Which of the following sentences about a paragraph’s concluding sentence is true?
A.
It gives supporting details for the topic sentence.
B.
It summarizes the paragraph’s main point.
C.
It summarizes the essay’s main point.
D.
It gives information that opposes the topic sentence.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. It summarizes the paragraph’s main point.
Explanation:
A concluding sentence in a paragraph serves a vital role in writing by bringing closure to the discussion within that paragraph. Its primary function is to summarize the main point or idea of the paragraph, ensuring that the reader has a clear understanding of the paragraph’s overall message. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why option B is correct and why the other options are not:
1. Summarizes the Paragraph’s Main Point (Option B):
The concluding sentence is designed to encapsulate the key idea discussed in the paragraph. It provides a brief summary or restatement of the main point, tying together the supporting details that were presented. This helps reinforce the paragraph’s purpose and ensures that the reader is clear on what has been conveyed. For example, if a paragraph discusses the benefits of regular exercise, the concluding sentence might summarize these benefits, emphasizing how they contribute to overall health and well-being.
2. Gives Supporting Details for the Topic Sentence (Option A):
This option describes the function of the body sentences within a paragraph, not the concluding sentence. Supporting details are meant to elaborate on the topic sentence by providing evidence, examples, or explanations. The concluding sentence, on the other hand, does not introduce new details but rather wraps up the discussion.
3. Summarizes the Essay’s Main Point (Option C):
Summarizing the essay’s main point is the role of a conclusion at the end of an entire essay, not the concluding sentence of a paragraph. While the paragraph’s concluding sentence summarizes its own content, the essay’s conclusion provides an overarching summary of the entire essay’s argument or analysis.
4. Gives Information that Opposes the Topic Sentence (Option D):
A concluding sentence is not meant to present opposing information. Introducing opposing details would generally be part of a counterargument or a different section of the text. The concluding sentence aims to reinforce, not contradict, the main idea presented in the paragraph.
In summary, the concluding sentence effectively consolidates the paragraph’s main point, providing clarity and coherence. It ensures that the reader understands the central message before moving on to the next point or paragraph.