Understanding Supporting Details in Writing

Sep 29, 2024

Lecture Notes: Supporting Details in Paragraphs

Introduction

  • Comparison of a paragraph to a hamburger
    • Top bun: Topic sentence
    • Middle: Supporting details
  • Supporting details hold up the topic sentence, similar to how ingredients hold up a burger.

Purpose of Supporting Details

  • Help to prove, explain, or clarify the main idea or topic sentence.
  • Include facts, examples, and reasons.
  • Located after the topic sentence.

Steps to Identify Supporting Details

  1. Read the Paragraph
    • Example: Various types of video games.
  2. Find the Topic Sentence
    • Sentence that combines topic and main idea.
    • Example: "There are many types of video games."
  3. Identify Transition Words
    • Indicate a new idea, e.g., one, another, first, also, although, for example.
  4. Find the Proof (Supporting Details)
    • Sentences proving, clarifying, or explaining the topic sentence.
    • Example Details:
      • "One type of video game is a sports game."
      • "Another type of video game is a building game."
      • "A final type of game is an action-adventure game."

Practical Example

  • Soccer clothing paragraph
    • Topic Sentence: "You have to wear certain clothing to play soccer."
    • Supporting Details:
      • "One thing you wear to play soccer is cleats."
      • "Another thing you wear during a soccer match is shin guards."
      • "You will also wear a jersey when you play soccer to show which team you are on."

Writing and Revising Your Own Paragraphs

  • Ensure every detail provides new information.
  • Avoid repeating details and off-topic information.
  • Example Paragraph: Making ice cream sundaes
    • Topic Sentence: "Ice cream sundaes are an easy dessert to make."
    • Supporting Details:
      • "First, scoop your favorite flavor ice cream into a bowl."
      • "Next, drizzle chocolate sauce on top of the ice cream."
      • "Finally, add toppings like cookies, sprinkles, and candy."
    • Remove: Off-topic or repeated details.

Conclusion

  • Understanding supporting details is crucial for a coherent and strong paragraph.
  • Supporting details should always connect back to and prove the topic sentence.
  • Practice identifying and revising supporting details to improve writing.

Additional Resources

  • Practice activities link.
  • Follow Grass Popper on social media for more resources and updates.