Which of the following is true about a topic sentence?
a. it is inappropriate in formal writing.
b. it is the first sentence in a formal letter.
c. it states the main point of the paragraph.
d. it transitions the reader to the following passage?

From this story and the indian saying which precedes it, what can the reader conclude about the culture in which the tale is set? a) they believe that death is always signified by pigeons flying away. b) they think that the behavior of creatures in the natural world can indicate things that will happen to people. c) they believe that honest, hard work provides relief from the ravages of the natural world. d) they think that death isn't the end, but only the beginning of a new life.

What is implied in this sentence from mark twain's "the £1,000,000 bank-note"? i was puzzled, and wanted to discuss the matter a little further, but they didn't; so i took my leave, feeling hurt and insulted to be made the butt of what was apparently some kind of a practical joke, and yet obliged to put up with it, not being in circumstances to resent affronts from rich and strong folk.

What else do you think experts can learn from studying the language of written work? what do you think is the value of studying the language of william shakespeare whose writing is over hundreds of years old?