TEN STEPS to

ADVANCED READING
SECOND EDITION

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SECOND EDITION

TEN STEPS
to

ADVANCED
READING
John Langan

2013 Townsend Press

Chapter 2

SUPPORTING DETAILS

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details?

Supporting details are reasons, examples, facts, steps,

or other kinds of evidence that explain a main idea.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details?

In this cartoon, what is the speakers main idea?

The main idea is that reading the
morning paper is bad for the

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details?

The supporting reasons are that the political news raises

his blood pressure, the business report makes him
depressed, and the sports page makes him mad.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details?

Supporting Reasons
Eight million more women than men are of voting age, and more women
than men vote in U.S. national elections. However, men greatly outnumber
women in political office. Since 1789, over 1,800 men have served in the U.S.
Senate, but only 13 women have served. Women are underrepresented in U.S.
politics for a number of reasons. First, women are still underrepresented in law
and business, the careers from which most politicians emerge. In addition, most
women find that the irregular hours kept by those who run for office are
incompatible with their role as mother. Fathers, in contrast, whose ordinary roles
are more likely to take them away from home, are less likely to feel this conflict.
Last, preferring to hold on to their positions of power, men have been reluctant
to incorporate women into centers of decision-making or to present them as
viable candidates.

In the paragraph above, the main idea is that women are

underrepresented in U.S. politics
politics.
Read the paragraph and try to identify the three major
details that support this main idea.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details? / Supporting Reasons

What is the third major

What is the second major
What is the first major
detail?
detail?
Eight million more women than men are detail?
of voting age, and more women
than men vote in U.S. national elections. However, men greatly outnumber
women in political office. Since 1789, over 1,800 men have served in the U.S.
Senate, but only 13 women have served. Women are underrepresented in U.S.
politics for a number of reasons. First, women are still underrepresented in law
and business, the careers from which most politicians emerge. In addition, most
women find that the irregular hours kept by those who run for office are
incompatible with their role as mother. Fathers, in contrast, whose ordinary roles
are more likely to take them away from home, are less likely to feel this conflict.
Last, preferring to hold on to their positions of power, men have been reluctant
to incorporate women into centers of decision-making or to present them as
viable candidates.
Main idea: Women are underrepresented in U.S. politics.
Supporting detail 1: Women are still underrepresented in law and

business, the usual starting place for politicians.

Supporting detail 2: A politicians hours are incompatible with
the role of a mother.
Supporting detail 3: Men have been reluctant to give women
power.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details? / Supporting Reasons

Eight million more women than men are of voting age, and more women
than men vote in U.S. national elections. However, men greatly outnumber
women in political office. Since 1789, over 1,800 men have served in the U.S.
Senate, but only 13 women have served. Women are underrepresented in U.S.
1
politics for a number of reasons. First,
women are still underrepresented in law
and business, the careers from which most politicians emerge. In addition, most
2 women find that the irregular hours kept by those who run for office are
incompatible with their role as mother. Fathers, in contrast, whose ordinary roles
are more likely to take them away from home, are less likely to feel this conflict.
3
Last, preferring to hold on to their positions of power, men have been reluctant
to incorporate women into centers of decision-making or to present them as
viable candidates.

In this paragraph, the three supporting details are reasons

women are underrepresented in U.S. politics.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details?

Supporting Facts
Several factors contribute to our pickiness about eating certain foods.
One factor which influences what foods we find tasty is how old we are. In
young people, taste buds die and are replaced about every seven days. As we age,
the buds are replaced more slowly, so taste declines. Thus children, who have
abundant taste buds, often dislike foods with strong or unusual tastes, but as they
grow older and lose taste buds, they may come to like these foods. Pickiness is
also related to our upbringing. Many food and taste preferences result from
childhood experiences and cultural influences. For example, Chinese children eat
chicken feet as part of their normal diet, whereas American children consider
such food yucky. A third factor relating to pickiness over food is our built-in
sense of taste, which enables us to discriminate between foods that are safe to eat
and foods that are poisonous. Because most plants that taste bitter contain toxic
chemicals, we are more likely to survive if we avoid bitter-tasting plants. We
have a preference, then, for sweet foods because they are generally nonpoisonous.

