These paragraph writing exercises intermediate level turn three writing tasks into a free Jeopardy game: choose the best topic sentence, find the irrelevant sentence and put sentences in the correct order. Want to review connectors first? Open our linking words lesson and our guide to writing an expository essay.
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Paragraph Writing Exercises Intermediate Level: Play the Jeopardy Game
Paragraph Writing Exercises Intermediate Level: Jeopardy Game
Topic sentences · irrelevant sentences · sentence order · 15 questions
Pick a tile, choose an answer and the button turns green if it is correct and red if it is wrong. Tap Show answer if you are stuck: no points are given for it. Every question and its explanation is also written in the answer key below the game.
What Are Paragraph Writing Exercises Intermediate Level?
Quick answer: paragraph writing exercises train you to build a clear paragraph: choose a topic sentence that covers the whole paragraph, remove a sentence that does not belong, and put jumbled sentences in a logical order. On this page you can play a Jeopardy game with 15 multiple-choice questions, get instant green or red feedback and read the full answer key for free.
The game has three columns: topic sentences (V), irrelevant sentences (VI) and sentence order (VII). The points go from 100 to 500 as you move down a column. The questions are numbered 26 to 40 because they continue the numbering of our sentence types exercises.
How to Play the Jeopardy Game
- Choose the number of teams (1 to 4) or play alone, and type a name for each team.
- Click a tile. The question opens in a card, and the team whose name is highlighted answers.
- Click one answer. It turns green if it is correct and the team wins the points. It turns red if it is wrong, and the next team can choose another answer.
- Tap Show answer if nobody knows. The correct answer turns green, but nobody wins points.
- Use the −100 button on a team to give a penalty, for example for shouting out an answer.
- Use Full screen to play on a classroom screen, and Start again to play a new round.
Paragraph Writing Exercises Intermediate Level: Answer Key for All 15 Questions
Use the answer key after you play. Read the explanation for every question you missed, and check which clue words helped you decide.
Answer key V: Topic sentences (26–30)
Choose the best topic sentence for the paragraph.
I always practice surfing despite the fact it is time and money consuming. I love going to the beach and surf. Moreover, I enjoy listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore while surfing.
- Surfing is my favourite sport.
- Surfing is expensive.
- Surfing is a monotonous sport.
- Surfing is a dangerous sport.
Answer: A. The whole paragraph explains why the writer loves surfing, so A covers every sentence. B mentions only the cost, and C and D are not supported at all.
Choose the best topic sentence for the paragraph.
British people send flowers for many occasions. They send flowers to family and friends on birthdays and holidays. In other words, buying flowers and sending them to people you love or care for is very common in Britain.
- In Britain, it is the custom to send flowers on birthdays.
- Sending flowers is very popular in Britain.
- It is necessary to send thank-you bouquets of flowers in Britain.
- In Britain, people seldom send each other flowers.
Answer: B. The paragraph says that sending flowers is very common, and B says the same in general words. A is too narrow, C is not mentioned and D says the opposite.
Choose the best topic sentence for the paragraph.
First of all, each country needs money to build new roads and bridges and repair damaged infrastructure. We also need money to pay for services and give financial help to the poor citizens. Apparently, countries will run into trouble if they do not collect taxes at all.
- No taxation without representation.
- People should not pay taxes at all.
- Paying taxes is necessary to repair old roads.
- The importance of paying taxes.
Answer: D. The paragraph gives several reasons why taxes matter, so D is the controlling idea. C covers only the first example, B contradicts the paragraph and A is a historical slogan that the paragraph never discusses.
Choose the best topic sentence for the paragraph.
For example, businesspeople in Casablanca can instantly place an order with a factory in Beijing via email. In addition, people in Morocco place an order with the Amazon Shopping App and receive the books they need.
- Technological advances have facilitated international business.
- Advances in technology and travelling.
- The most important invention in the world.
- Travelling by planes meets people’s expectations.
Answer: A. Both examples show technology making international trade easier. B and D mention travelling, which the paragraph does not discuss, and C is an exaggeration with no support.
Choose the best topic sentence for the paragraph.
The first thing students must take into consideration before selecting a university is the quality of education offered. Furthermore, students must consider the tuition fees to make sure they can afford to study there.
- Studying abroad is very expensive.
- Studying at university is a dream.
- Students should consider getting a good education.
- Students need to consider a number of factors when choosing a university.
Answer: D. The paragraph names two factors (quality and fees) that a student must consider when choosing a university, and D covers both. A, B and C are too narrow or off the topic.
