Which of the following statements about a paragraph’s topic sentence is true?
A.
It summarizes the main idea of the paragraph.
B.
It should be as detailed as possible.
C.
It summarizes the main idea of the essay.
D.
It should be as general as possible.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
A. It summarizes the main idea of the paragraph.
Explanation:
In writing, the topic sentence is a crucial component of a well-structured paragraph. Its primary function is to summarize the main idea or central theme of the paragraph, providing a clear and concise statement that sets the tone for the rest of the content.
A. It summarizes the main idea of the paragraph: This statement is true because the topic sentence acts as a roadmap for the reader. It presents the key concept or argument that will be developed in the following sentences of the paragraph. By encapsulating the main idea, the topic sentence helps ensure that the reader can easily grasp the paragraph’s focus and understand how it contributes to the overall argument or narrative of the text.
B. It should be as detailed as possible: This statement is not accurate. While the topic sentence needs to be clear and informative, it should not be overly detailed. The purpose of the topic sentence is to provide a broad overview, not to delve into specifics. Details and supporting information should be reserved for the body of the paragraph, where they can be expanded upon.
C. It summarizes the main idea of the essay: This statement is incorrect because the topic sentence of a paragraph only addresses the main idea of that specific paragraph, not the entire essay. The essay’s main idea is typically encapsulated in the thesis statement, which is usually found in the introduction and outlines the central argument or purpose of the entire essay.
D. It should be as general as possible: This statement is also incorrect. While the topic sentence should be broad enough to cover the paragraph’s main idea, it should not be excessively vague. It needs to strike a balance between being too general and too specific. A well-crafted topic sentence should give a clear indication of what the paragraph will discuss, allowing the reader to understand the direction of the content that follows.
In summary, the topic sentence is essential for guiding readers through the structure of a paragraph by summarizing its main idea, while details and specific arguments are developed in the supporting sentences.