THE

READING-WRITING CONNECTION

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 THE
READING-WRITING
CONNECTION
John Langan

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

3

Supporting Details
in Reading

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

In the cartoon above, what is the frog’s main idea, or point?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

The frog’s main idea is that he does not need any insurance.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What is the frog’s support for his point?

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 3 Supporting Details in Reading

He supports his point by providing four reasons he doesn’t need

insurance: no house, no car, no possessions, no health worries.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Supporting details provide the added information that is

needed for you to make sense of a main idea.
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 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Supporting details are reasons, examples, steps, or other

kinds of evidence that explain a main idea, or point.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

In this paragraph from Chapter 2, the supporting details

appear as a series of reasons:
Poor grades in school can have various causes. For one thing,
students may have financial problems. If they need to work long hours
to make money, they will have little study time. Another cause of poor
grades may be trouble with relationships. A student may be unhappy
over family problems or a lack of friends. That unhappiness can harm
schoolwork. A final cause of poor grades may be bad study habits.
Some students have never learned how to take good notes in class, how
to manage their time effectively, or how to study a textbook. Without
such study skills, their grades are likely to suffer.

What are the second and third reasons that should be added
to complete this basic outline of the paragraph?
Main idea: Poor grades in school can have various causes.
Supporting detail: 1. Financial problems
Supporting detail: 2.
Supporting detail: 3.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Poor grades in school can have various causes. For one thing,
students may have financial problems. If they need to work long hours
to make money, they will have little study time. Another cause of poor
grades may be trouble with relationships. A student may be unhappy
over family problems or a lack of friends. That unhappiness can harm
schoolwork. A final cause of poor grades may be bad study habits.
Some students have never learned how to take good notes in class, how
to manage their time effectively, or how to study a textbook. Without
such study skills, their grades are likely to suffer.

What are the second and third reasons that should be added
to complete this basic outline of the paragraph?
Main idea: Poor grades in school can have various causes.
Supporting detail: 1. Financial problems
Supporting detail: 2. Trouble with relationships
Supporting detail: 3.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Poor grades in school can have various causes. For one thing,
students may have financial problems. If they need to work long hours
to make money, they will have little study time. Another cause of poor
grades may be trouble with relationships. A student may be unhappy
over family problems or a lack of friends. That unhappiness can harm
schoolwork. A final cause of poor grades may be bad study habits.
Some students have never learned how to take good notes in class, how
to manage their time effectively, or how to study a textbook. Without
such study skills, their grades are likely to suffer.

What are the second and third reasons that should be added
to complete this basic outline of the paragraph?
Main idea: Poor grades in school can have various causes.
Supporting detail: 1. Financial problems
Supporting detail: 2. Trouble with relationships
Supporting detail: 3. Bad study habits
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Main idea Poor grades in school can have various causes. For one thing,
students may have financial problems. IfSupporting
they need to work long hours
reason
to make money, they will have little study time. Another cause of poor
grades may be trouble with relationships. A Supporting
student reason
may be unhappy
over family problems or a lack of friends. That unhappiness can harm
schoolwork. A final cause of poor grades may be bad study habits. Supporting reason
Some students have never learned how to take good notes in class, how
to manage their time effectively, or how to study a textbook. Without
such study skills, their grades are likely to suffer.

The supporting details provide the added information—the

specific causes of poor grades—that is needed for you to fully
understand the main idea.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Poor grades in school can have various causes. For one thing,
students may have financial problems. If they need to work long hours
to make money, they will have little study time. Another cause of poor
grades may be trouble with relationships. A student may be unhappy
over family problems or a lack of friends. That unhappiness can harm
schoolwork. A final cause of poor grades may be bad study habits.
Some students have never learned how to take good notes in class, how
to manage their time effectively, or how to study a textbook. Without
such study skills, their grades are likely to suffer.

The supporting details provide the added information—the

specific causes of poor grades—that is needed for you to fully
understand the main idea.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

In this paragraph, the main idea is explained by examples.

