Welcome to Unit 4 Seminar

Agenda

• Main Idea• Topic Sentences• Supporting details• General to Specific• Two column notes and other strategies• Putting it together

Main Ideas

• A main idea is the author’s controlling point about the topic. It usually includes the topic and the author’s attitude or opinion about the topic, or the author’s approach to the topic.

• Ask two questions:– Who or what is the paragraph about? (topic)– What is the author’s controlling point about the topic?

(main idea)

Identifying a Topic Sentence

• A topic (the general idea or subject). It can be stated in a sentence or just a few words.

• A main idea (the controlling point the author is making about the topic). It is often stated in a topic sentence.

• Supporting details are specific ideas to develop, explain, or support the main idea.

Who or what is the selection about?

• Make sure your answer is neither too broad nor too narrow.

• Example: What is the topic? Pollution, sun, rain, and salt air can cause serious damage to your car’s

finish. Waxing your car a few times a year will provide it with much-needed protection. Occasional waxing not only keeps your car looking good, but it also extends its life and maintains the car’s resale value. When you wax, wash and dry your car first to avoid grinding dirt into the finish, and wax in the shade for best results.

__waxing your car__waxing your car for protection__waxing for resale

Topic, Main Idea, or Supporting Detail?

____One common cause of headaches is muscle tension.

____Poor posture that tenses the muscles in the neck and back can trigger a headache.

____Headaches are sometimes the result of stress, anxiety, and depression that cause the muscles in the neck, face, and scalp to become tense.

____One common cause of headaches

Topic, Main Idea, or Supporting Detail?

MI One common cause of headaches is muscle tension.

SD Poor posture that tenses the muscles in the neck and back can trigger a headache.

SD Headaches are sometimes the result of stress, anxiety, and depression that cause the muscles in the neck, face, and scalp to become tense.

T One common cause of headaches

The Topic Sentence

• A topic sentence is a single sentence that states the author’s main idea.

• Topic sentences can come:– at the beginning of a paragraph.– within the paragraph.– at the end of a paragraph.– at the beginning and at the end of a paragraph.

Where is the topic sentence?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a new and serious disease. The disease, first noticed in 2003, developed in China and then spread to North America and Europe. It usually begins with a fever that is higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Other signs may include a headache, an overall feeling of discomfort, and body aches. After two to seven days, SARS patients may develop a dry cough, and they may have trouble breathing. SARS has lead to death in some cases.

Where is the topic sentence?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a new and serious disease. The disease, first noticed in 2003, developed in China and then spread to North America and Europe. It usually begins with a fever that is higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Other signs may include a headache, an overall feeling of discomfort, and body aches. After two to seven days, SARS patients may develop a dry cough, and they may have trouble breathing. SARS has lead to death in some cases.

Where is the topic sentence? Ice cream reigns as a rich, delicious treat enjoyed by the

majority of Americans. Many myths exist about the origin of this concoction of sugar and ice. The three most common myths include an explorer and two members of royalty. One popular legend has the famous explorer Marco Polo bringing water ices from China to Italy. Another myth claims that Catherine de Medici of Florence took her sorbetto recipes with her when she married Henry II and became Queen of France in 1533. The third most popular myth credits Charles I of England with a formula for “frozen milk” he bought from a French chef in the 17th century.

Where is the topic sentence? Ice cream reigns as a rich, delicious treat enjoyed by the

majority of Americans. Many myths exist about the origin of this concoction of sugar and ice. The three most common myths include an explorer and two members of royalty. One popular legend has the famous explorer Marco Polo bringing water ices from China to Italy. Another myth claims that Catherine de Medici of Florence took her sorbetto recipes with her when she married Henry II and became Queen of France in 1533. The third most popular myth credits Charles I of England with a formula for “frozen milk” he bought from a French chef in the 17th century.

