Here's how it works:
1. Topic Sentence: This sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph. It acts like a roadmap for the reader, telling them what to expect.
2. Supporting Details: These are sentences that provide evidence, explanations, examples, or facts to support your topic sentence. They flesh out the main idea and make it clear and convincing.
Here are some common types of supporting details:
* Facts and Statistics: These provide objective evidence to support your claim.
* Examples: Specific instances that illustrate the main idea.
* Anecdotes: Personal stories that connect with the reader's emotions.
* Expert Opinions: Quotations or references to authorities in the field.
* Reasons and Explanations: Logical arguments that explain why your topic sentence is true.
Example:
Topic Sentence: The Great Pyramid of Giza is an incredible feat of engineering.
Supporting Details:
* Constructed with over 2 million blocks of stone, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons, the pyramid stands as a testament to ancient Egyptian ingenuity.
* The precise alignment of the structure with the cardinal directions and the complex internal chambers suggest sophisticated astronomical knowledge.
* Even today, the exact methods used to move and position such massive stones remain a mystery to some degree, highlighting the extraordinary skill of the builders.
By providing these supporting details, the paragraph effectively develops the topic sentence, making it more convincing and informative for the reader.