Some everyday words are actually based on people’s names. For example,
the word sandwich originated when the Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman
who loved to play cards, became hungry during a game in 1762. Not wanting to
stop playing, he asked a servant to bring him some roast beef between two
pieces of toasted bread. The quick portable snack was soon called a sandwich.
Another person whose name became a word is a Frenchman named Dr.
Guillotin. During the French Revolution, he pleaded for a quicker, kinder way
than hanging to execute criminals. The result was the guillotine, a machine with
a heavy blade used to behead people. A third example comes from a 19th-
century Irish landlord named Mr. Boycott. When he refused to lower the high
rents he was charging, his tenants stopped speaking to him. Today, to boycott
means to refuse to do business with a person or company.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Some everyday words are actually based on people’s names. For example,
the word sandwich originated when the Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman
who loved to play cards, became hungry during a game in 1762. Not wanting to
stop playing, he asked a servant to bring him some roast beef between two
pieces of toasted bread. The quick portable snack was soon called a sandwich.
Another person whose name became a word is a Frenchman named Dr.
Guillotin. During the French Revolution, he pleaded for a quicker, kinder way
than hanging to execute criminals. The result was the guillotine, a machine with
a heavy blade used to behead people. A third example comes from a 19th-
century Irish landlord named Mr. Boycott. When he refused to lower the high
rents he was charging, his tenants stopped speaking to him. Today, to boycott
means to refuse to do business with a person or company.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Main idea Some everyday words are actually based on people’s names. For example,
the word sandwich originated when the Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman
who loved to play cards, became hungry during a game in 1762. Not wanting to
stop playing, he asked a servant to bring him some roast beef between two
pieces of toasted bread. The quick portable snack was soon called a sandwich.
Another person whose name became a word is a Frenchman named Dr.
Guillotin. During the French Revolution, he pleaded for a quicker, kinder way
than hanging to execute criminals. The result was the guillotine, a machine with
a heavy blade used to behead people. A third example comes from a 19th-
century Irish landlord named Mr. Boycott. When he refused to lower the high
rents he was charging, his tenants stopped speaking to him. Today, to boycott
means to refuse to do business with a person or company.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

Main idea: Some everyday words are based on people’s names.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Some everyday words are actually based on people’s names. For example,
the word sandwich originated when the Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman
who loved to play cards, became hungry during a game in 1762. Not wanting to
stop playing, he asked a servant to bring him some roast beef between two
pieces of toasted bread. The quick portable snack was soon called a sandwich.
Another person whose name became a word is a Frenchman named Dr.
Guillotin. During the French Revolution, he pleaded for a quicker, kinder way
than hanging to execute criminals. The result was the guillotine, a machine with
a heavy blade used to behead people. A third example comes from a 19th-
century Irish landlord named Mr. Boycott. When he refused to lower the high
rents he was charging, his tenants stopped speaking to him. Today, to boycott
means to refuse to do business with a person or company.

What is the first supporting example in this paragraph?

Main idea: Some everyday words are based on people’s names.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Some everyday words are actually based on people’s names. For example,
the word sandwich originated when the Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman
who loved to play cards, became hungry during a game in 1762. Not wanting to
stop playing, he asked a servant to bring him some roast beef between two
pieces of toasted bread. The quick portable snack was soon called a sandwich. Supporting example
Another person whose name became a word is a Frenchman named Dr.
Guillotin. During the French Revolution, he pleaded for a quicker, kinder way
than hanging to execute criminals. The result was the guillotine, a machine with
a heavy blade used to behead people. A third example comes from a 19th-
century Irish landlord named Mr. Boycott. When he refused to lower the high
rents he was charging, his tenants stopped speaking to him. Today, to boycott
means to refuse to do business with a person or company.

What is the first supporting example in this paragraph?

Main idea: Some everyday words are based on people’s names.
Supporting detail: 1. Sandwich

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Some everyday words are actually based on people’s names. For example,
the word sandwich originated when the Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman
who loved to play cards, became hungry during a game in 1762. Not wanting to
stop playing, he asked a servant to bring him some roast beef between two
pieces of toasted bread. The quick portable snack was soon called a sandwich.
Another person whose name became a word is a Frenchman named Dr.
Guillotin. During the French Revolution, he pleaded for a quicker, kinder way
than hanging to execute criminals. The result was the guillotine, a machine with
a heavy blade used to behead people. A third example comes from a 19th-
century Irish landlord named Mr. Boycott. When he refused to lower the high
rents he was charging, his tenants stopped speaking to him. Today, to boycott
means to refuse to do business with a person or company.

