ACT (Enhanced)EnglishEasy
A student is writing an argumentative essay about the benefits of renewable energy. They have written the following topic sentence for a paragraph: "Solar power, a leading form of renewable energy, offers numerous environmental advantages, such as reducing carbon emissions and minimizing reliance on fossil fuels." Which of the following sentences would best serve as a supporting detail for this topic sentence?
- AHowever, the initial cost of installing solar panels can be quite high.
- BBy harnessing sunlight, solar panels produce electricity without releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
- CMany countries are investing heavily in wind energy, another significant renewable source.
- DThe efficiency of solar cells has dramatically improved over the past decade, making them more viable.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. By harnessing sunlight, solar panels produce electricity without releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Option D directly explains how solar power reduces carbon emissions by detailing the process of generating electricity without greenhouse gases, thus supporting the environmental advantages mentioned in the topic sentence.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This sentence introduces a disadvantage (cost) and shifts away from environmental benefits.
- C. This sentence shifts the focus to wind energy, which is not the primary subject of the topic sentence.
- D. This sentence discusses efficiency improvements, which is related to viability, but not directly to environmental advantages.
Supporting Details
Supporting details are facts, examples, statistics, or explanations that elaborate on and prove the main idea of a paragraph, which is typically found in the topic sentence.
- Directly relate to the topic sentence.
- Provide evidence, examples, or elaboration.
- Help to clarify or prove the main point.
- Should not introduce new, unrelated ideas.
Memory trick: Build your paragraph strong; details make it long (and clear)!