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Breaking Through: College Reading, 8/e by Brenda Smith

Chapter 5: Supporting Details and Organizational Patterns

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What is a Detail?

Details develop, explain, and prove the main idea.

Details are facts, descriptions, and reasons that make the material interesting.

Details answer questions and paint visual images.

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Levels of Importance

Usually the general topic is stated first, followed by subcategories of details, which may be further subdivided into specific examples.

An outline or diagram can help you see this. Example:

Types of Trees Conifers

– Pine– Spruce

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Distinguishing Major and Minor Details

Ask yourself: What details are needed to explain or

prove the main idea? [major] What details are included just to make

the passage more interesting? [minor]

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Transitional Words To Signal Levels of Importance

Primary Support

(major) first second last in addition

Secondary Support

(minor) for example to illustrate

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Following Directions

All details become of equal importance. Read step by step, word by word and

phrase by phrase. Consult any diagram with the

directions. Read aloud if necessary.

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Patterns of Organization

Simple Listing: randomly listing items in a series. The items are

of equal valueSignal words: also another several for example in addition

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Patterns of Organization

Classification: dividing items into

groups or categoriesSignal words: groups categories four elements five classes parts two divisions

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Patterns of OrganizationDefinitions with Examples: initially defining a

concept and expanding with examples and restatements

Signal words: for example in this case to illustrate can be defined

Mark your text by circling or underlining the terms. Or take notes or make flashcards.

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Patterns of Organization

Description: listing characteristics or details

Look for a list of defining details. Mark your text and underline key

words. Signal words:

is like could be described

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Time Order, Sequence, or Narration: listing events in order of occurrence Signal words:

Patterns of Organization

first second finally after before next

later now at last until when (dates) Mark your text!

Take notes!

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Patterns of Organization

Comparison: listing similaritiesamong itemsSignal words: in a similar way similar parallels likewise in a like manner

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Patterns of Organization

Contrast: listing differencesamong itemsSignal words: on the other hand bigger than but however on the contrary although nevertheless

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Patterns of Organization:

on that account thus made therefore

because for this reason consequently hence

Cause and Effect: Showing one element as producing or causing a result or effect

Signal words:

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Patterns of Organization

Addition: providing additional InformationSignal words: further, furthermore moreover besides likewise again also

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Patterns of Organization

beside around to the right/left opposite to without within

next to near below above close by within adjacent

Location/Spatial Order:identifying the whereabouts of objects

Signal words:

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Patterns of Organization

Summary: condensing major points

Signal words: in conclusion briefly to sum up in short in a nutshell

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Summary Points

What is a detail? How do you distinguish between

major and minor details? What is a simple listing pattern? What is a classification pattern?

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Summary Points

What is a definition with examples pattern?

What is a chronological or sequence pattern?

What is a comparison or contrast pattern?

What is a cause-and-effect pattern?

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Textbook Excerpts

Reading from Psychology

Reading from Criminal Justice

Reading from History

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Reading and Studying Criminal Justice

Identify criminal acts in legal terms and make lists to remember them.

Distinguish between types of crimes and criminals, making charts to distinguish them.

Make timelines for legal processes. Make flowcharts for court processes. Relate legal decisions and actions to

democratic freedoms.

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Selecting Magazines

Read the lead article headlines and table of contents.

Flip through the magazine and read article titles and boxed article excerpts.

Read several “Letters to the Editor.” Decide, purchase, and enjoy!

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Newsmagazines

News Stories Feature Stories Editorials Essays Critiques and Reviews

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Reading Casebook

What is Beauty?

Letters of Opinion Essay Business Excerpt

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