In the paragraph above, the main idea is supported by

facts, not reasons.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details?

Supporting Facts
Several factors contribute to our pickiness about eating certain foods.
One factor which influences what foods we find tasty is how old we are. In
young people, taste buds die and are replaced about every seven days. As we age,
the buds are replaced more slowly, so taste declines. Thus children, who have
abundant taste buds, often dislike foods with strong or unusual tastes, but as they
grow older and lose taste buds, they may come to like these foods. Pickiness is
also related to our upbringing. Many food and taste preferences result from
childhood experiences and cultural influences. For example, Chinese children eat
chicken feet as part of their normal diet, whereas American children consider
such food yucky. A third factor relating to pickiness over food is our built-in
sense of taste, which enables us to discriminate between foods that are safe to eat
and foods that are poisonous. Because most plants that taste bitter contain toxic
chemicals, we are more likely to survive if we avoid bitter-tasting plants. We
have a preference, then, for sweet foods because they are generally nonpoisonous.

In the paragraph above, the main idea is supported by

facts, not reasons. Read the paragraph and try to
identify the separate factors that contribute to our
pickiness about eating certain foods (the main idea).

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details? / Supporting Facts

Several factors contribute to our pickiness about eating certain foods.

One factor which influences what foods we find tasty is how old we are. In
young people, taste buds die and are replaced about every seven days. As we age,
the buds are replaced more slowly, so taste declines. Thus children, who have
abundant taste buds, often dislike foods with strong or unusual tastes, but as they
grow older and lose taste buds, they may come to like these foods. Pickiness is
also related to our upbringing. Many food and taste preferences result from
childhood experiences and cultural influences. For example, Chinese children eat
chicken feet as part of their normal diet, whereas American children consider
such food yucky. A third factor relating to pickiness over food is our built-in
sense of taste, which enables us to discriminate between foods that are safe to eat
and foods that are poisonous. Because most plants that taste bitter contain toxic
chemicals, we are more likely to survive if we avoid bitter-tasting plants. We
have a preference, then, for sweet foods because they are generally nonpoisonous.

There are three supporting facts for why we are picky about
eating certain foods:
1 our age and how it affects our taste buds;
1)
2 our upbringing;
2)
3 our built-in sense of taste.
3)

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details? / Supporting Facts

Several factors contribute to our pickiness about eating certain foods.

One factor which influences what foods we find tasty is how old we are. In
young people, taste buds die and are replaced about every seven days. As we age,
the buds are replaced more slowly, so taste declines. Thus children, who have
abundant taste buds, often dislike foods with strong or unusual tastes, but as they
2 Pickiness is
grow older and lose taste buds, they may come to like these foods.
also related to our upbringing. Many food and taste preferences result from
childhood experiences and cultural influences. For example, Chinese children eat
chicken feet as part of their normal diet, whereas American children consider
such food yucky.
3 A third factor relating to pickiness over food is our built-in
sense of taste, which enables us to discriminate between foods that are safe to eat
and foods that are poisonous. Because most plants that taste bitter contain toxic
chemicals, we are more likely to survive if we avoid bitter-tasting plants. We
have a preference, then, for sweet foods because they are generally nonpoisonous.

The supporting details (the facts) give the added

information we need to fully understand the main idea.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details?

Supporting Example(s)
An old Chinese story illustrates the emotional healing power of touch. A
woman went to a traditional herbal healer, asking for a potion to kill her cruel
mother-in-law. The herbalist gave her some tea, telling her to make some for her
mother-in-law every day for three months. In addition, he told her to massage
the older woman every day, claiming that the poison would enter the womans
system more effectively that way. At the end of the three months, the mother-inlaw would die, apparently of natural causes. The daughter-in-law did as she was
told. But at the end of two and a half months, she had come to know and
understand her mother-in-law through giving her massage. In turn, her motherin-law had started to love her. The young woman ran back to the wise old doctor
to ask for an antidote to the poison. He told her the tea was not poison at all,
only flower water.

