English Midterm

Even though marriage is a strong and respected institution in Russia, more and more people are choosing to live together before marriage, despite the cultural pressures. I am going to explain why many couples in Russia are choosing to live together rather than get married. Marriage in Russia.

Answer A

Major Claims

General ideas that support the stated main idea of text. Reasons Points in an argument Points of a comparison Further elaboration of main idea What reasons or points support the main idea about the topic? (major details)

Signal Words

Major Claims First, Second, Third One Another Furthermore Moreover Next Also Finally Minor Supports For example An example is For instance To be specific That is Case in point To illustrate

Minor Supports

Specifics that illustrate or support the major details of a text. Examples Specific Details Specific Instances Statistics What examples, details, or statistics illustrate the ideas in the text? (minor details)

Topic Sentences

State the main idea of the body paragraph Must directly relate back to the thesis statement Who or what is this passage about? (topic) What is the author trying to convey about the topic? (main idea)

Major Claims and Minor Supports

There are two types of supporting details in writing: -Major Claims -Minor Supports

Example of breaking down an Essay

Topic: Dogs Main Idea: Dogs benefit humans in many ways. 1. act as companions "Man's Best Friend." lower blood pressure 2. protect their owner's property protect homes, work sites, and junk yards. 3. work as medical assistants assist the blind person with crossing the street safely or maneuvering through a crowded store a golden retriever that trails Bob all day long, picking up dropped items, such as his pens, fetching things, such as the newspaper, that Bob needs.