What is the second supporting example in this paragraph?

Main idea: Some everyday words are based on people’s names.
Supporting detail: 1. Sandwich

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Some everyday words are actually based on people’s names. For example,
the word sandwich originated when the Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman
who loved to play cards, became hungry during a game in 1762. Not wanting to
stop playing, he asked a servant to bring him some roast beef between two
pieces of toasted bread. The quick portable snack was soon called a sandwich.
Another person whose name became a word is a Frenchman named Dr.
Guillotin. During the French Revolution, he pleaded for a quicker, kinder way
than hanging to execute criminals. The result was the guillotine, a machine
Supportingwith
example
a heavy blade used to behead people. A third example comes from a 19th-
century Irish landlord named Mr. Boycott. When he refused to lower the high
rents he was charging, his tenants stopped speaking to him. Today, to boycott
means to refuse to do business with a person or company.

What is the second supporting example in this paragraph?

Main idea: Some everyday words are based on people’s names.
Supporting detail: 1. Sandwich
Supporting detail: 2. Guillotine

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Some everyday words are actually based on people’s names. For example,
the word sandwich originated when the Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman
who loved to play cards, became hungry during a game in 1762. Not wanting to
stop playing, he asked a servant to bring him some roast beef between two
pieces of toasted bread. The quick portable snack was soon called a sandwich.
Another person whose name became a word is a Frenchman named Dr.
Guillotin. During the French Revolution, he pleaded for a quicker, kinder way
than hanging to execute criminals. The result was the guillotine, a machine with
a heavy blade used to behead people. A third example comes from a 19th-
century Irish landlord named Mr. Boycott. When he refused to lower the high
rents he was charging, his tenants stopped speaking to him. Today, to boycott
means to refuse to do business with a person or company.

What is the third supporting example in this paragraph?

Main idea: Some everyday words are based on people’s names.
Supporting detail: 1. Sandwich
Supporting detail: 2. Guillotine

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Some everyday words are actually based on people’s names. For example,
the word sandwich originated when the Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman
who loved to play cards, became hungry during a game in 1762. Not wanting to
stop playing, he asked a servant to bring him some roast beef between two
pieces of toasted bread. The quick portable snack was soon called a sandwich.
Another person whose name became a word is a Frenchman named Dr.
Guillotin. During the French Revolution, he pleaded for a quicker, kinder way
than hanging to execute criminals. The result was the guillotine, a machine with
a heavy blade used to behead people. A third example comes from a 19th-
century Irish landlord named Mr. Boycott. When he refused to lower the high
rents he was charging, his tenants stopped speaking to him. Today, to boycott Supporting example
means to refuse to do business with a person or company.

What is the third supporting example in this paragraph?

Main idea: Some everyday words are based on people’s names.
Supporting detail: 1. Sandwich
Supporting detail: 2. Guillotine
Supporting detail: 3. Boycott
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Some everyday words are actually based on people’s names. For example,
the word sandwich originated when the Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman
who loved to play cards, became hungry during a game in 1762. Not wanting to
stop playing, he asked a servant to bring him some roast beef between two
pieces of toasted bread. The quick portable snack was soon called a sandwich.
Another person whose name became a word is a Frenchman named Dr.
Guillotin. During the French Revolution, he pleaded for a quicker, kinder way
than hanging to execute criminals. The result was the guillotine, a machine with
a heavy blade used to behead people. A third example comes from a 19th-
century Irish landlord named Mr. Boycott. When he refused to lower the high
rents he was charging, his tenants stopped speaking to him. Today, to boycott
means to refuse to do business with a person or company.

Main idea: Some everyday words are based on people’s names.

Supporting detail: 1. Sandwich
Supporting detail: 2. Guillotine
Supporting detail: 3. Boycott
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

What Are Supporting Details?

