleared and cups and
saucers properly placed.
7. Group 3
______ After the major color is selected, contrasting colors may be selected
for foyer, hallways and stairways.
______ When the house is finally done, it’s time to have a party and show off
the new surroundings to friends and relatives.
______ Carpeting, draperies, and upholstery fabric may be chosen once the
wall colors have been decided upon.
______ The first and most important step is the selection of a predominant
color for the living and dining rooms.
______ The decision to redecorate a house is a major one that involves a lot of
work and temporary chaos.
8. Group 4
______ A superior salad is truly the creation of an artist at work.
______ Finally, just before serving, add an appropriate dressing, toss lightly,
and top with croutons.
______ After spreading the greens to dry, peel and cut the vegetables that are
to be included.
______ Put the greens and vegetables together in a big bowl.
______ First, thoroughly rinse all greens such as spinach or lettuce with cold
water and spread on paper towels to dry.