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Background / clarification sentences

So, the introduction of a paragraph generally starts with either a topic sentence or a transition sentence followed by a topic sentence. This, however, isn’t necessarily all that there is in the introduction. Sometimes, some background or clarifying information is needed to set the scene for the rest of the paragraph. This background information may help put the topic sentence in context by telling the reader some more information about it.

Background / clarification sentences

The first sentence in this paragraph is the topic sentence, introducing what this paragraph is going to be talking about. The second sentence is a clarifying sentence, which tells the reader a little more information about exactly what the topic sentence is about. In this case, it clarifies that we’re discussing large-scale organised crime rather than low level crime. These clarifying sentences are often needed when the subject in the topic sentence is complex and can’t be defined completely in one sentence.