In this paragraph, the main idea is supported by an

extended example.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details?

Supporting Example(s)
An old Chinese story illustrates the emotional healing power of touch. A
woman went to a traditional herbal healer, asking for a potion to kill her cruel
mother-in-law. The herbalist gave her some tea, telling her to make some for her
mother-in-law every day for three months. In addition, he told her to massage
the older woman every day, claiming that the poison would enter the womans
system more effectively that way. At the end of the three months, the mother-inlaw would die, apparently of natural causes. The daughter-in-law did as she was
told. But at the end of two and a half months, she had come to know and
understand her mother-in-law through giving her massage. In turn, her motherin-law had started to love her. The young woman ran back to the wise old doctor
to ask for an antidote to the poison. He told her the tea was not poison at all,
only flower water.

In this paragraph, the main idea is supported by an

extended example. Read the paragraph and identify which
sentence contains the main idea. Then identify which
sentence starts the extended example.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

What Are Supporting Details? / Supporting Example(s)

An old Chinese story illustrates the emotional healing power of touch. A

woman went to a traditional herbal healer, asking for a potion to kill her cruel
mother-in-law. The herbalist gave her some tea, telling her to make some for her
mother-in-law every day for three months. In addition, he told her to massage
the older woman every day, claiming that the poison would enter the womans
system more effectively that way. At the end of the three months, the mother-inlaw would die, apparently of natural causes. The daughter-in-law did as she was
told. But at the end of two and a half months, she had come to know and
understand her mother-in-law through giving her massage. In turn, her motherin-law had started to love her. The young woman ran back to the wise old doctor
to ask for an antidote to the poison. He told her the tea was not poison at all,
only flower water.

The first sentence presents the main

idea.
The extended example starts in the
second sentence and continues to the
end of the paragraph.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining
Preparing an outline of a passage often helps you understand
and see clearly the relationship between a main idea and its
supporting details.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining

Outlines start with a main idea (or a heading that

summarizes the main idea) followed by supporting details.
There are often two levels of supporting detailsmajor and
minor. The major details explain and develop the main
idea. In turn, the minor details help fill out and make clear
the major details.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining

Social psychologists have found that almost everyone gossips. Male or female, young or old,
blue-collar or professional, humans love to talk about one another. All too often, such gossip is
viewed as a frivolous waste of time. However, it actually serves several important functions in the
human community. For one thing, gossip is a form of networking. Talking with our friends and
coworkers about each other is our most effective means of keeping track of the ever-changing
social dynamic. It tells us who is in, who is out, and who can help us climb the social or
professional ladder. A second function of gossip is the building of influence. When we engage in
gossip, we are able to shape peoples opinions of ourselves. We tell stories that show ourselves in a
good lightwise, compassionate, insightful, clever. A final and very powerful function of gossip
is the creating of social alliances. There are few quicker ways to form a bond with another person
than to share private information with him or her. To talk about a third party, especially in a critical
way, creates a bond with our listener and gives a feeling of shared superiority.

Here is the paragraph on gossip that you saw in Chapter 1.

