Strengthening Writing with Supporting Details

The video tutorial explains the importance of supporting details in writing. It begins by introducing the concept and uses a table analogy to illustrate how supporting details support the main idea, similar to how table legs support a tabletop. The tutorial outlines six types of supporting details: descriptions, vocabulary, proof, voices, explanation, and importance. Examples are provided to demonstrate how these details can strengthen writing. The video emphasizes the need to stay focused on the main point and avoid vague details, offering examples to highlight the difference between specific and vague descriptions. The tutorial concludes with a recap of the key points discussed.

What is the main idea of a paragraph often called?

• Introduction

• Conclusion

• Topic sentence

• Supporting detail

Which of the following is NOT one of the six main types of supporting details?

• Opinions

• Vocabulary

• Descriptions

• Proof

What type of supporting detail uses the five senses to paint a vivid picture?

• Vocabulary

• Proof

• Descriptions

• Importance

What is the purpose of using vocabulary as a supporting detail?

• To provide hard evidence

• To clarify the main point

• To offer different perspectives

• To restate the main point

In the example paragraph, what type of supporting detail is the quote from Perez Hilton?

• Voice

• Explanation

• Description

• Proof

Why is it important not to stray too far from your original point when writing supporting details?

• It can add unnecessary details

• It can make the paragraph too long

• It can confuse the reader

• It can make the writing more interesting

What is a common mistake in writing a paper according to the video?

• Using complex vocabulary

• Not providing enough specific details

• Using too many quotes

• Writing too many paragraphs

What is the effect of using vague details in writing?

• It makes the point wobbly

• It makes the writing more engaging

• It makes the point stronger

• It makes the writing more concise

Which sentence is more vivid and specific?

• "I felt like I was sick. By the time I got home, it was worse."

• "The symptoms kept developing, one after the other."

• "By the time I got home, the room seemed to be swimming around me, and I found I had a fever of 102."

• "I was sick at my desk when I felt the tickle in my throat and started to cough."

What should supporting details be focused on?

• The main point of the paragraph

• The introduction

• The overall thesis

• The conclusion