English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Identify supporting details in informational texts
Identify supporting details in informational texts
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the central claim or main idea in various informational texts.
Distinguish between main ideas and supporting details within a text.
Locate specific pieces of evidence that directly support a given claim.
Evaluate the relevance and credibility of supporting details.
Explain how supporting details strengthen or weaken an author's claim.
Categorize different types of supporting details (e.g., facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions).
Analyze the sufficiency of supporting details in proving a claim.
Ever wonder how a detective solves a mystery? 🕵️♀️ They gather clues to support their theory!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to identify the 'clues' – supporting details – that authors use to prove their main points in infor...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Informational TextNon-fiction writing that aims to inform, explain, or describe real-world topics, events, or concepts.A science textbook chapter, a news article, a historical document.
Claim/Main IdeaThe central point, argument, or message the author wants to convey about a topic. It's what the author is trying to convince you of.The claim 'Recycling significantly reduces landfill waste' is the main idea of a persuasive essay on environmental conservation.
Supporting DetailA piece of information (fact, example, statistic, quote, anecdote) that elaborates on, explains, or proves the main idea or claim.If the claim is 'Recycling significantly reduces landfill waste,' a supporting detail could be 'According to the EPA, recycling one ton of...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'Because' Test for Claims
To identify a claim, ask yourself: 'What is the author trying to convince me of?' Then, for each potential supporting detail, ask: 'Does this detail explain *why* or *how* the claim is true?'
Use this test to differentiate between the main point and the information that backs it up. The claim is the 'what,' and the supporting details are the 'why' or 'how.' If a detail answers 'because' to the claim, it's likely a supporting detail.
The 'STAR' Method for Evaluating Evidence
When assessing supporting details, consider if they are **S**pecific, **T**imely, **A**ccurate, and **R**elevant.
This method helps you determine the quality and effectiveness of the evidence...
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Challenging
Passage: 'The case for mandatory school uniforms is compelling. Proponents argue that uniforms reduce peer pressure related to clothing and diminish social stratification. A 2018 article in a popular parenting magazine highlighted a school where students reported feeling a greater sense of community after uniforms were introduced. Furthermore, my own son has said he feels less stressed in the mornings now that he doesn't have to pick out an outfit.' What is the primary weakness of the supporting details provided in this passage?
A.The details are irrelevant to the claim about school uniforms.
B.The evidence lacks credibility, relying on a non-academic magazine and a personal anecdote.
C.The details are outdated and no longer timely.
D.The author fails to provide any supporting details at all.
Challenging
An author claims that 'Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are essential for feeding the world's growing population.' Which of the following sources would provide the most credible and relevant supporting detail for this specific claim?
A.press release from 'AgriCorp,' a company that develops and sells GMO seeds.
B.blog post from a food enthusiast who is against GMOs on principle.
C.peer-reviewed study from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization analyzing crop yields of GMO vs. non-GMO corn in developing nations.
D.news article detailing the history of farming before the invention of GMOs.
Challenging
An author claims: 'Our city's new bike-sharing program is a resounding success.' As evidence, the author states: 'The program has logged over 50,000 rides in its first six months.' However, the author fails to mention that the city's initial goal was 200,000 rides in that period. How does this omitted detail affect the author's claim?
A.It strengthens the claim by showing the program is popular.
B.It has no effect on the claim, as 50,000 is still a large number.
C.It is an irrelevant detail that only confuses the reader.
D.It significantly weakens the claim by providing context that shows the program is underperforming.
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