UNDERSTANDING SUPPORTING DETAILS OF A PARAGRAPH

UNDERSTANDING SUPPORTING DETAILS OF A PARAGRAPH

Supporting sentences give information that explains and expands the topic of the paragraph. They answer questions—who? what? where? when? why? and how?—and give details. Good writers think of these questions when they write supporting sentences for the topic sentence.

Supporting Details

Without strong and vivid supporting details, it hardly matters what a great topic sentence a writer has created for a paragraph. It’s the supporting details, in the form of facts, descriptions, and examples, that back up the claim made in that sentence. The supporting details are important enough that you could think of them as the real meat of any paragraph.

Check your supporting details comprehension.

Read the paragraph below and choose the best supporting detail.

Multiple Choice

Robots are being used in sumo wrestling contests. Sumo wrestling is a sport that started in Japan. It takes place in a ring. Two players try to score points by holding each other down or pushing each other out of the ring. Robot sumo uses robots instead of humans. The robot that scores the most points wins.

• Robots are being used in sumo wrestling contests.

• Robot sumo contests are better than human sumo contests.

• Robot sumo uses robots instead of humans.

• Watching robot sumo is boring.

Multiple Choice

Students compete in robot sumo contests. They learn how to build their own robots. They compete against their classmates and students from other schools. To win, students must be creative. They must have a good plan for defeating other robots.

• Students like building sumo robots.

• Students compete in robot sumo contests.

• They use excellent strategies to defeat other robots.

• They must have a good plan for defeating other robots.

Multiple Choice

Neighbourhood watch programs are good for everyone. One reason for this is that neighbourhood watches unite neighbours in a common goal. Neighbours work together to protect each other. One family’s security becomes everyone’s concern. Another reason is that neighbourhood watches reduce crime in a couple of ways. Posted signs act as deterrents to criminals. Neighbours in these areas are more likely to report any suspicious persons or activities. And finally, watch programs keep neighbours alert. Because neighbours meet regularly, everyone is more aware of events, rules, or changes in the community.

• Neighbourhood watches unite neighbours in a common goal.

• Neighbourhood watches reduce crime.

• Watch programs keep neighbours alert.

• All is correct.

Multiple Choice

Nowadays, there are a number of ways for people to get a date. People interested in dating often ask their friends if they know anyone who is available. Some people advertise for dates on the Internet. Others prefer to use dating services that, for a fee, guarantee a perfect match.

• People interested in dating often ask their friends if they know anyone who is available.

• Some people advertise for dates on the Internet.

• Others prefer to use dating services that, for a fee, guarantee a perfect match.

• All is correct.