Reread the paragraph and pick out the three major
supporting details.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining

Social psychologists have found that almost everyone gossips. Male or female, young or old,
blue-collar or professional, humans love to talk about one another. All too often, such gossip is
viewed as a frivolous waste of time. However, it actually serves several important functions in the
human community. For one thing, gossip is 1a form of networking. Talking with our friends and
coworkers about each other is our most effective means of keeping track of the ever-changing
social dynamic. It tells us who is in, who is out, and who can help us climb the social or
2 building of influence. When we engage in
professional ladder. A second function of gossip is the
gossip, we are able to shape peoples opinions of ourselves. We tell stories that show ourselves in a
good lightwise, compassionate, insightful, clever. A final and very powerful function of gossip
3 creating of social alliances. There are few quicker ways to form a bond with another person
is the
than to share private information with him or her. To talk about a third party, especially in a critical
way, creates a bond with our listener and gives a feeling of shared superiority.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining

Social psychologists have found that almost everyone gossips. Male or female, young or old,
blue-collar or professional, humans love to talk about one another. All too often, such gossip is
viewed as a frivolous waste of time. However, it actually serves several important functions in the
human community. For one thing, gossip is 1a form of networking. Talking with our friends and
coworkers about each other is our most effective means of keeping track of the ever-changing
social dynamic. It tells us who is in, who is out, and who can help us climb the social or
2 building of influence. When we engage in
professional ladder. A second function of gossip is the
gossip, we are able to shape peoples opinions of ourselves. We tell stories that show ourselves in a
good lightwise, compassionate, insightful, clever. A final and very powerful function of gossip
3 creating of social alliances. There are few quicker ways to form a bond with another person
is the
than to share private information with him or her. To talk about a third party, especially in a critical
way, creates a bond with our listener and gives a feeling of shared superiority.

To outline this paragraph, these are the items you would

include as the main idea and the major supporting details.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining

Social psychologists have found that almost everyone gossips. Male or female, young or old,
blue-collar or professional, humans love to talk about one another. All too often, such gossip is
viewed as a frivolous waste of time. However, it actually serves several important functions in the
human community. For one thing, gossip is 1a form of networking. Talking with our friends and
coworkers about each other is our most effective means of keeping track of the ever-changing
social dynamic. It tells us who is in, who is out, and who can help us climb the social or
2 building of influence. When we engage in
professional ladder. A second function of gossip is the
gossip, we are able to shape peoples opinions of ourselves. We tell stories that show ourselves in a
good lightwise, compassionate, insightful, clever. A final and very powerful function of gossip
3 creating of social alliances. There are few quicker ways to form a bond with another person
is the
than to share private information with him or her. To talk about a third party, especially in a critical
way, creates a bond with our listener and gives a feeling of shared superiority.

Main idea:
Major
detail:

Gossip serves several important functions in the human community

1. Form of networking

Major
detail:

2. Building of influence

Major
detail:

3. Creating of social alliances

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining

Social psychologists have found that almost everyone gossips. Male or female, young or old,
blue-collar or professional, humans love to talk about one another. All too often, such gossip is
viewed as a frivolous waste of time. However, it actually serves several important functions in the
human community. For one thing, gossip is a form of networking. Talking with our friends and
coworkers about each other is our most effective means of keeping track of the ever-changing
social dynamic. It tells us who is in, who is out, and who can help us climb the social or
professional ladder. A second function of gossip is the building of influence. When we engage in
gossip, we are able to shape peoples opinions of ourselves. We tell stories that show ourselves in a
good lightwise, compassionate, insightful, clever. A final and very powerful function of gossip
is the creating of social alliances. There are few quicker ways to form a bond with another person
than to share private information with him or her. To talk about a third party, especially in a critical
way, creates a bond with our listener and gives a feeling of shared superiority.

Now look at the minor details.

These can be added to the outline.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining

Social psychologists have found that almost everyone gossips. Male or female, young or old,
blue-collar or professional, humans love to talk about one another. All too often, such gossip is
viewed as a frivolous waste of time. However, it actually serves several important functions in the
human community. For one thing, gossip is a form of networking. Talking with our friends and
coworkers about each other is our most effective means of keeping track of the ever-changing
social dynamic. It tells us who is in, who is out, and who can help us climb the social or
professional ladder. A second function of gossip is the building of influence. When we engage in
gossip, we are able to shape peoples opinions of ourselves. We tell stories that show ourselves in a
good lightwise, compassionate, insightful, clever. A final and very powerful function of gossip
is the creating of social alliances. There are few quicker ways to form a bond with another person
than to share private information with him or her. To talk about a third party, especially in a critical
way, creates a bond with our listener and gives a feeling of shared superiority.

