Virginia SOL 2.W.2.A.i
The Standard
Writing a clear topic sentence focusing on the main idea.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students decide why they are writing and what kind of text they will create. They write an opening sentence that clearly names the main idea.
What Mastery Looks Like
- The student plans with the writing purpose and genre in mind. The student writes a focused opening sentence that states the paragraph's main idea and fits the supporting details.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may write a title, question, or small detail instead of a topic sentence. They may make the sentence too broad or introduce ideas the paragraph does not explain.
How to Assess It
- Give students three details about a class pet. Ask them to write one opening sentence that tells the main idea those details support.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Have students sort detail cards under possible topic sentences, then create a new topic sentence for one group.
Ask, "What should a reader expect after this opening sentence?" and have partners explain which details would fit.
Play Topic Sentence Match by pairing paragraph detail cards with the clearest opening sentence.
Students write an opening sentence for a note explaining one classroom rule to a new student.
Free download
Printable 2.W.2.A.i Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 2.W.2.A.i, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- 6.W.2.A.i
Composing a thesis statement that focuses the topic and introduces the piece clearly.
- 3.W.2.A.i
Writing a clear topic sentence focusing on a main idea.
- 4.W.2.A.i
Providing an introduction that includes a clear topic sentence that connects to the central idea.
- 5.W.2.A.i
Introducing a clear topic sentence and logically organizing ideas and factual evidence to support the position in persuasive writing.
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.