Being Cohesive¹: What Does A Supporting Sentence Do? 

 

Now, you're going to learn another feature of cohesive paragraphs: supporting sentences.

 

Do you know what a supporting sentence does?

 

In business writing, supporting sentences support the main idea by

 

l        expanding or developing the main idea

l        explaining, eg identifying causes, effects, reasons etc

l        providing specific details.

 

Remember each supporting sentence must be related to the main idea (topic sentence).

 

Look at the example paragraph again.

 

Our Home Mortgage Loan eases the stress of buying property. Our terms are very competitive. The flexible repayment2 schedule enables you to budget your expenses. In addition, it gives you a clear picture of your financial commitment for the whole period.

 

Notice how the supporting sentences

l        develop the main idea by continuing to talk about the Home Mortgage Loan

l        explain how the loan can ease the stress of buying a property

l        provide specific details.

 

Also, see how each supporting sentence is related to the main idea (topic sentence).

 

Finally, note the number of supporting sentences in a paragraph. The example paragraph contains three. Usually, there are no more than five!

 

Learning Point 3

 

Supporting sentences support the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. They do this by

l        expanding or developing the main idea

l        explaining, eg identifying causes, effects or reasons

l        providing specific details.

 

Remember: 

include only 1-5 supporting sentences in a paragraph

each supporting sentence must be related to the main idea.

 

Being Cohesive: Supporting Sentences 

 

You can practise working with supporting sentences in the following exercise.

 

In each of the paragraphs that follow, there is a sentence that doesn't belong. The first one has already been done as an example.

 

1.  

a. Most people know that coffee contains caffeine.

b. Few people realise that tea also contains caffeine.

c. Many soft drinks, such as cola, contain caffeine as well. 

d. Diet soft drinks contain fewer calories than regular soft drinks. 

 

The fourth sentence doesn't belong in the paragraph because it discusses a different idea. The paragraph is about "caffeine"; the fourth sentence is about "calories".

 

Now try to find the sentence that doesn't belong in each of the three paragraphs below.

 

2.  

 a. Our new Premier³ account has many benefits.

 b. You can use your Premier card at any HSBC ATM machine worldwide free of charge. 

 c. Also, you will receive a Premier Mastercard with no annual fee. 

 d. In addition, the minimum balance is $300,000.

 

D is not a benefit, it is a requirement.

 

3.  

 a. The company is experiencing serious financial difficulties. 

 b. For the past five years, the company has had low profits. 

 c. All important decisions are made at managers' monthly meetings. 

 d. Recruitment efforts have been curtailed⁴ to save money.

 

C says nothing to support the fact that the company is experiencing serious financial difficulties.

 

4.  

 a. The company has become very selective in recruiting.

 b. All executives must now be university graduates. 

 c. They will also receive an enhanced benefits package.

 d. In addition they need to demonstrate computer skills.

 e. Finally, they are required to pass an English test.

 

C does not support the idea that the company has become selective with its recruiting.

 

Look at the two topic sentences below. Write two or three sentences that support the main idea expressed in each topic sentence.

 

1. I recommend that Larry Grafton be promoted.

 

2. To finalize⁵ the details of the staff party, I would like some more information.

 

1. There is no model answer. However, if you gave reasons to support your recommendation, then you've got the right idea.   "He has performed well throughout the year. Moreover, he shows potential beyond his present position."   2. There is no model answer. However, if you gave more details about the arrangements, you've got the right idea.   "Could you please tell me the exact number of guests and the seating arrangements? I would also like to know if you would prefer a Chinese menu or an English menu."

 

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