Para Jumbles • Topic 1 of 4

Finding the Opening Sentence

The opening sentence introduces the topic with a complete noun and makes sense on its own — it does NOT begin with a pronoun (it, he, they, this) or a connector (however, therefore) that refers to something earlier.

Anchor both ends first

Opener → link → link → Conclusion
Fix the opener and conclusion first; the middle sentences then slot in.

How to spot the opener

  • Introduces the topic with a full noun (a name/thing), not a pronoun.
  • Does not start with a back-referring word: it, he, they, this, these, however, therefore, but.
  • Makes complete sense on its own.
Use the options. If three of four answer choices start with the same sentence, that is almost certainly the opener — let the options narrow it for you.

✅ Solved examples

1. Can a sentence starting with "However," be the opener?
No — "However" links back to an earlier idea.
2. What kind of noun does an opener use?
A complete/full noun, not a pronoun referring back.
3. A sentence beginning "It was the best decision." — good opener?
No — "It" refers to something already mentioned.
4. How does finding the opener help?
It fixes one end of the sequence.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. A sentence starting with "Therefore" is likely the ___.
Not first.
—
—
not the opener (links back)
2. The opener introduces the topic with a full ___.
Naming word.
—
—
noun
3. Can "They then left." be the first sentence?
Pronoun + then.
—
—
No
4. The opener should make sense ___.
Alone.
—
—
on its own
5. Sentences starting with "this/that" usually come ___.
Order.
—
—
later (refer back)

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

Auto-graded with full solutions; saved to your dashboard. Use the calculator and formula sheet (top-right) any time.

Loading questions…
Linking Sentences →