Examples:
* Specific examples: These provide concrete illustrations of the main idea.
* Example: "For example, the Great Wall of China is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and cooperation."
* Facts and statistics: These offer objective evidence to support the claim.
* Anecdotes and personal experiences: These add a human touch and make the idea relatable.
* Expert opinions and quotations: These lend credibility and authority to the argument.
* Definitions: If the topic sentence introduces a new concept, supporting sentences might define it.
* Comparisons and contrasts: These help clarify the main idea by showing how it is similar or different from other concepts.
* Reasons and causes: These explain why the main idea is true.
* Effects and consequences: These show the results of the main idea.
In general, supporting sentences should:
* Be relevant to the topic sentence: They should directly relate to the main idea being presented.
* Provide evidence: They should offer specific details, examples, or information to support the claim.
* Be clear and concise: They should be easy to understand and avoid unnecessary jargon or complex language.
* Flow smoothly: They should connect logically to the topic sentence and to each other.
Remember, supporting sentences are essential for creating a well-developed paragraph that effectively communicates its message.