Writing a Paragraph Exercise Answers

Exercise 1

The most effective topic sentence in each pair is:

a. To boost their chances of winning the next election, the Democrats need to listen to public opinion.

b. Union workers are crippling the economy because companies are unable to remain competitive as a result of added financial pressure.

a. Authors are losing money as a result of technological advances.

b. Rap music is produced by untalented individuals with oversized egos.

Topic Sentence: The desert provides a harsh environment in which few mammals are able to adapt.

Supporting Sentences:

1. Of these hardy creatures, the kangaroo rat is possibly the most fascinating.
2. Able to live in some of the most arid parts of the southwest, the kangaroo rat neither sweats nor pants to keep cool.
3. Its specialized kidneys enable it to survive on a miniscule amount of water.
4. Unlike other desert creatures, the kangaroo rat does not store water in its body but instead is able to convert the dry seeds it eats into moisture.

Concluding Sentence: Its ability to adapt to such a hostile environment makes the kangaroo rat a truly amazing creature.