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Week 2
DISTINGUISHING MAIN IDEAS FROM SUPPORTING DETAILS
A good paragraph is made up of sentences that develop a single thought. That thought, is called
main idea, may be expressed in one or more sentences.
The main idea is the summary of the essential points of the paragraph and it excludes detailed
information. The topic sentence is the one sentence from the paragraph, which explains what the
paragraph is about. The following sentences are added details, reasons, examples, facts, and
ideas that prove, explain, support, or give examples
Finding the main idea and supporting details is helpful in many ways:
To understand a paragraph and a passage

Identify general point the author is making

Perceive the relationship between the main idea and what is said about the idea
How to find the topic, topic sentence, main idea and supporting details in a paragraph
 Decide the topic of the paragraph – person, place, things, abstract or idea, even a process
 Find the topic sentence – can be found in the first sentence, or the last sentence, or in the
middle, or sometimes it is implied.
 After locating the topic sentence, turn the statement into a general question. This will help
you focus on supporting details of the topic sentence –use 5W 1H question (who, when,
where, what, why, how).
 Once the topic sentence and supporting details have been identified, the main idea can be
located.
Example
A sudden increase in robberies has hit Petaling Jaya. The robbers who are mostly drug addicts,
steal anything that can be quickly converted into cash. Housing estates are the biggest targets.
Residents in Petaling Jaya are aware of this problem and are searching for new methods of
protection.
1. What is the paragraph about?
It is about robberies.
2. Which sentence best expresses the main idea of the paragraph?
A sudden increase in robberies has hit Petaling Jaya.
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3. Why is it called the main idea?
It is broad enough to summarize all the essential points of a paragraph and specific
enough to exclude detailed information.
4. Where is the main idea found?
It is found in the first sentence of the paragraph.
5. What is the function of the other sentences?
They clarify the main idea. Although the main idea is expressed in the first sentence, it is
not always clearly understood in itself and so the other sentences of the are used to
develop and make clear of its meaning. These sentences are supporting details.
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ARGUMENTATIVE & PERSUASIVE ESSAY
Effective arguments almost always appeal to the emotions.
Aristotle
Why do we argue? Usually, it is due to disagreement in opinion. And most of the time, we
argue because we want people to accept our point of opinion. Sometimes, not only points or
ideas help one to win arguments, but the method of clarifying a sound and compelling argument
is usually what decides who wins an argument.
What is it?
Argumentation: Thinking critically. In this type of writing, the primary purpose is to convince
readers to change their stand about a controversial issue. It forces you:
a) to take a stand
b) to analyze and evaluate evidence
c)
to assess the merits of opposing arguments
d) to defend your position
e) to connect your points to your conclusion logically
If your ideas cannot stand the test, you must reconsider your position. Argumentation is an
invaluable tool that enables you to express your own ideas and to evaluate the ideas of others.
Argument – an appeal to logic
Persuasion – an appeal to emotion and ethics
The distinction between argument and persuasion is largely a matter of emphasis.
An argument is not a heated debate but a series of statements connected to conclusions by a
combination of logical or emotional appeals.
Unfair persuasion which you should NEVER use : prejudice, threats and lies.
In writing an argumentative essay, the writer is strongly involved with the readers. Thus, when
writing an argumentation, there are several aspects that one needs to adhere to:

Decide on your stand.

Write a clear thesis statement and topic sentences

Provide adequate evidence and sufficient examples – authoritative facts, not general opinions

Provide logic in your arguments, and avoid over-generalized, biased or prejudiced statements

Point out common ground – look at both sides of an issue

Rebut opponent’s viewpoint, but grant merit when appropriate
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Week 2
Use tactful, courteous language
The goal: make them understand an issue / problem, change their attitude and get
them to act.
Examples of thesis statements:
Although some parents believe that the Internet is a major source of negative information, there is
a lot of educational information available from useful websites.
College students should be given the freedom to choose their own courses.
A year of national service should be compulsory of all 18-year-olds in the country.
All students should be required to learn foreign languages, as it would broaden their knowledge.
For detailed notes and exercise refer, to textbook Unit 9
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For detailed notes and exercise, refer to textbook Unit 1
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