Question

Read the following paragraph from an essay discussing a ban on outdoor smoking:

Evidence is growing that outdoor smoking poses health risks to non-smokers from secondhand smoke, hot ash, and burning cigarettes. Second hand smoke exposes nonsmokers to dangerous chemicals. Studies show that smoke plumes have enough particles to endanger the health of people nearby, especially those with existing medical issues. Although smoke can drift away quickly outside, smokers often gather together in places like outdoor cafes, near doorways, and at bus stops, parks, and concerts. This can produce a lot of smoke in a small area. Besides the dangers of inhaling smoke, nonsmokers are at risk of cigarette burns or getting ash in their eyes or on their clothing in crowded conditions, such as on busy sidewalks. These health concerns have caused many cities and businesses to restrict smoking in crowded outdoor areas, but there are other reasons for the bans as well.

What is the function of the sentence “Evidence is growing that outdoor smoking poses health risks to non-smokers from secondhand smoke, hot ash, and burning cigarettes.”


Evidence


Main point


Linking


Analysis

Answer 1

Main point.

It functions as the paragraph’s topic sentence, stating the claim that the following sentences then support with evidence and examples.