26. Which of the following statements about a paragraph's concluding sentence is true?
Answer: B
The concluding sentence summarizes the paragraph's main point.
A paragraph's concluding sentence serves to encapsulate the main idea presented in that paragraph, reinforcing the key message to the reader.
A) It gives information that opposes the topic sentence.
This statement is incorrect as the concluding sentence should support the topic sentence rather than oppose it. An opposing statement would create confusion and undermine the coherence of the paragraph.
B) It summarizes the paragraph's main point.
This option is correct because the concluding sentence succinctly reiterates the key idea discussed in the paragraph, helping to solidify the main point in the reader's mind before transitioning to the next paragraph or section.
C) It summarizes the essay's main point.
While summarizing the essay's overall message might occur in a conclusion at the end of the essay, it is not the primary function of a paragraph's concluding sentence. This sentence should focus specifically on the paragraph's content rather than the entire essay.
D) It gives supporting details for the topic sentence.
This statement is incorrect as the concluding sentence does not provide new supporting details; rather, it synthesizes the existing information presented in the paragraph, providing closure rather than introducing additional details.
Conclusion
Option B is definitively correct as it accurately describes the function of a paragraph's concluding sentence, which is to summarize the main point effectively. All other options either misrepresent the purpose of the concluding sentence or focus on unrelated elements, highlighting the importance of clarity and coherence in paragraph structure.