Some everyday words are actually based on people’s names. For example,
the word sandwich originated when the Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman
who loved to play cards, became hungry during a game in 1762. Not wanting to
stop playing, he asked a servant to bring him some roast beef between two
pieces of toasted bread. The quick portable snack was soon called a sandwich.
Another person whose name became a word is a Frenchman named Dr.
Guillotin. During the French Revolution, he pleaded for a quicker, kinder way
than hanging to execute criminals. The result was the guillotine, a machine with
a heavy blade used to behead people. A third example comes from a 19th-
century Irish landlord named Mr. Boycott. When he refused to lower the high
rents he was charging, his tenants stopped speaking to him. Today, to boycott
means to refuse to do business with a person or company.

Main idea: Some everyday words are based on people’s names.

Supporting detail: 1. Sandwich
Supporting detail: 2. Guillotine
Supporting detail: 3. Boycott
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

Preparing an outline of a passage will help you see clearly the

relationship between a main idea and its supporting details.

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 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

Outlines are lists that show the important parts of a piece

of writing. They begin with a main idea, with supporting
details placed, in order, underneath the main idea.

There may be two levels of supporting details—major

and minor. The major details explain and develop the
main idea. In turn, the minor details under them help fill
out and make clear the major details.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

Here is a detailed outline of the paragraph on poor grades:

Main idea: Poor grades in school can have various causes.
Major detail: 1. Financial problems
Minor details: a. Need to work long hours after school
b. No time left to study
Major detail: 2. Trouble with relationships
Minor details: a. Unhappiness over family problems
b. Unhappiness over lack of friends
Major detail: 3. Bad study habits
Minor details: a. No skill in taking class notes
b. No skill in time management
c. No skill in studying a textbook

The main idea is supported and explained by the major details.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

Main idea: Poor grades in school can have various causes.

Major detail: 1. Financial problems
Minor details: a. Need to work long hours after school
b. No time left to study
Major detail: 2. Trouble with relationships
Minor details: a. Unhappiness over family problems
b. Unhappiness over lack of friends
Major detail: 3. Bad study habits
Minor details: a. No skill in taking class notes
b. No skill in time management
c. No skill in studying a textbook

The main idea is supported and explained by the major details.

In turn, the major details are supported and explained by the
minor details.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

Once you know how to outline, you can use the skill to
prepare very useful study notes. Good outlines clearly
tie ideas together, making
them easier to understand and remember.
Main idea: Poor grades in school can have various causes.
1. Financial problems
a. Need to work long hours after school
b. No time left to study
2. Trouble with relationships
a. Unhappiness over family problems
b. Unhappiness over lack of friends
3. Bad study habits
a. No skill in taking class notes
b. No skill in time management
c. No skill in studying a textbook

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

As you read this paragraph, look for the main idea, the
major details, and the minor details.
To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

The first part of the outline of this paragraph has been

completed for you.
To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.
Main idea: To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem.
1. Show genuine interest in what workers have to say.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

What is the second major detail in this paragraph?

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.
Main idea: To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem.
1. Show genuine interest in what workers have to say.

2.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.
Main idea: To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem.
1. Show genuine interest in what workers have to say.

2. Practice good conversational habits.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

What is the third major detail in this paragraph?

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.
Main idea: To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem.
1. Show genuine interest in what workers have to say.

2. Practice good conversational habits.

3. Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.
Main idea: To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem.
1. Show genuine interest in what workers have to say.

2. Practice good conversational habits.

3. Admit mistakes. Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

The first major detail is supported by two minor details.

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.
Main idea: To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem.
1. Show genuine interest in what workers have to say.
a. Ask for their opinions.
b. Really listen to their responses.
2. Practice good conversational habits.

3. Admit mistakes. Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

What three minor details support the second major detail?

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.
Main idea: To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem.
1. Show genuine interest in what workers have to say.
a. Ask for their opinions.
b. Really listen to their responses.
2. Practice good conversational habits.
a.
b.
c.
3. Admit mistakes. Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

What three minor details support the second major detail?

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.
Main idea: To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem.
1. Show genuine interest in what workers have to say.
a. Ask for their opinions.
b. Really listen to their responses.
2. Practice good conversational habits.
a. Look a worker in the eye.
b. Smile frequently.
c. Call workers by first name.
3. Admit mistakes. Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.
Main idea: To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem.
1. Show genuine interest in what workers have to say.
a. Ask for their opinions.
b. Really listen to their responses.
2. Practice good conversational habits.
a. Look a worker in the eye
b. Smile frequently
c. Call workers by first name
3. Admit mistakes. Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining

Outlining Tips
TIP TIP 1 Look for words that tell you a list of details is coming.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 1 Look for words that tell you a list of details is coming.

