Supporting Details -Concrete Details -Commentary

Review Topic Sentences The first sentence in a body paragraph Must contain a subject and opinion (commentary) for the entire paragraph Example: Russell Middle School uses stamp cards to reward students who demonstrate Dog Pack PRIDE. Subject: Russell Middle School Opinion: demonstrates Dog Pack PRIDE

What are supporting details? Supporting details consist of specific information such as examples, explanations, descriptions, proof, and statistics. These details support the opinion stated in the topic sentence. *Note: Examples are always details. Obtained from a presentation by Carlos M. Gonzalez found at:

Who? What? Where? When? Why? Turn the topic sentence into one or more questions by using who, what, when, where, and why. The supporting details will answer the questions you create. *Note: Don’t actually write the topic sentence as a question; just imagine it as a question. Example Main idea: Plagiarism can be classified into three categories. Question: What are the three types of plagiarism? Supporting details: global plagiarism--”lifting” a whole work and acting as if you wrote it patchwork-- ”stitching” together pieces from various sources incremental--not giving proper credit for quotes or paraphrases Obtained from a presentation by Carlos M. Gonzalez found at:

2 Types of Supporting Details Concrete Details Commentary

Review: What are Concrete Details? Specific details that form the backbone or core of your body paragraphs Synonyms of concrete details are: facts, specifics, examples, descriptions, illustrations, support, proof, evidence, quotations, paraphrasing, or plot references

Sample Concrete Details For example, Russell Middle School offers a variety of Connections classes. For instance, Russell Middle School uses stamp cards to help students remain aware of behavior expectations. ***These samples offer examples or reasons in order to give credibility to what the writer is trying to say.

Review: What is Commentary? Your opinion or comment about something Some synonyms associated with commentary are: opinion, insight, analysis, interpretation, inference, personal response, feelings, evaluation, explication, and reflection

Sample Commentary These Connections classes give students the chance to expand their learning beyond traditional academic classes. The stamp cards help motivate students by allowing them to track good behavior. *****These samples offer explanations or further descriptions of the concrete details.

Supporting Details A good paragraph will have a balanced mixture of concrete details and commentary The concrete details are necessary to give the topic sentence credibility; however, the commentary is necessary to offer an explanation of what the writer is trying to convey.

Practice Write at least one concrete detail and one commentary sentence for each of the following topic sentences: -Russell Middle School has successfully implemented the new PBIS stamp cards. -Starting a new school is a nerve-racking experience. -Being a millionaire is not always fun. -Eating a balanced diet is important for good health. -Good friends are not easy to find.