Chapter 5 - Paragraph Structure

Chapter 5: Paragraph Structure

5d: Supporting Details

While the topic sentence states the main point of each paragraph, supporting details help to elaborate on the main idea stated in the topic sentence. There are different kinds of supporting details:

Examples/Cases: experience of other people or places
Evidence: figures from studies, reports, surveys
Expert opinions: views of authoritative figures

5a 5b 5c-i 5d 5e 5f

Activity 5

Read the following sample paragraph and identify which kind of supporting details is used (A: Examples/Cases, B: Evidence, C: Expert opinions).

Central argument: Consumption voucher scheme is not effective in boosting the local economy.
Topic sentence: Consumption vouchers or cash handout to citizens do not help tackle the root of the economic decline.
Supporting details:
	According to Dr. Y Cashback of The Everyday Economist, consumption voucher scheme does little to tackle root problems, such as the uncertain economic climate and widespread unemployment and underemployment caused by the ongoing pandemic situation.
	When similar schemes were adopted in Macao and other places, people in general spent more money but the inflation rate went up afterwards, creating an economic bubble.
	An opinion poll conducted by Livelihood Improvement Association in 2020 revealed that 55% of the respondents considered the voucher scheme a short-term fix, while 35% expressed that they would just spend the sum on daily expenses like grocery shopping or transportation, with no intention to buy luxury items.