Main idea:
Gossip serves several important functions in the human community
1. Form of networking
Major
Networking is the best way to know whos out, whos
Minor
detail:
in, and who can help us socially or professionally.
detail:
2. Building of influence
Major
By gossiping we can impress others as clever and
Minor
detail:
compassionate, warm and likable.
detail:
Major
3. Creating of social alliances
Minor
Sharing private information creates a bond with our
detail:
detail:
listener and gives a feeling of shared superiority.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining

Social psychologists have found that almost everyone gossips. Male or female, young or old,
blue-collar or professional, humans love to talk about one another. All too often, such gossip is
viewed as a frivolous waste of time. However, it actually serves several important functions in the
human community. For one thing, gossip is a form of networking. Talking with our friends and
coworkers about each other is our most effective means of keeping track of the ever-changing
social dynamic. It tells us who is in, who is out, and who can help us climb the social or
professional ladder. A second function of gossip is the building of influence. When we engage in
gossip, we are able to shape peoples opinions of ourselves. We tell stories that show ourselves in a
good lightwise, compassionate, insightful, clever. A final and very powerful function of gossip
is the creating of social alliances. There are few quicker ways to form a bond with another person
than to share private information with him or her. To talk about a third party, especially in a critical
way, creates a bond with our listener and gives a feeling of shared superiority.

Main idea:
Gossip serves several important functions in the human community
1. Form of networking
Major
Networking is the best way to know whos out, whos
Minor
detail:
in, and who can help us socially or professionally.
detail:
2. Building of influence
Major
By gossiping we can impress others as clever and
Minor
detail:
compassionate, warm and likable.
detail:
Major
3. Creating of social alliances
Minor
Sharing private information creates a bond with our
detail:
detail:
listener and gives a feeling of shared superiority.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining

Notice that the outline of a passage helps you understand

and see clearly the relationship between a main idea and its
supporting details.

Main idea:
Gossip serves several important functions in the human community
1. Form of networking
Major
Networking is the best way to know whos out, whos
Minor
detail:
in, and who can help us socially or professionally.
detail:
2. Building of influence
Major
By gossiping we can impress others as clever and
Minor
detail:
compassionate, warm and likable.
detail:
Major
3. Creating of social alliances
Minor
Sharing private information creates a bond with our
detail:
detail:
listener and gives a feeling of shared superiority.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining / Outlining Tips

Outlining Tips
TIP

TIP 1 Look for words that tell you a list of details is coming.

Here are some common list words that you saw in Chapter 1:
List Words

Examples

However, it [gossip] actually serves several important functions in the

human community.
Women are underrepresented in U.S. politics for a number of reasons.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP

TIP 1 Look for words that tell you a list of details is coming.

List Words

You will not always be given such helpful signals that a list of
details will follow. However, you will want to note such words
when they are present. They help you to understand quickly the
basic organization of a passage.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP

TIP 2 Look for words that signal major details.

Such words are called addition words. Here are some

common addition words:
Addition Words

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP

TIP 2 Look for words that signal major details.

Look again at the selection on underrepresentation of women.

Eight million more women than men are of voting age, and more women
than men vote in U.S. national elections. However, men greatly outnumber
women in political office. Since 1789, over 1,800 men have served in the U.S.
Senate, but only 13 women have served. Women are underrepresented in U.S.
Addition
word
First
politics for a number
of reasons.
First, women are still underrepresented in law
Addition words
addition most
and business, the careers from which most politicians
emerge. In addition,
women find that the irregular hours kept by those who run for office are
Addition
word
incompatible
with their role as mother. Fathers, in contrast, whose ordinary roles
are more likely to take them away from home, are less likely to feel this conflict.
Last, preferring to hold on to their positions of power, men have been reluctant
to incorporate women into centers of decision-making or to present them as
viable candidates.
Which word introduces the first major
detail? words introduce the second major
Which
detail?
Which word introduces the third major
detail?

