Writing

= Supporting Details = http://www.pearsonhighered.com/showcase/fennessy1e/assets/ch5.pdf = =

A very important reading skill one can acquire is finding the main idea in a passage or reading. A closely related reading skill is locating supporting details. Supporting details are reasons, examples, facts, steps, or other kinds of evidence that back up and explain a main idea.

Details make up most of the information in what a person reads, but some details are more important than others. There are two kinds of supporting details: major and minor. Just as the main idea is the most important idea and more general than its supporting details, major details are the most important and are more general than the minor details. The minor details are more specific and help fill out and explain the major details.

Major details are important to comprehension which is increased when one asks which of the details are most important and why. Primary purposes of major details are listed below with brief explanations:

 To define a topic, to show what the topic is; to give an expanded version of the kind of explanation a dictionary would give

 To give examples, usually as part of an explanation, or help a reader understand a broad topic

 To describe, so that a reader can picture the topic

 To give reasons that support an argument or opinion

 To explain a fact or idea in a passage that uses logical reasoning to make the fact or idea clear

Notice in the earlier example how the first major detail is followed by a minor detail, which explains the first major detail:


 * Major detail:**

The hospitality industry is one that is open for business 365 days a year.


 * Minor detail:**

For this reason, it depends heavily on shift work.


 * Major detail:**

Another characteristic of the hospitality industry is the perishability of its products, for instance, hotel rooms.


 * Minor detail**:

Rooms that are vacant for the night are a financial loss to the hotel owner. = = =Dead Words vs Descriptive Words= Some words in the English language tend to be overused and, therefore, lose their power. These words are referred to as **DEAD WORDS**. Below is a list of dead words and some interesting alternatives.

 **This list is not limited to just these words!** = Types of Paragraphs =
 * a lot, lots || Numerous, heaps, many scores, innumerable, much a great deal, many times, often ||
 * also || Too, moreover, besides, as well as, in addition to ||
 * awesome, cool, rad || fine, wonderful, marvelous, fantastic, excellent ||
 * awful || dreadful, alarming, frightful, terrible, horrid, shocking ||
 * but || however, moreover, yet, still, nevertheless, though, although, on the other had ||
 * fun || pleasant, pleasurable, amusing, entertaining, jolly ||
 * funny || amusing, comical, laughable, jovial, strange, peculiar, unusual ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">got, get || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">received, obtained, attained, succeed in ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">good || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">excellent, exceptional, fine, marvelous, splendid, superb, wonderful ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">great || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">wonderful, outstanding, marvelous, fantastic, excellent ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">guy || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">man, person, fellow, boy, individual ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">have to || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">need to, must ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">kid || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">child, boy, girl, youngster, youth, teen, teenager, adolescent ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">like || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">such as, similar to, similarly ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">mad || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">angry, frustrated, furious, incensed, enraged, irate ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">nice || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">pleasant, charming, fascinating, captivating, delightful, pleasurable, pleasing ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">pretty || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">attractive, comely, beautiful ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">scared || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">afraid, fearful, terrified, frightened ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">so || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">this, according, therefore ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">then || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">first, second, next, later, finally, afterwards, meanwhile, soon ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">very || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">extremely, exceedingly, fantastically, unusually, incredibly, intensely, truly, fully, especially, shockingly, bitterly, immeasurable, infinitely, severely, surely, mightily, powerfully, chiefly ||
 * <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">very || <span style="font-family: Garamond,serif;">extremely, exceedingly, fantastically, unusually, incredibly, intensely, truly, fully, especially, shockingly, bitterly, immeasurable, infinitely, severely, surely, mightily, powerfully, chiefly ||

Because there are three paragraph types: narrative, descriptive, and expository—the paragraph can be used to describe or explain an endless variety of things. It’s important to know how to use each paragraph type for the right purpose, though. Narrative paragraphs tell about a scene or event, descriptive paragraphs give vivid descriptions of one subject, and expository paragraphs provide information. These four paragraph types are powerful tools for writers.