Answer key VI: Irrelevant sentences (31–35)
Identify the irrelevant sentence (A, B, C or D) in the paragraph.
The use of credit in business is very old. (A) People have given other people credit for thousands of years in many different parts of the world. (B) The modern credit card, however, has been in use only since about 1950. (C) Many changes in business have taken place recently. (D) Now people use credit cards for food, lodging, goods and services of all kinds.
- Sentence (A)
- Sentence (B)
- Sentence (C)
- Sentence (D)
Answer: C. The paragraph is about the history of credit. Sentence (C) is a vague remark about business in general and adds nothing about credit.
Identify the irrelevant sentence (A, B, C or D) in the paragraph.
It was a day that made everything seem beautiful. (A) The sun was shining and the birds were singing. (B) The flowers seemed to open up wider in the lovely weather. (C) It was a day when the world seemed brighter and happier than usual. (D) In winter I have to stay indoors so much that I like to be outdoors in summer.
- Sentence (A)
- Sentence (B)
- Sentence (C)
- Sentence (D)
Answer: D. Sentences (A), (B) and (C) describe the beautiful day. Sentence (D) moves to winter and the writer’s habits, which breaks the unity of the paragraph.
Identify the irrelevant sentence (A, B, C or D) in the paragraph.
Who first made ice cream? (A) It is thought that ice cream, like many other things, originated in China. (B) Some other inventions by the Chinese are gunpowder, paper, and silk cloth. (C) It is believed that a traveller brought the idea from China to Italy centuries ago. (D) From Italy it spread to France and England, and later to the United States.
- Sentence (A)
- Sentence (B)
- Sentence (C)
- Sentence (D)
Answer: B. The paragraph follows the journey of ice cream from China to Italy, France, England and the United States. Sentence (B) lists other Chinese inventions, which is a different topic.
Identify the irrelevant sentence (A, B, C or D) in the paragraph.
Dr. Alexander Fleming was interested in studying bacteria; (A) therefore, he used to grow a certain kind of harmful bacteria in dishes in his laboratory. (B) One day, he came to work as usual. (C) It was a beautiful fall morning. (D) He looked at his dishes of bacteria and noticed something unusual: there was a greenish-blue mold in a dish.
- Sentence (A)
- Sentence (B)
- Sentence (C)
- Sentence (D)
Answer: C. The sentences tell the story of the discovery in order: the research, the day he came to work and what he noticed. The weather in sentence (C) is not needed to follow that story.
Identify the irrelevant sentence (A, B, C or D) in the paragraph.
I cannot imagine what life would be like without electricity. (A) Electricity gives us light in darkness, warmth in winter, and coolness in summer. (B) Thanks to electricity, we can shave, sew, watch TV, and play video games. (C) Moreover, electricity helps us cook our food and wash our clothes and dishes. (D) However, storms sometimes cut off the supply of electricity.
- Sentence (A)
- Sentence (B)
- Sentence (C)
- Sentence (D)
Answer: D. The paragraph lists what electricity does for us. Sentence (D) talks about storms cutting the supply, which goes against the idea of the paragraph.
Answer key VII: Sentence order (36–40)
Choose the correct order of the sentences to make a coherent paragraph.
- The 16th century in Europe was a great century of change.
- When all is said and done, the Renaissance helped to secularize European society.
- The humanists and artists of the Renaissance would help characterize the age as one of individualism and self-creativity.
- Humanists such as Petrarch helped restore the dignity of mankind while men like Machiavelli injected humanism into politics.
- The very powerful notion that man makes his own history and destiny took root.
- 5-3-2-4-1
- 3-5-1-4-2
- 1-3-4-2-5
- 1-2-3-4-5
Answer: C. Start with the general statement (1), introduce the humanists and artists (3) and give examples (4). Then sum up with when all is said and done (2) and end with the idea that took root (5). A and B start with a sentence that cannot open the paragraph, and D puts the summing-up sentence (2) too early. The best order is not perfect, but C is the closest of the four.
Choose the correct order of the sentences to make a coherent paragraph.
- Therefore, Pizza Hut was warned that Chinese consumers would not eat pizza.
- Prior to establishing restaurants in China, Pizza Hut management was told by experts that many Chinese consumers do not like cheese and may not be able to digest it.
- In response to this, Pizza Hut modified their pizza recipes, using less tomato sauce and cheese and including indigenous ingredients that were agreeable to Chinese consumers.
