Supporting Idea Practice
Read the topic sentence — what question does your SI sentence need to answer?
Supporting Idea Types — Reference
The topic sentence introduces a list of things — challenges, benefits, effects, factors, types, or advantages. Your SI sentence names what one of those things is.
Example
TS: "There are several factors that affect students' success studying abroad."
SI: "One major factor is support from new friends in the host country."
The topic sentence says something is true, important, or worth doing. Your SI sentence gives a reason that explains why this is the case.
Example
TS: "There are several reasons why obtaining a college degree is worth the time and money."
SI: "To begin with, a college degree often leads to better job opportunities and higher salaries."
The topic sentence describes ways, steps, methods, or strategies. Your SI sentence explains how something is done — describing one specific approach or step.
Example
TS: "There are several ways foreign students experience culture shock."
SI: "One common way is feeling uncomfortable with unfamiliar food."
What question should your supporting idea sentence answer?