College Composition / Unit 20 CMP 0479 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Adding a Sentence
The idea
Deciding whether to add a sentence means asking whether the paragraph needs what that sentence supplies.
In practice
Work in order. First, state the paragraph's main point. Second, identify what the proposed sentence does: provide evidence, explain, give an example, or connect to the thesis. Third, ask whether the paragraph lacks that; a claim with no support needs evidence, but a well-supported claim does not need another example. Fourth, check relevance: the new sentence must serve this paragraph's point, not a nearby topic. Fifth, check placement and fit with the sentences around it. If all of these hold, the addition strengthens the paragraph; if not, it distracts.
Where people slip
Additions are tempting when they are interesting. A sentence that adds a fascinating fact about a different aspect of the subject breaks unity, however true it is.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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