Why do you need to support a paragraph?

Answer 1

Make sure that they support the topic sentence! One way to check this is to mentally change the topic or main idea into a question - then, just be sure that each sentence in your paragraph answers that question somehow!

When you are composing your paragraph, the best way is to make a list of every fact about the topic. Look up information if you need to! Use lots of detail and make the sentences easy to understand. In this way, you can be sure that each of your sentences will support the topic instead of changing the subject.

To make your supporting sentences more vivid and interesting, add description and detail. Click on the Related Questions to see how to make "word pictures" when you write.

Answer 2

A paragraph, when possible and especially in formal or school-type writing, should expand on its opening statement. This is done to illustrate or offer proof of what you're saying and to avoid seeming as if you're stating unsupported opinion as fact.

Answer 3

Because they provide one extended example of the main point introduced in the topic sentence

Answer 4

Because they show the effects that result from a cause or a cause that results from effects

Answer 5

It depends upon the complexity of the content of the paragraph. A paragraph may consist of only one sentence.