Here are some common list words that you saw in Chapter 2:
List Words

Examples

• Poor grades in school can have various causes.

• Tobuilding
motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
self-esteem.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 1 Look for words that tell you a list of details is coming.

List Words

You will not always be given such helpful signals that a list
of details will follow. However, you will want to note such
words when they are present. Such list words help you to
understand quickly the basic organization of a passage.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 2 Look for words that signal major details.

Such words are called addition words, and they were

also introduced in Chapter 2. Here are some common
addition words:

Addition Words

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 2 Look for words that signal major details.

In Chapter 2, you saw how addition words signaled each

major detail in this paragraph.

Poor grades in school can have various causes. For one thing, Addition words
students may have financial problems. If they need to work long hours
to make money, they will have little study time. Another cause of poor Addition word
grades may be trouble with relationships. A student may be unhappy
over family problems or a lack of friends. That unhappiness can harm
schoolwork. A final cause of poor grades may be bad study habits. Addition word
Some students have never learned how to take good notes in class, how
to manage their time effectively, or how to study a textbook. Without
such study skills, their grades are likely to suffer.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 2 Look for words that signal major details.

As you read the paragraph below, look for words that
signal major details.
To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of
building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 2 Look for words that signal major details.

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.

Which addition word signals the first major detail?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 2 Look for words that signal major details.

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One
One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.

Which addition word signals the first major detail?

One
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 2 Look for words that signal major details.

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One
One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. A second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.

Which addition word signals the second major detail?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 2 Look for words that signal major details.

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One
One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. Asecond
second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.

Which addition word signals the second major detail?

second
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 2 Look for words that signal major details.

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One
One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. Asecond
second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last of all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.

Which addition words signal the third major detail?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 2 Look for words that signal major details.

To motivate workers, managers should practice several methods of

building self-esteem. One
One way to build self-esteem is to show a genuine
interest in what workers have to say. Ask for their opinions, and really
listen to their responses. Asecond
second method of improving self-esteem is to
practice good conversational habits. Do so in three ways: by looking a
worker in the eye, by smiling frequently, and by calling workers by their
first name—the most important word in the language to every person.
Last
Last of
of all,
all, managers can build esteem by admitting mistakes. Doing so,
they show that it is simply human to do the wrong thing at times.

Which addition words signal the third major detail?

Last of all
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 3 In your outline, put all supporting details of equal

importance at the same distance from the margin.
In the outline of the paragraph on poor grades, the three major
supporting details all begin at the same distance from the margin.

Main idea: Poor grades in school can have various causes.

1. Financial problems
a. Need to work long hours after school
b. No time left to study

2. Trouble with relationships

a. Unhappiness over family problems
b. Unhappiness over lack of friends

3. Bad study habits

a. No skill in taking class notes
b. No skill in time management
c. No skill in studying a textbook
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP TIP 3 In your outline, put all supporting details of equal

importance at the same distance from the margin.

Likewise, the minor supporting details are all indented at the same
distance from the margin.

Main idea: Poor grades in school can have various causes.

1. Financial problems
a. Need to work long hours after school
b. No time left to study

2. Trouble with relationships

a. Unhappiness over family problems
b. Unhappiness over lack of friends

3. Bad study habits

a. No skill in taking class notes
b. No skill in time management
c. No skill in studying a textbook
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

Maps, or diagrams, are highly visual outlines in which

circles, boxes, or other shapes show the relationship
between main ideas and supporting details.

Mapping, like outlining, can be useful in helping you

prepare good study notes.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

In a map, each major detail is connected to the main idea.

Poor grades in school can have various causes.

Financial Trouble with Bad study

problems relationships habits

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

If minor details are included, each is connected to the

major detail it explains.

Poor grades in school can have various causes.

