key term - Supporting Sentence

Definition

A supporting sentence is a statement that elaborates on, explains, or reinforces the main idea presented in a topic sentence. It provides evidence, examples, or details that help clarify the topic and make it more understandable. These sentences are essential for building a coherent and persuasive piece of writing, as they guide readers through the argument or narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Supporting sentences usually follow the topic sentence in a paragraph to build upon its main idea.
2. They can include examples, statistics, anecdotes, or quotations to provide evidence for the claims made.
3. Effective supporting sentences enhance clarity and persuasion, making the writing more compelling for the reader.
4. A well-structured paragraph often contains multiple supporting sentences to cover different aspects of the main idea.
5. In academic writing, the use of supporting sentences is crucial for developing arguments and engaging with counterarguments.

Review Questions

• How do supporting sentences enhance the clarity of a paragraph?
  • Supporting sentences enhance clarity by providing additional details, explanations, or examples that expand on the main idea introduced by the topic sentence. They help readers grasp the nuances of the argument or narrative being presented. Without supporting sentences, readers might find it difficult to fully understand or appreciate the significance of the main idea.
• Discuss how supporting sentences contribute to effective academic writing.
  • Supporting sentences are vital for effective academic writing as they provide necessary evidence and elaboration to back up claims made in the topic sentence. They allow writers to present research findings, data, and citations that reinforce their arguments. This creates a more persuasive and credible piece of writing while also guiding readers through complex ideas.
• Evaluate the role of supporting sentences in maintaining coherence across multiple paragraphs in a larger text.
  • Supporting sentences play a crucial role in maintaining coherence across multiple paragraphs by ensuring that each paragraph logically connects to the overall argument or theme of the text. When writers use clear and relevant supporting sentences, they help readers follow along with the development of ideas throughout the piece. This consistency fosters better comprehension and retention of information, which is essential for engaging an audience effectively.

Related terms

Topic Sentence: The main sentence in a paragraph that states the central idea or point that will be discussed.

Main Idea: The primary point or concept that a piece of writing conveys, often summarized in a single sentence.

Paragraph Structure: The organization of sentences within a paragraph, typically consisting of a topic sentence followed by supporting sentences and a concluding sentence.