Page 109 - DENG103_English - I

English–I

Notes Practice 4—Answers will vary.

1. Gypsies have unique physical features.
2. The gypsy way of life includes following distinctive customs.

3. This group of people are known for their wandering, nomadic lifestyle.

Detail Sentences

Rule
The first sentence of a paragraph tells the main idea. It is called the topic sentence. The
sentences that follow the topic sentence explain or tell more about the main idea. These
sentences are called supporting or detail sentences.

Have you ever wondered if Zero’s inability to read is a
problem that others in the United States face? According
to the CIA World Factbook, only 97% of adults in the United
States are literate. Fifty-one countries in our world have a
higher literacy rate than that of the United States. The
United States Department of Labor states that 50% of the
unemployed are functionally illiterate. The United States
Department of Education states that 44% of American adults
do not read one book in the course of a year. The inability
to read is a major problem for many Americans. Read the following paragraph
and discuss.
Questions:

1. Why do these sentences make a paragraph?
2. What is the topic sentence of the paragraph? How are you able to identify the topic
sentence?
3. Read the four detail sentences.
4. What is the purpose of the detail sentences?

Practice 1

Write yes or no to tell whether each sentence supports the main idea.

Main Idea: Ways Americans Can Improve the Literacy Rate

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