Financial Trouble with Bad study

problems relationships habits

Need to work Unhappiness Unhappiness No skill in No skill in No skill in

long hours over family over lack of taking class time studying a
after school problems friends notes management textbook

No time left
to study

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

As you read the paragraph below, notice the list words.

Also look for the words that signal the three major details.
People daydream for a variety of reasons. One cause of daydreaming is
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

People daydream for a variety of reasons. One cause of daydreaming is

boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

The main idea is stated in the first sentence.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

People daydream for a variety of reasons. One cause of daydreaming is

boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

Which words in the main idea tell you that a list of details
is coming?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

People daydream for aa variety

variety of
of reasons.
reasons. One cause of daydreaming is
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

Which words in the main idea tell you that a list of details
is coming? a variety of reasons

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

People daydream for aa variety

variety of
of reasons.
reasons. One cause of daydreaming is
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

Which word signals the first major detail?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

People daydream for aa variety

variety of reasons.One cause of daydreaming is
of reasons.
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

Which word signals the first major detail? One

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

People daydream for aa variety

variety of reasons.One cause of daydreaming is
of reasons.
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

Which word signals the second major detail?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

People daydream for aa variety

variety of reasons.One cause of daydreaming is
of reasons.
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

Which word signals the second major detail? Another

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

People daydream for aa variety

variety of reasons.One cause of daydreaming is
of reasons.
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

Which word signals the third major detail?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

People daydream for aa variety

variety of reasons.One cause of daydreaming is
of reasons.
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

Which word signals the third major detail? third

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

What major details are missing from the map below?

People daydream for aa variety
variety of reasons.One cause of daydreaming is
of reasons.
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

People daydream for a variety of reasons.

Example: Worker Example: Poor person Example: Angry person

dreams about winning dreams about owning dreams about dropping
lottery. car. teacher out window.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

What major details are missing from the map below?

People daydream for aa variety
variety of reasons.One cause of daydreaming is
of reasons.
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

People daydream for a variety of reasons.

Boredom

Example: Worker Example: Poor person Example: Angry person

dreams about winning dreams about owning dreams about dropping
lottery. car. teacher out window.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

What major details are missing from the map below?

People daydream for aa variety
variety of reasons.One cause of daydreaming is
of reasons.
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

People daydream for a variety of reasons.

Boredom Lack of something

Example: Worker Example: Poor person Example: Angry person

dreams about winning dreams about owning dreams about dropping
lottery. car. teacher out window.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

What major details are missing from the map below?

People daydream for aa variety
variety of reasons.One cause of daydreaming is
of reasons.
boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

People daydream for a variety of reasons.

Boredom Lack of something Angry feelings

Example: Worker Example: Poor person Example: Angry person

dreams about winning dreams about owning dreams about dropping
lottery. car. teacher out window.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

People daydream for a variety of reasons. One cause of daydreaming is

boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

People daydream for a variety of reasons.

Boredom Lack of something Angry feelings

Example: Worker Example: Poor person Example: Angry person

dreams about winning dreams about owning dreams about dropping
lottery. car. teacher out window.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Preparing Maps

People daydream for a variety of reasons. One cause of daydreaming is

boredom, at school or on the job. To make life more interesting, people imagine
being somewhere else. For example, a student might dream of lying on the beach
and flirting with an attractive person on a nearby blanket. A production worker
might dream about winning the lottery or becoming the big boss at the company.
Another cause of daydreaming is a lack of something. For instance, a starving
person might dream about food, or a poor person might dream about owning a
house or a car. A third cause of daydreaming is angry feelings. An angry student
might dream about dropping a hated math instructor out of a classroom window.

People daydream for a variety of reasons.

Boredom Lack of something Angry feelings

Example: Worker Example: Poor person Example: Angry person

dreams about winning dreams about owning dreams about dropping
lottery. car. teacher out window.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 3 Supporting Details in Reading

Supporting Details
in Reading–Summary

• Supporting details go hand in hand with main ideas. They

provide the added information you need to make sense of a
main idea.

• List
There are often two levels of supporting details—major and minor.

• minorwords and addition words can help you to find major and
supporting details.

• Outlining and mapping are useful note-taking strategies.

• Outlines and maps, or diagrams, show the relationship between
the main idea, major details, and minor details of a passage.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.