When writing a paragraph, it is important that the topic sentence and supporting points within that paragraph be directly related. What would be the reaction of a reader if the topic sentences in an essay did not coincide with the supporting points?

Confusion and disgust with such sloppy writing.

If the topic sentences in an essay did not coincide with the supporting points, it would likely confuse and frustrate the reader. The purpose of a topic sentence is to clearly indicate the main idea of the paragraph, while the supporting points provide evidence or examples to support that main idea. When these two components are not aligned, the reader may struggle to understand the overall message or argument of the essay. They may find it challenging to follow the flow of ideas and could become disengaged or lose interest in the essay altogether. In some cases, it might even make the reader question the credibility of the writer's argument or the structure of their essay. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the topic sentences and supporting points within a paragraph are directly related.