What do supporting sentences do in a paragraph?

What do supporting sentences do in a paragraph?

• A. They give details and develop the main idea.
• B. They summarize the paragraph.
• C. They introduce a new topic.
• D. They restate the main idea.

Answer: (A)

Supporting sentences in a paragraph provide details and develop the main idea by adding specifics, examples, facts, descriptions, and reasons that flesh out what the paragraph is about. They help readers understand why the main point matters and how it connects to other ideas. For instance, if the main idea is that healthy eating supports energy and growth, the supporting sentences might explain how vitamins from fruits boost immunity, how protein from beans helps muscles grow, and how calcium from dairy strengthens bones. These details expand on the central point rather than merely restating it or moving to a new topic. Summaries condense information at the end, restating the main idea would echo it without new details, and introducing a new topic would derail the focus.

Supporting sentences in a paragraph provide details and develop the main idea by adding specifics, examples, facts, descriptions, and reasons that flesh out what the paragraph is about. They help readers understand why the main point matters and how it connects to other ideas. For instance, if the main idea is that healthy eating supports energy and growth, the supporting sentences might explain how vitamins from fruits boost immunity, how protein from beans helps muscles grow, and how calcium from dairy strengthens bones. These details expand on the central point rather than merely restating it or moving to a new topic. Summaries condense information at the end, restating the main idea would echo it without new details, and introducing a new topic would derail the focus.