Learning Objective:
Identify
proposition and support
patterns in text
What will we identify
today?
Proposition and support
patterns in informative text
Fact
Statements (sentences) that can
be proven
Opinions
Statements (sentences) of what
someone thinks or believes
1. This is an apple.
2. This apple tastes great!
Discuss with your partner which sentence is
a fact and which sentence is an opinion.
Proposition and Support pattern-
is text that
presents an idea, or opinion. Then it provides supporting
sentences to show that the proposition is true.
A Proposition states the opinion or idea of the writer.
• Students should be required to wear school uniforms.
Supports are sentences that help show that the writer’s opinion
or idea it true.
• Students who do not have the latest designer clothes will not
feel embarrassed. (Economic differences in students will not
be apparent.)
• Gang allegiances will not be apparent.
• Students will not be dressed inappropriately (skimpy clothing,
shirts with inappropriate wording, etc.), which could cause
distractions to other students.
• Types of Support:






Facts, including the results of scientific research and surveys.
Statistics– facts in number form.
Examples– specific instances that illustrate reasons or facts.
Anecdotes– brief stories, such as personal experiences.
Definitions
Opinions from Experts on the subject, especially with direct
quotations.
It is important to identify proposition
and support because:
• You can understand reading better.
• You can use factual support statements
to make your opinion more believable.
Step 1 : Read the text carefully.
Step 2: Look for the proposition, an opinion, or idea of the writer.
Step 3: Look for sentences that support the proposition.
Step 4: Circle yes if the text is in the proposition and support pattern. Circle
no if it is not.
Paragraph 1
1. Turkey vultures are wonderful birds. 2. A turkey vulture’s
wings can spread six feet from tip to tip. 3. Turkey vultures hold
their wings out as they fly. 4. They look so beautiful as they soar
high!
Proposition and Support?
YES
NO
Step 1 : Read the text carefully.
Step 2: Look for the proposition, an opinion, or idea of the writer.
Step 3: Look for sentences that support the proposition.
Step 4: Circle yes if the text is in the proposition and support pattern. Circle
no if it is not.
Paragraph 2
1. On Monday, I take piano lessons. 2. On Tuesday, I go to visit
my grandmother. 3. On Wednesday, I watch my favorite TV
show. 4. Finally, on Friday I get to go watch a movie with my
family after dinner.
Proposition and Support?
YES
NO
Step 1 : Read the text carefully.
Step 2: Look for the proposition, an opinion, or idea of the writer.
Step 3: Look for sentences that support the proposition.
Step 4: Circle yes if the text is in the proposition and support pattern. Circle
no if it is not.
Paragraph 3
1. Turkey vultures are awful birds 2. These birds have wrinkled,
red skin on their heads. 3. Turkey vultures eat dead animals. 4.
This diet is gross to some people. 5. These are horrible birds.
Proposition and Support?
YES
NO
Step 1 : Read the text carefully.
Step 2: Look for the proposition, an opinion, or idea of the writer.
Step 3: Look for sentences that support the proposition.
Step 4: Circle yes if the text is in the proposition and support pattern. Circle
no if it is not.
Paragraph 4
1. Technology is taking over the way we talk to one another. 2.
People don’t call anymore. 3. They text each other on their cell
phones, which can cause problems if the text is not read
correctly. 4. People don’t talk to each other face to face
anymore.
Proposition and Support?
YES
NO
Closure
Step 1 : Read the text carefully.
Step 2: Look for the proposition, an opinion, or idea of the writer.
Step 3: Look for sentences that support the proposition.
Step 4: Circle yes if the text is in the proposition and support pattern. Circle
no if it is not.
Paragraph 5
1. Willie Mays of the Giants was the greatest centerfielder in
baseball history 2. He was named Rookie of the year in 1952,
the National League’s best first year player. 3. He was the
National League's Most Valuable Player in 1957. 4. He was
elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979.
Proposition and Support?
YES
NO
Your Turn!
California is considering eliminating all nonacademic subjects (art, music, P.E. etc.) from
middle schools to put more emphasis on math,
English, history and science.
State a proposition on this subject and give 3
sentences of support.
Tell what kind of evidence you have used as support
(fact, example, statistics, quote, expert opinion,
personal experience, anecdote).