First
In addition
Last

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP

TIP 3 When making an outline, put all supporting details of

equal importance at the same distance from the margin.

In the model outline below, the three major supporting

details all begin at the same distance from the margin.
Main idea
1. Major detail
a. Minor detail
b. Minor detail
2. Major detail
a. Minor detail
b. Minor detail
3. Major detail
a. Minor detail
b. Minor detail

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Outlining / Outlining Tips

TIP

TIP 3 When making an outline, put all supporting details of

equal importance at the same distance from the margin.

Likewise, the minor supporting details are all indented

at the same distance from the margin.
Main idea
1. Major detail
a. Minor detail
b. Minor detail
2. Major detail
a. Minor detail
b. Minor detail
3. Major detail
a. Minor detail
b. Minor detail

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Mapping
Maps, or diagrams, are highly visual outlines in which
circles, boxes, or other shapes show the relationships
between main ideas and supporting details.
Each major detail is connected to the main idea, often
presented in the form of a title. If minor details are included,
each is connected to the major detail it explains.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Mapping

Here is how you might create a map of the paragraph on gossip.

Social psychologists have found that almost everyone gossips. Male or female, young or old,
blue-collar or professional, humans love to talk about one another. All too often, such gossip is
Main
idea
Main
idea
viewed
as a frivolous waste of time. However, it actually serves several important functions in the
human community. For one thing, gossip is a form of networking. Talking with our friends and
Major
Major details
details
coworkers about each other is our most effective means of keeping track of the ever-changing
socialdetails
dynamic. It tells us who is in, who is out, and who can help us climb the social or
Minor
Minor
details
professional ladder. A second function of gossip is the building of influence. When we engage in
gossip, we are able to shape peoples opinions of ourselves. We tell stories that show ourselves in a
good lightwise, compassionate, insightful, clever. A final and very powerful function of gossip
is the creating of social alliances. There are few quicker ways to form a bond with another person
than to share private information with him or her. To talk about a third party, especially in a critical
way, creates a bond with our listener and gives a feeling of shared superiority.

Gossip serves several important functions in the

human community.
Form of networking

Building of influence

Gossiping is the best way to

know whos out, whos in,
and who can help us socially
or professionally.

By gossiping we can impress

others as clever and
compassionate.

Creating of social
alliances
Sharing private information
creates a bond with our
listener and gives a feeling of
shared superiority.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Mapping

Read this paragraph and decide what major details should be

added to the map below.
With the possible exception of very small, isolated, primitive groups, every
human society has had some sort of class system. In ancient Rome, there were
four major social classes. To begin with, at the top of the heap were the
aristocrats, called patricians. This term derived from the word for father
paterand is still sometimes used today; it also survives in the name Patricia.
Second, as a practical matter if not in principle, were the soldiers, an
enormously powerful group. One Roman emperor, on his deathbed, advised his
son: Enrich the soldiers; nothing else matters. Next came the common people,
called the plebeians. (This term too survives today: a freshman at a military
academy is called a plebe.) The plebeians were artisans, shopkeepers, and
laborers. Fourth, at the bottom, were slaves. They could work as domestic
servants, manual laborers, and so on; but some slaves were educated and served
as teachers.

