Hello,

I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what comes after the topic sentence in a paragraph and how specific it has to be.

the following sentences should support or provide evidence for the topic sentence.

http://www2.actden.com/Writ_den/tips/paragrap/index.htm

Thank you so much!

Hello there! I'd be happy to help you with that.

In a paragraph, the topic sentence typically appears at the beginning and presents the main idea or point that the paragraph will discuss. The sentences that follow the topic sentence provide further explanation, details, evidence, or examples to support and develop the main idea.

When determining what comes after the topic sentence, it's essential to consider the level of specificity. The supporting sentences should be related to the main idea but can vary in terms of specificity depending on the context and purpose of the paragraph.

Here are a few guidelines to consider:

1. Stay focused: All the sentences after the topic sentence should be relevant and contribute to the development of the main idea. Avoid introducing unrelated information or straying off-topic.

2. Provide evidence: Use supporting sentences to provide evidence or examples that support the main idea. This could include facts, statistics, quotes, anecdotes, or expert opinions.

3. Be specific: Depending on the purpose and length of the paragraph, the supporting sentences can vary in specificity. They can range from more general statements to specific details. Just ensure that the level of specificity remains appropriate and relevant to the main idea.

4. Logical order: Arrange the supporting sentences in a logical order that helps to build coherence and understanding. This could involve organizing them chronologically, by importance, by cause and effect, or by any other appropriate method.

Remember, the main purpose of the supporting sentences is to expand upon and provide evidence for the main idea presented in the topic sentence. By doing so effectively, you can strengthen the overall clarity and persuasiveness of your paragraph.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.