Cadet Competition Written Practice Exam

How is the main idea of a paragraph typically introduced?

1. Introduction

2. Body

3. Conclusion

4. Topic sentence

The correct answer is: Topic sentence

The main idea of a paragraph is typically introduced by the topic sentence. This sentence serves as a summary or a key point that outlines what the paragraph will discuss, effectively guiding the reader's understanding of the content that follows. It sets the tone for the paragraph and provides a clear indication of the main idea or argument that the author intends to present. By establishing this foundational element early on, the topic sentence helps maintain coherence throughout the paragraph, allowing the supporting sentences that follow to elaborate on or provide evidence for this main idea. In contrast, choices like introduction, body, and conclusion represent broader structural components of a written work rather than focusing specifically on how a single paragraph conveys its main idea. The introduction typically encompasses the entire text or essay, the body contains detailed information and supporting arguments, and the conclusion wraps up the discussion, reiterating key points.