What should be done if a sentence or section seems off-topic within a paragraph?

What should be done if a sentence or section seems off-topic within a paragraph?

• A. Leave it as is.
• B. Relocate the off-topic sentence to another paragraph.
• C. Rewrite the entire paragraph to exclude the topic.
• D. Remove the off-topic sentence or relocate it; ensure all sentences support the main idea.

Answer: (D)

Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea and contribute to a single thread of thought. When a sentence or section seems off-topic, it breaks that thread, pulling the reader away from what the paragraph is trying to communicate. The best approach is to remove the off-topic sentence or relocate it to the place where it fits, so the remaining sentences stay focused on the main idea. If the material is relevant to a different point that belongs in another paragraph, moving it there helps keep each paragraph cohesive. Rewriting the entire paragraph to exclude the topic is usually unnecessary and more work than needed for a single off-topic line. After pruning or relocating, check that the transitions still lead the reader smoothly toward the central point.

Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea and contribute to a single thread of thought. When a sentence or section seems off-topic, it breaks that thread, pulling the reader away from what the paragraph is trying to communicate.

The best approach is to remove the off-topic sentence or relocate it to the place where it fits, so the remaining sentences stay focused on the main idea. If the material is relevant to a different point that belongs in another paragraph, moving it there helps keep each paragraph cohesive. Rewriting the entire paragraph to exclude the topic is usually unnecessary and more work than needed for a single off-topic line. After pruning or relocating, check that the transitions still lead the reader smoothly toward the central point.