Where is the topic sentence? Fourteen-year-old Laura Cantrell thought she was being a good

friend when she lied for fifteen-year-old Rebecca Anderson. Rebecca told Laura that her parents were trying to control her life because they wouldn’t let her date Sam Larson, who was twenty-seven years old. Rebecca begged Laura to help her come up with a way to get out of the house so she could be with Sam one more time to say goodbye. So Laura covered for her by telling Rebecca’s parents that Rebecca was spending the night with her. That night, Rebecca ran away from home. By the time the truth was discovered, Rebecca and Sam had vanished without a trace. Laura felt shocked, horrified, and betrayed. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson struggled with grief, guilt, and fear. A lie that seems harmless can have devastating results.

Where is the topic sentence? Fourteen-year-old Laura Cantrell thought she was being a good

friend when she lied for fifteen-year-old Rebecca Anderson. Rebecca told Laura that her parents were trying to control her life because they wouldn’t let her date Sam Larson, who was 27 years old. Rebecca begged Laura to help her come up with a way to get out of the house so she could be with Sam one more time to say goodbye. So Laura covered for her by telling Rebecca’s parents that Rebecca was spending the night with her. That night, Rebecca ran away from home. By the time the truth was discovered, Rebecca and Sam had vanished without a trace. Laura felt shocked, horrified, and betrayed. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson struggled with grief, guilt, and fear. A lie that seems harmless can have devastating results.

Where is the topic sentence?

Using art as a form of therapy calls for a level of concentration that allows a person to relieve the pain of mental or emotional stress. Art therapy is not limited to painting or drawing but can include dance, photography, music, writing, or any other form of art. The main goal is self expression. It allows a person to use visual means to explore feelings and emotions, to make the unseen seen, to discover how the mind works. Art therapy does not require artistic ability, nor does it demand high artistic products. Indeed, art therapy focuses on the process, not the product. Art is therapy, art heals.

Where is the topic sentence?

Using art as a form of therapy calls for a level of concentration that allows a person to relieve the pain of mental or emotional stress. Art therapy is not limited to painting or drawing but can include dance, photography, music, writing, or any other form of art. The main goal is self expression. It allows a person to use visual means to explore feelings and emotions, to make the unseen seen, to discover how the mind works. Art therapy does not require artistic ability, nor does it demand high artistic products. Indeed, art therapy focuses on the process, not the product. Art is therapy, art heals.

The Central Idea and the Thesis Statement

• The central idea is the main idea of a passage made up of two or more paragraphs.

• The thesis statement is a sentence that states the topic and the author’s controlling point about the topic for a passage of two or more paragraphs.

• Refer to the examples from college textbooks in your book regarding central ideas and thesis statements.

central idea thesis statement Supporting details

topic sentence1. __________________are specific ideas that

develop, explain, or support the main idea.2. The________ can be placed at the beginning of a

paragraph, within a paragraph, or at the end of a paragraph.

3. The_________ is the main idea of a passage made up of two or more paragraphs.

4. ________________is a sentence that states a longer passage’s central idea

• Supporting details are specific ideas that develop, explain, or support the main idea.

• The topic sentence can be placed at the beginning of a paragraph, within a paragraph, or at the end of a paragraph.

• The central idea is the main idea of a passage made up of two or more paragraphs.

• The thesis statement is a sentence that states a longer passage’s central idea.

Supporting Details• Supporting details explain, develop, support,

and illustrate the main idea.• A major detail directly explains, develops,

illustrates, or supports the main idea.• A minor detail explains, develops, illustrates,

or supports a major detail.

General and Specific Concepts

One major key to understanding written information is determining the difference between general and specific concepts. Note the difference between these general and specific terms:

Planet – EarthSymbol – Flag

General and Specific

Which is more specific?1. Robbery – crime2. Government – Congress3. Document – Constitution4. Person – creature5. Phobia - claustrophobia

Finding a General Category

Find one word or term general enough to include all of the words listed.

1. ________________rap

country and western classical rock

General and SpecificFor the following, list the letter of the words in order from most

general, to more specific, to most specific (for example, b,c,a).1. a. Flu b. disease c. Swine flu2. a. Water b. Indian Ocean c. Ocean3. a. detergent b. Product c. Tide

General and Specific Sentences

This same process can be applied to sentences. Being able to determine which sentences are more general and which are more specific will help you determine the main idea of passages as you read. Example:

General Sentence: Anger can take many forms.Specific Sentence: Some people grow quiet

when they get angry, while others scream and shout.

