Question

If you want to say something that does not go with the main idea of your essay, you should

A. write a special paragraph that tells the reader you are taking a detour for a moment.
B. find a way to work it into your conclusion.
C. enclose the unrelated sentence or paragraph in parentheses so the reader knows it's a side topic.
D. leave it out.

Answer 1

D. leave it out.

Information that does not go with the main idea of the essay distract the reader and take away from the essay's purpose. Depending on the information, it may also reduce your credibility on the essay's topic. An unreliable or untrustworthy essay can negate even the best reasons and thoughtful thinking. Leaving it out reduces the risk of the essay being considered incorrect. Also, including unnecessary information, like jokes, can change the tone of your essay.

Answer 2

you'll want to leave it out. if it isn't conducive to the content of your paper, it's more like a distraction from what you're trying to say. parentheses might be a "safe" way to signify a side topic, but it weakens the paper as a general statement because the reader has to pause and take a moment to absorb a new topic before going back to what you were saying