10. Which of the following best explains why the highlighted sentence is ineffective as a supporting detail?
Answer: D
The sentence lacks specific evidence to support the claim.
The highlighted sentence is ineffective as a supporting detail because it does not provide concrete evidence to back up the claim it makes. Without specific evidence, the assertion fails to strengthen the argument it is intended to support.
A) The sentence uses limited vocabulary and vague language.
While limited vocabulary and vague language can hinder clarity, this option does not directly address the absence of supporting evidence. A sentence can have varied vocabulary yet still lack the necessary specifics to substantiate its claim.
B) The claim made in the sentence detracts from the main argument.
This option suggests that the claim is irrelevant or contrary to the main argument, but it does not focus on the lack of evidence. A claim may be relevant but still ineffective if it is not backed by specific details.
C) The information presented in the sentence is not accurate.
Inaccuracy may render a sentence ineffective, but this option does not apply if the claim is true yet lacks supporting evidence. The highlighted sentence's failure lies in its inability to provide details rather than its truthfulness.
D) The sentence lacks specific evidence to support the claim.
This is the correct explanation, as the highlighted sentence does not present any specific evidence or examples that would substantiate its claim, making it ineffective in reinforcing the argument it is part of.
Conclusion
The highlighted sentence is ineffective because it fails to provide specific evidence needed to support its claim, which directly undermines its role as a supporting detail. Options A, B, and C do not address the core issue of evidence, making D the only choice that accurately identifies the reason for the sentence's ineffectiveness.