How does a strong topic sentence help a paragraph?

• A. It lists all facts to be used.
• B. It previews the conclusion only.
• C. It states the main idea and restates the thesis.
• D. It states the main idea and previews supporting details to guide focus.

Answer: (D)

A strong topic sentence sets up what the paragraph will argue and what points will support that argument. It clearly states the main idea of the paragraph and previews the supporting details to come, which gives the reader a roadmap for what to expect. This keeps the paragraph focused and cohesive because every sentence should connect back to that main idea and the points mentioned in the preview.

This approach helps with structure: the reader knows the paragraph’s direction from the start and can follow how each detail will develop the main idea. It’s not about listing all facts or merely previewing a conclusion; it’s about presenting the central idea and giving a quick glimpse of the supporting details that will develop that idea. The balance and clarity come from tying the main idea to the anticipated details, guiding the reader through the paragraph smoothly.