General and Specific Sentences

Example One -1. When they are in the classroom, may people are

afraid to ask questions or disagree.2. Our behavior is often affected by the presence of

others.Example Two - 1. Early in U.S. history, newspapers didn’t pretend to

be without political bias.2. In the eighteenth century, American politicians

funded and openly controlled newspapers.

Levels of Generality and Specificity

For the following, list the letter of the sentences in order from most general, to more specific, to most specific (for example, b,c,a).

A. Our attitudes toward childhood have changed over time.

B. In Puritan America, children were expected to behave like small adults and do their share of the household work.

C. In Puritan America, childhood was not considered a time to be lighthearted and carefree as it is today.

Another Example

A. Forests play an important part in controlling flooding and erosion.

B. Forests are a valuable resource.C. The network of roots in a forest floor soaks

up heavy rains; this prevents flooding and halts erosion.

List at least two specific examples for each topic and two minor details. Write a complete main idea statement.

Effective ParentingClear rules bedtime, snacks, TV timeFirm, but gentle discipline time out, quiet time

• Effective parenting skills are displayed clearly through a consistent parenting approach by developing clear and reasonable rules for daily routines such as bedtime, snacks and TV time, and firm, but gentle discipline using methods such as time out or quiet time; consistent parenting creates happy families.

List at least two specific examples for each topic and two minor details. Write a complete main idea statement.

• Strategies that make a successful student• Attributes of a good teacher• The most important inventions of the past 50 years• Things to look for when judging a restaurant• What makes a good film• Ways to relieve stress• Steps to register for the next semester’s classes• How music preferences can predict the compatibility of couples• Cell-phone etiquette• Examples of Instant Messaging abbreviations• Online shopping• Books that have changed lives• Benefits of attending college• Problems created by cell-phone use

Two Column Notes

Key Words Definition in your own words

Topic of section

Explanation in your own words

Question(s)Answer in your own words

Cause of issue(s) Explanation of the effects in your own words

Vocabulary Word(s) Definition in your own words

Supporting Details Supporting Details Supporting Details

• During the 20th century, three innovative directors who• pioneered the use of special effects in film had an impact on• how movies have evolved. First, in June of 1975 Steven• Spielberg terrified audiences with Jaws. In the film, he• used unusual camera positions, dramatic music, and the• infamous mechanical shark to build tension, thus creating• a suspenseful classic. Next, two years after Spielberg’s• blockbuster movie came George Lucas’s Star Wars,• which appeared in 1977. For its time, this movie was a• special-effects extravaganza, dazzling fans with animated• robots and dizzying journeys through space. A third• important director was James Cameron and Terminator• II: Judgment Day, which hit theaters with full force in• 1991. The movie generated a new kind of fear in movie• goers as they watched T-1000 emerge as one of the most• sinister villains of the screen, presenting the concept of a• relentless and apparently indestructible nemesis.

Topic:The three directors who made an impact on films throughspecial effectsTopic Sentence:During the 20th century, three innovative directors who pioneeredthe use of special effects in film had an impact on how movieshave evolved.First Major Supporting Detail:Steven Spielberg’s JawsMinor Supporting Detail:In the film, he used unusual camera positions, dramaticmusic, and the infamous mechanical shark to build tension,thus creating a suspenseful classic.Second Major Supporting Detail:George Lucas’s Star WarsMinor Supporting Detail:For its time, this movie was a special-effects extravaganza,dazzling fans with animated robots and dizzying journeysthrough space.Third Major Supporting Detail:James Cameron’s Terminator IIMinor Supporting Detail:The movie generated a new kind of fear in movie-goers asthey watched T-1000 emerge as one of the most sinistervillains of the screen, presenting the concept of a relentlessand apparently indestructible nemesis.