- The company’s management was also informed that tomato is not a culinary ingredient in China.
- The company also created new pizzas for the Chinese market.
- 2-4-1-3-5
- 1-2-3-4-5
- 3-2-1-5-4
- 2-3-5-2-4
Answer: A. Sentence 2 introduces the problem (Prior to…) and sentence 4 adds a second problem (also). Sentence 1 draws the conclusion with Therefore. Sentence 3 gives the response (In response to this) and sentence 5 adds another action (also). Option D uses sentence 2 twice, so it cannot be right.
Choose the correct order of the sentences to make a coherent paragraph.
- Today, dietary supplements can appear to be a healthful option for treating certain health conditions.
- The drug sibutramine is one of these substances.
- Their labels list herbs or other natural ingredients that consumers assume are safe to take.
- It was once approved for weight loss but was withdrawn after concerns arose that the medication could increase the risk of heart attacks.
- But over the past few years, regulators have detected prohibited substances in some of these products that are not included on the labels.
- 1-3-5-2-4
- 4-5-1-2-3
- 2-3-5-2-4
- 1-2-3-4-5
Answer: A. Sentence 1 introduces supplements and sentence 3 (Their labels) describes them. Sentence 5 (But…) gives the problem, sentence 2 gives an example (one of these substances) and sentence 4 (It was once approved) tells the story of that drug.
Choose the correct order of the sentences to make a coherent paragraph.
- It led to the driver losing control of the moving vehicle, which was eventually parked safely.
- The ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) has been the topic of discussion for over two years now, and major corporations are already taking steps in developing technology for it.
- In a connected world, where alarm clocks can measure the depth of sleep, beds can gauge the health of your heart, and lamps automatically adjust to your moods, everything is linked to the Internet.
- But has security of these devices evolved with them?
- In 2015, a group of hackers demonstrated how a Jeep Cherokee can be hacked while on the move, just by using a phone network.
- 3-2-4-5-1
- 4-5-2-1-3
- 5-4-2-3-1
- 2-4-5-1-3
Answer: A. Sentence 3 describes a connected world and sentence 2 names it (the IoT). Sentence 4 asks the question about security (these devices refers to the devices in sentence 3), sentence 5 gives the 2015 example and sentence 1 (It led to…) describes the result of the hack. This is the most coherent of the four orders.
Choose the correct order of the sentences to make a coherent paragraph.
- National flags are patriotic symbols with varied wide-ranging interpretations.
- A flag is a piece of fabric with a distinctive design that is used as a symbol, as a signaling device, or as decoration.
- Flags are also used in messaging, advertising, or for other decorative purposes.
- These often include strong military associations due to their original and ongoing military uses.
- The term flag is also used to refer to the graphic design employed, and flags have since evolved into a general tool for rudimentary signaling and identification.
- 1-2-3-4-5
- 2-3-5-2-4
- 2-5-1-4-3
- 3-2-1-5-4
Answer: C. Start with the definition of a flag (2) and its wider meaning (5). Then move to national flags (1) and the military associations of their interpretations (4), and finish with other uses (3). Option B uses sentence 2 twice, so it cannot be right.
The Anatomy of a Good Paragraph
Paragraph writing exercises make more sense when you know the three parts of a paragraph. A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea, and every sentence has a job.
The Topic Sentence
The topic sentence states the main idea. It usually comes first, and it must be broad enough to cover every other sentence but narrow enough to be developed in one paragraph. Sending flowers is very popular in Britain is a good topic sentence for a paragraph about birthdays, holidays and gifts for people you love.
The Supporting Sentences
Supporting sentences give reasons, examples, facts or details. They begin with signals such as for example, in addition, moreover and furthermore. Each one must explain or prove the topic sentence. If a sentence introduces a new idea, it does not belong.
The Concluding Sentence
The concluding sentence closes the paragraph by repeating the main idea in new words or by summing up. Phrases such as in other words, therefore and when all is said and done often mark it.
How to Choose the Best Topic Sentence
In this type of question you read a paragraph that has no first sentence and choose the best one from four options. These paragraph writing exercises follow the same method every time.
Read the whole paragraph first
Do not decide after the first sentence. Ask yourself what all the sentences have in common. In the surfing paragraph, the writer talks about the cost, the beach and the sound of the waves, and the common idea is a sport the writer loves.
Reject options that are too narrow or too general
An option that covers only one sentence is too narrow. Surfing is expensive fits only the first sentence. An option that has nothing to do with the details is too general or off topic. The correct option covers all the details and says nothing that the paragraph does not support.
