Page 172 - University English for non-speacalist

• A topic sentence is not too general.
Too General: Smart phones are good.
Improved: Smart phones improve communication

among friends and family members.
•A topic sentence is not a simple fact or specific

detail.
Too Specific: Smart phones cost $300.
Improved: Because smart phones are expensive,

people should consider several factors
before buying one.
Step 3: Demonstrate Your Point
After stating your topic sentence, you need to provide
information to prove, illustrate, clarify, and/or
exemplify your point. Supporting sentences add
information about the topic and the controlling idea. It
can include definitions, explanations, and examples.

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