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Supporting Details, Exercise 1
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Directions: Read the following paragraphs. Each consists of a stated main idea and several details. Since there is more than one
detail, you will select more than one answer for the first question for each paragraph. (Suggestion: Locate the answer choice
with the stated main idea—this will you identify identified the details that support it. To help you further, the topic is given for
each paragraph.) The second question about each paragraph asks you the purpose of the details in the paragraph or, in other
words, the type of information the details present (such as explanations, descriptions, examples, and so forth).
Passage One
The topic of this paragraph is Millennials.
Students born after 1982 are considered Millennials, and they exhibit quite different characteristics from those of students
only a few years older. Among the differences are these:
They gravitate toward group activities.
They identify with their parents' values and feel close to their parents.
They spend more time doing homework and housework and less time watching TV.
They believe it's cool to be smart.
They are fascinated by new technologies.
They are racially and ethnically diverse, and 20% have one immigrant parent.
Source: Helen Woodman, Ed., Basic Skills SPIN Newsletter, November, 2004, National Association for Developmental Education.
1 Which of these are supporting details in the paragraph?
A) Students born after 1982 are considered Millennials, and they exhibit quite different characteristics from those of
students only a few years older.
B) They gravitate toward group activities.
C) They spend more time doing homework and housework and less time watching TV.
D) They are fascinated by new technologies.
2 The purpose of the major details in this paragraph is to give
A) an explanation of how the term Millennial came about.
B) characteristics of Millennials.
C) the process for becoming a Millennial.
Passage Two
The topic of this paragraph is personal digital assistants.
Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are small, hand-held electronic organizers that come in a range of prices and
capabilities. These lightweight computers are usually operated with a stylus, a special "pen." The most basic, inexpensive PDAs
have monochromatic screens. They can be used to organize and store contact information, such as names, phone numbers, and
email addresses. More expensive models have color screens and offer computer-like applications. For example, you can manage
email and create documents. In addition, they include a calendar function that allows you to keep track of appointments and
events. They feature the ability to play video and audio files. The most expensive PDAs also offer a phone function, including
text messaging.
3 Which of these are supporting details in the paragraph?
A) Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are small, hand-held electronic organizers that come in a range of prices and
capabilities.
B) They can be used to organize and store contact information, such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
C) More expensive models have color screens and offer computer-like applications.
D) The most expensive PDAs offer a phone function, including text messaging.
4 The purpose of the major details in this paragraph is to give
A) reasons to buy a color PDA.
B) differences between inexpensive and expensive PDAs.
C) the procedure for buying a PDA.
Passage Three
The topic of this paragraph is prepaid debit cards for teenagers.
A growing number of parents are using a new way to teach their teenagers to handle money wisely: a prepaid debit card.
Parents put a certain amount of money on a Visa® or Mastercard® debit card, for example. Teens use it instead of cash.
Purchases show up on their parents’ monthly statement, so parents can monitor how the money is being spent and how fast it is
being spent. When the money is used up, parents can "reload" the card. Depending on the plan, parents may pay initial set-up
fees, monthly fees, or transaction fees. They feel the safety, monitoring capability, and convenience are worth it.

5 Which of these are supporting details in the paragraph?

A) A growing number of parents are using a new way to teach their teenagers to handle money wisely: a prepaid debit
card.
B) Parents put a certain amount of money on a Visa® or Mastercard® debit card, for example.
C) Purchases show up on their parents’ monthly statement, so parents can monitor how the money is being spent and
how fast it is being spent.
D) They feel the safety, monitoring capability, and convenience are worth it.

6 The purpose of the major details in this paragraph is to give

A) an explanation of how teen debit cards came into existence.
B) examples of several popular teen debit cards.
C) a description of a how prepaid teen debit cards work.

Passage Four
The topic of this paragraph is eating nutritious food.

Are you in the habit of skipping breakfast? Breakfast is important; it gets your metabolism going. Then spread your remaining
calories throughout the rest of the day by eating a wholesome lunch, nutritious snack, and balanced dinner. Eating this way
keeps your metabolism high. You are also less likely to binge on junk food. You will have more energy and feel better if you eat
nutritious food at least every four hours.

7 Which of these are supporting details in the paragraph?

A) Breakfast is important; it gets your metabolism going.
B) Then spread your remaining calories throughout the rest of the day by eating a wholesome lunch, nutritious snack,
and balanced dinner.
C) Eating this way keeps your metabolism high.
D) You will have more energy and feel better if you eat nutritious food at least every four hours.

8 The purpose of the major details in this paragraph is to give

A) reasons for eating healthy food a throughout the day and how to do it.
B) examples of nutritious meals and snacks that can be eaten throughout the day.
C) suggestions for making healthier food choices.

Passage Five
The topic of this paragraph is college campuses and criminal activity and violence.

College campuses can be the site of criminal activity and violence, so they require the same level of caution and awareness
that you would use in other situations. Keep in mind that 80% of campus crimes are committed by one student against another
student. Also, alcohol or drug use is involved in 90% of campus felonies. Drinking or drug use can affect judgment and lower
inhibitions, so be aware if you or another person is under the influence.

Source: Adapted from Paul Insel and Walton Roth, Core Concepts on Health, Brief ed., 9th ed., p. 387. Copyright © 2002 The
McGraw-Hill Companies.

9 Which of these are supporting details in the paragraph?

A) College campuses can be the site of criminal activity and violence, so they require the same level of caution and
awareness that you would use in other situations.
B) Keep in mind that 80% of campus crimes are committed by one student against another student.
C) Also, alcohol or drug use is involved in 90% of campus felonies.
D) Drinking or drug use can affect judgment and lower inhibitions, so be aware if you or another person is under the
influence.

10 The purpose of the major details in this paragraph is to

A) suggest ways of making college campuses safer.
B) contrast college campuses with other places.
C) explain why people need to be alert to possible criminal activity and violence on college campuses.
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