Watch out for opposites and exaggerations
Wrong options often say the opposite (people seldom send each other flowers) or exaggerate (the most important invention in the world). Check each option against the evidence in the paragraph.
How to Find the Irrelevant Sentence
A good paragraph has unity: every sentence supports the main idea. To find the irrelevant sentence, state the main idea in your own words, then test each sentence against it.
- Ask what the topic is. In the ice cream paragraph the topic is the journey of ice cream from China to the United States.
- Test every sentence. A sentence about other Chinese inventions leaves the topic, even if it mentions China.
- Check the tone. In the electricity paragraph every sentence lists a benefit, so a sentence about storms cutting the supply goes against the idea.
- Look for time shifts. A sentence about winter habits does not belong in a paragraph about one summer day.
Some irrelevant sentences are true and interesting. That is what makes them tricky: relevance depends on the main idea, not on whether the sentence is correct.
How to Put Sentences in the Correct Order
Ordering questions test coherence: the way ideas link and flow. You cannot guess, but you can use clues. These clues will make your paragraph writing exercises much faster.
Find the opening sentence
The first sentence introduces the topic in general words. It cannot start with a pronoun that has no earlier noun, and it cannot start with a linker such as Therefore or But. In the flag paragraph, the definition of a flag opens the paragraph before the national flags.
Follow the linking words
Linkers show the relation between sentences. Prior to and first of all signal the beginning. Also, furthermore and moreover add an idea. But and however introduce a contrast. Therefore and as a result introduce a result. In response to this follows a problem. Revise them in our linking words exercises.
Follow the pronouns and demonstratives
Words such as it, they, these, their and such point back to something already named. Their labels list herbs must come after a sentence that names the supplements. But has security of these devices evolved with them? must come after the devices have been described.
Check the logical order
Ideas usually follow time (past to present), a problem and its solution, or a general statement and its examples. Read your order aloud once at the end. If a sentence refers to something that has not been mentioned yet, change the order.
How to Practise Paragraph Writing Exercises Intermediate Level Fast
Doing paragraph writing exercises regularly is better than doing one long session. Play one column of the game each day and write a short explanation for every answer. For free reading texts and more explanations, visit the British Council LearnEnglish writing section.
- Underline the main idea of each paragraph before you look at the options.
- Circle the linkers and pronouns in the ordering questions.
- Write your own topic sentence for a paragraph, then compare it with the options.
- Keep a list of useful linkers and revise it every week.
Common Mistakes in Paragraph Writing Exercises Intermediate Level
- Choosing the first topic that sounds right. Test each option against all the sentences.
- Choosing an option that is too narrow. A topic sentence must cover the whole paragraph.
- Marking a true sentence as relevant. A sentence can be true and still irrelevant.
- Ignoring pronouns. A pronoun without an earlier noun is a sign that a sentence is in the wrong place.
- Starting with a linker. Therefore, But and In response to this need an earlier sentence.
Using These Paragraph Writing Exercises Intermediate Level in Your Own Writing
The skills in these paragraph writing exercises are the same skills you need in an essay. Write the topic sentence first, check that every supporting sentence proves it, and finish with a concluding sentence. When you proofread, remove any sentence that leaves the topic, and read the order aloud to check that the pronouns and linkers still make sense.
Our guides to how to write a descriptive paragraph and writing tips give you more models to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paragraph Writing Exercises Intermediate Level
What is a topic sentence?
A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph. It is usually the first sentence, and it must be broad enough to cover all the supporting sentences.
How do I find the irrelevant sentence in a paragraph?
State the main idea of the paragraph, then test every sentence against it. The sentence that does not support the main idea, or that goes against it, is the irrelevant one.
How do I put sentences in the correct order?
Find the sentence that introduces the topic, then follow the linking words, pronouns and logical order. A sentence that starts with a linker or a pronoun without an earlier noun cannot be first.
How many sentences should a paragraph have?
A paragraph has no fixed length. In school writing it often has five to eight sentences: a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence. The number matters less than the unity of the ideas.
Where can I do paragraph writing exercises intermediate level online for free?
On this page. It has 15 questions in a Jeopardy game with instant feedback, a Show answer button for every question and a full answer key with explanations.
- Sentence Types Exercises: Jeopardy Game
- Linking words
- Linking Words Exercises Part 1
- How to write a descriptive paragraph
- How to write an expository essay
- Learn how to write with these writing tips
Level: B2 · See more B2 exercises
