Supporting Sentences

Dr. Pauline Ghenghesh

English Department
British University in Egypt
 The next part of a paragraph is the
supporting sentences.

 They develop the topic sentence by

giving details about the topic.

 In order to choose details to support

the topic sentence, rephrase it as a
question, and then answer the question
with your supporting sentences.
 For example, if the topic sentence
is:
 River rafting is a challenging sport
with important requirements.

 You can turn the statement into a

question, so that it will say:
•What important requirements are
necessary for river rafting?
 The supporting sentences in your
paragraph must answer the above
question by explaining what the
requirements are.
 Look at the model paragraph on River
Rafting and complete this list of
requirements.
1. Plan your trip_____________________________
2. _______________________________________
3. _______________________________________
Remember: Your supporting sentences
should give some facts or examples that
prove your topic sentence is true.
 Writing Supporting Sentences

Practice 1
 First, read each topic sentence below.
 Then write a question about the topic.
 Finally, add two or more supporting points to the
list.

1. Topic sentence: Smoking in restaurants

should be prohibited for several reasons.

Question: Why__________________________?
Supporting points:
a. It can affect diner’s appetites.
b. __________________________________________
c. __________________________________________

2. Topic sentence: International students have

difficulty taking notes in class for several
reasons.

Question:______________________________?
Supporting points:
a. The students have poor listening skills.
b. _____________________________
c. _____________________________