Final answer:
Supporting sentences provide reasons, illustrations, explanations, or evidence for the topic sentence. These sentences offer details such as facts, examples, and analysis to develop the main point of the paragraph and ensure clarity and coherence.
Step-by-step explanation:
A supporting sentence follows the topic sentence in a paragraph and helps to elaborate on the point made in the topic sentence. It provides a reason for the topic sentence's claim, an illustration of the topic sentence's point, an explanation of the sentence's point, or evidence demonstrating the topic sentence's point. For example, if the topic sentence states, "Regular exercise contributes to a healthy lifestyle," a supporting sentence could be, "Studies have shown that daily physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke." This sentence offers evidence that strengthens the claim made in the topic sentence.
When constructing a paragraph, one should introduce and explain one major point that supports the topic sentence, ensuring that enough information is provided to make the connection clear. Consider this additional example: "Moreover, exercise can improve mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression." This sentence introduces a second major point that complements the topic sentence by explaining another benefit of exercise.
Developing a main point is crucial for effective paragraph structure. Supporting evidence and analysis should always be directly related to the topic sentence, and they can include a range of materials and insights, from statistical data to personal experiences, to reinforce the main point.