Being Cohesive: 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 repayment 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
Premier 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 curtailed 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 finalize 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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（来源：中国物流论坛 实习生江巍 英语点津 Annabel 编辑）
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