Descriptive Paragraph
A description can be part of a longer composition, such as a biography or a personal narrative, or it can be a complete composition by itself, such as a character sketch or a travel article. A good description takes readers into a scene as the writer pictures it. A good description helps readers to feel involved in a story's action rather than just being told about it.

Sunset is the time of day when our sky meets the outer space solar winds. There are blue, pink, and purple swirls, spinning and twisting like a cloud of balloons caught in a blender. The sun moves slowly beyond the horizon, while the moon races to take its place in prominence atop the night sky. People slow to a crawl, entranced, fully forgetting the deeds that still must get done. There is a coolness… a calmness… whenever the sun does set.
 * DESCRIBE: This paragraph describes a sunset! **

Informational (Expository) Paragraph
Expository writing gives information about a specific topic -- an actual person, place, thing or event. Everything in an expository article should be factual, not made up. Expository articles are usually written in the third person point of view. This type of writing includes several different styles of writing.
 * to inform a general audience
 * to provide facts on specific topics
 * to teach skills and provide information
 * to examine issues of public concern
 * to show significance.

In order to deliver infomration in a way in which the reader can easily understand, information must be arranged and presented in a logical, sequential manner, with like details grouped together.

**2. INFORM: This paragraph informs you about the Apollo 11 space mission.** On July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 spacecraft lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Where was it going? To the moon! The crew consisted of Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin. They landed on the moon in the Sea of Tranquility on July 20, 1969. The moonwalk took place the following day. On July 21, 1969, at precisely 10:56 EDT, Commander Neil Armstrong emerged from the spacecraft and took his famous first step onto the moon’s surface and declared, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” What a glorious moment in human history!

Narrative Paragraph
A narrative is a story in which events are usually told in order. The text must be bulit around one main event, adventure, scene, or happening. A person narrative is the account of a true incident that the writer experienced. T

**NARRATIVE: This paragraph tells a story about the Apollo 11 space mission.** July 21, 1969 was a memorable day for Neil Armstrong. That was the day he became the first person to ever walk on the moon. The journey began several days earlier, on July 16th, when the Apollo 11 launched from Earth headed to the moon. On board with Neil Armstrong were Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin. The crew landed on the moon in the Sea of Tranquility a day before the actual walk. Upon Neil’s first step onto the surface of the moon, he said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

AND This past weekend I had the time of my life. First, Friday night, I had my best friend over and we made a delicious, mouth watering pizza. After we ate, we had a friendly video game competition. On Saturday,, my dad took us out on the boat. The weather was perfect and the water was warm. It was a great day to go for a swim. Later that night, we went to the movies. We saw an action packed thriller and ate a lot of popcorn. Finally, on Sunday, we rode out bikes all over town. By the end of the day, my legs were very tired. I only hope that next weekend can be as fun as this one.

Persuasive writing tries to make readers agree with the writer's position on an issue. It is easy to state an opinion, but to persuade others to agree with it, the position must be supported with solid reasoning and relevant facts.
 * Argumentative (Persuasive) Paragraph**

ARGUMENTATIVE: This paragraph persuades you

=Transition Words=
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular; font-size: 12px;">transitions are phrases or words used to connect one idea to the next
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular; font-size: 12px;">transitions are used by the author to help the reader progress from one significant idea to the next
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular; font-size: 12px;">transitions also show the relationship within a paragraph (or within a sentence) between the main idea and the support the author gives for those ideas
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular; font-size: 12px;">different transitions do different things....