There were four major social classes

in Rome.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Mapping

With the possible exception of very small, isolated, primitive groups, every
human society has had some sort of class system. In ancient Rome, there were
four major social classes. To begin with, at the top of the heap were the
aristocrats
aristocrats, called patricians. This term derived from the word for father
paterand is still sometimes used today; it also survives in the name Patricia.
Second, as a practical matter if not in principle, were the soldiers
soldiers, an
enormously powerful group. One Roman emperor, on his deathbed, advised his
common
son: Enrich the soldiers; nothing else matters. Next
came people
the common people,
called the plebeians. (This term too survives today: a freshman at a military
academy is called a plebe.) The plebeians were artisans, shopkeepers, and
slaves
laborers. Fourth, at the
bottom, were slaves. They could work as domestic
servants, manual laborers, and so on; but some slaves were educated and served
as teachers.
Aristocrats
(Patricians)

Soldiers
Therewerefourmajorsocialclasses
inRome.

Common people
(Plebeians)

Slaves

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Mapping

Notice that addition words introduce the major details.

With the possible exception of very small, isolated, primitive groups, every
human society has had some sort of class system. In ancient Rome, there were
four major social classes. To begin with, at the top of the heap were the
aristocrats, called patricians. This term derived from the word for father
paterand is still sometimes used today; it also survives in the name Patricia.
Second, as a practical matter if not in principle, were the soldiers, an
enormously powerful group. One Roman emperor, on his deathbed, advised his
son: Enrich the soldiers; nothing else matters. Next came the common people,
called the plebeians. (This term too survives today: a freshman at a military
academy is called a plebe.) The plebeians were artisans, shopkeepers, and
laborers. Fourth, at the bottom, were slaves. They could work as domestic
servants, manual laborers, and so on; but some slaves were educated and served
as teachers.
Aristocrats
(Patricians)

Soldiers
There were four major social classes
in Rome.

Common people
(Plebeians)

Slaves

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Summarizing
A summary is the reduction of a large amount of
information to its most important points.
As a general guideline, a paragraph might be reduced to a
sentence or two, an article might be reduced to a paragraph,
and a textbook chapter might be reduced to about three
pages of notes.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Summarizing

One of the most common types of summarizing occurs

when you are taking study notes on textbook material.
Very often you will find it helpful to summarize
examples of key terms.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Summarizing

Read the textbook passage below.

Habituation is the tendency to ignore environmental factors that remain constant. The
brain seems prewired to pay more attention to changes in the environment than to stimuli
that remain constant. Have you ever gotten a new clock and thought it had a very loud tick,
but in a short time you realized you werent aware of its ticking at all? This happens because
you become habituated to the regularity of the sound. If the sound changed every few
minutes, you would notice every change because you would not have enough time to become
habituated each time. High-end car security systems take advantage of this. When activated,
the security system begins with a siren, which then changes to honking, then back to a siren,
and so forth, so that it is impossible to habituate to the noise and ignore the alarm. These
types of alarms are annoying, but effective.

Now read this summary of the passage.

Summary

Habituationthe tendency to ignore environmental factors that remain constant.

For example, you will lose awareness of the ticking of a new clock.

Note that a textbook definition of a key term (such as

habituation) should generally not be summarized, but
should be worded in the language chosen by the author.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Summarizing

67
words

Habituation is the tendency to ignore environmental factors that remain constant. The
brain seems prewired to pay more attention to changes in the environment than to stimuli
that remain constant. Have you ever gotten a new clock and thought it had a very loud tick,
but in a short time you realized you werent aware of its ticking at all? This happens because
you become habituated to the regularity of the sound. If the sound changed every few
minutes, you would notice every change because you would not have enough time to become
habituated each time. High-end car security systems take advantage of this. When activated,
the security system begins with a siren, which then changes to honking, then back to a siren,
and so forth, so that it is impossible to habituate to the noise and ignore the alarm. These
types of alarms are annoying, but effective.
Summary

13
words

Habituationthe tendency to ignore environmental factors that remain constant.

For example, you will lose awareness of the ticking of a new clock.

On the other hand, it usually makes sense to summarize

the supporting information.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details

Summarizing

Summarizing often involves two steps:

1 Select one example from several that might be given.
2 Condense the example if its not already very brief.

CHAPTER 2 Supporting Details