Which of the following statements about a paragraph’s concluding sentence is true?
A.
It gives information that opposes the topic sentence
B.
It summarizes the paragraph’s main point
C.
It gives supporting details for the topic sentence
D.
It summarizes the essay’s main point
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. It summarizes the paragraph’s main point.
Explanation:
A concluding sentence serves to wrap up the ideas presented in a paragraph, providing closure and reinforcing the main point. Let’s break down the options:
- A. It gives information that opposes the topic sentence
- This is incorrect. The concluding sentence should align with the topic sentence rather than oppose it. It reinforces the point made in the topic sentence, rather than contradicting or presenting a conflicting idea. If the conclusion presented opposing information, it would confuse the reader and disrupt the paragraph’s coherence.
- B. It summarizes the paragraph’s main point
- This is the correct answer. A well-crafted concluding sentence brings together the paragraph’s main ideas by summarizing the key points discussed. It provides closure to the reader by reaffirming what the paragraph was about without introducing new information. A strong conclusion can often restate the topic sentence in a fresh way or synthesize the supporting details into a clear, final thought.
- C. It gives supporting details for the topic sentence
- This is incorrect. While supporting details are crucial in a paragraph, they should be presented in the body of the paragraph, not in the conclusion. The role of the concluding sentence is not to introduce new supporting details but to summarize what has already been discussed.
- D. It summarizes the essay’s main point
- This is also incorrect, as a paragraph’s concluding sentence should only summarize the paragraph itself, not the entire essay. The conclusion of the essay, found at the end of the essay itself, serves to summarize the main points of the essay as a whole.
In summary, a concluding sentence reinforces the paragraph’s main point, provides closure, and ensures that the reader has a clear understanding of the idea being discussed.