Question

Question 7 of 20

Choose the topic sentence that best fits the paragraph below.
Small changes work better and are often more effective
than big changes. Instead of running 10 miles every day,
start with 1 mile and add more miles slowly. If the goal is
to become more fit, start with a daily walk and work up to
running. Remember, to reach a goal, a person must make
small changes.
A. Goal-setting is a life skill that many people never learn.
B. The best goals are related to exercise or health in some way.
C. Setting a goal involves making changes in one's life.
D. Why do people bother to set goals?

Answer 1

Answer:
C. Setting a goal involves making changes in one’s life.

Explanation:
If we plug this sentence in at the beginning of the paragraph, we can see it’s accuracy. It sets the stage for what is to come (the job of a topic sentence) by discussing the role of change in relation to achieving goals. The sentence following it expands on this idea and focuses on the type of changes (small ones) that are truly effective. Thus, the two statements flow.

Choice A doesn’t work because the paragraph doesn’t focus on the incapacity of people to set goals, it focuses on why they’re unable to achieve them.

Choice B is incorrect. While the excerpt DOES mention exercise/health, it does so in order to support the author’s claim and as an example of the proper/improper way to goal set.

Choice D is incorrect because the excerpt does not discuss WHY people set goals but HOW people can set goals and achieve them.