<span style="color: #d75668; font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Some Common English Transition Words and Phrases
 * <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Adding Information** and not only . . . but also also moreover (more formal) furthermore (more formal) in addition (more formal) || <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Examples** We have seen the movie twice, **and** now we want to see it again. **Not only** did my brother break his leg, **but** he **also** bruised his rib. My friend speaks Korean and English. She **also** speaks Chinese. Cheating is dishonest. **Moreover,** it hinders students from learning. Students should be on time. **Furthermore,** they must be prepared. You must complete this essay by 5 p.m. **In addition,** you must do the exercises on page 47. ||
 * <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Giving Examples** for example for instance specifically in particular The first (second, another, etc.) example/reason is . . . || <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Examples** I have been to many countries. **For example,** I have been to Russia, Canada, Mexico, and Spain. He often eats strange foods. **For instance,** he once ate cow brains. I like to travel. **Specifically,** I enjoy places with old cathedrals. I love fruit. **In particular,** I like bananas, pineapple, and berries. My friend hates skiing for several reasons. **The first reason** is that she dislikes being cold. **Another reason is** that she often falls. ||
 * <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Showing a Contrast** but however on the other hand otherwise instead in contrast (more formal) || <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Examples** Bill earned an A on his essay, **but** Susan got a B. We wanted to leave at 8:00. **However,** Mike arrived too late. She hates housecleaning. **On the other hand,** she doesn't mind cooking. Students should attend class. **Otherwise,** they may lose their status. I am not going out tonight. **Instead,** I will stay home and watch a video. Women usually enjoy shopping. **In contrast,** men often dislike it. ||
 * <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Showing a Concession** yet nevertheless (more formal) even so however although even though despite the fact that . . . despite || <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Examples** He knows that he should do his homework, **yet** he never does it. I need to wear reading glasses. **Nevertheless,** I hate how I look in them. I know you don't like to study. **Even so,** you must pass your exam. There are many benefits to exercising. **However,** you must take some precautions to avoid injury. **Even though** the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting. **Although** the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting. **Despite the fact that** Kate is good at tennis, she lost the match. **Despite** Kate's skill at tennis, she lost the match. ||
 * <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Showing a Similarity** likewise (more formal) similarly (more formal) in the same way || <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Examples** Math was hard for me in high school. **Likewise,** it is hard in college. Houseplants require much care and attention. **Similarly,** outdoor plants must be cared for properly. Rock climbing takes much practice and skill. **In the same way,** learning to write well requires a great deal of practice. ||
 * <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Showing a Result** so as a result therefore thus (more formal) as a consequence consequently (more formal) || <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Examples** Janet passed her exam, **so** she is very happy. Tim was late. **As a result,** we could not go to the concert. James is not feeling well. **Therefore,** he will not be here today. The committee voted against the proposal. **Thus,** we must consider another idea. I forgot that the cake was in the oven. **As a consequence,** it burned. Tina lost her keys. **Consequently,** she could not drive home. ||
 * <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Establishing Time Relation or Sequence** first second finally in conclusion in summary meanwhile || <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Examples** **First,** I think that she is studying hard. **Second,** I believe that she is a bright student. **Finally,** I know that she has great potential. **In conclusion,** I feel that she deserves to win the scholarship. **In summary,** we should offer her some financial help. Jeff was working hard to clean the house. **Meanwhile,** his brother was watching television. ||
 * <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Showing a Condition** or whether . . . or if . . . (then) || <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Examples** I must study hard, **or** I will fail my exam. **Whether** you are coming **or** not, I am still going to Amy's party. **If** you want to get good grades, **then** you must do your homework. ||
 * <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Explaining or Emphasizing** in fact actually in other words namely (more formal) || <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Examples** The bookstore sells cards. **In fact,** they have the best cards around. James is **actually** the first person I have known who has been to Africa. He was late to class again. **In other words,** he didn't wake up on time. The plan needed only two things to succeed—**namely,** time and money. ||
 * <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Giving an Alternative** or either . . . or neither . . . nor (more formal) || <span style="font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;">**Examples** We can go to the beach, **or** we can go to the mountains. You can **either** ride the bus **or** walk to my apartment. I like **neither** that person **nor** his brother. ||

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