1. MODULE: DETAILS In this module, you will review
definitions of supporting details, major details, and minor details
how to distinguish major and minor details

2. Definition of Supporting Details
Supporting details explain, illustrate, support, or prove a paragraph’s main idea. They include:
anecdotes facts
examples reasons
definitions sequence
descriptions statistics steps

3. Definition of Major Details
A main idea may be supported by several levels or layers of details.
The details in the first level or layer under the main idea are called major details. They directly explain or support the main idea.

4. Definition of Minor Details
Beneath the first level or layer, the details in the subsequent levels or layers are called minor details.
Minor details offer more specific information to support the major details.

5. The diagram below (also called “map” or “web”) illustrates the relationship between main idea and major and minor details.
MAIN
IDEA
MAJOR
DETAIL
MAJOR
DETAIL
MAJOR
DETAIL
Minor
Detail
Minor
Detail
Minor
Detail

6. This relationship can also be expressed in an outline:
I. Main idea
A. Major detail
1. Minor detail
2. Minor detail
B. Major detail

7. Here’s a diagram showing the relationship between major and minor details:
MAIN IDEA
MAJOR DETAIL
Minor detail
MAJOR DETAIL
Minor detail
MAJOR DETAIL
Minor detail

8. Why differentiate between major and minor details?
Knowing how to distinguish major and minor details can help you decide what is most important, less important, and unimportant in order to reduce the amount of information you have to study and memorize.
Keep in mind that minor details are not always less important. For example, specific names and facts are very important in history and biology.

9. How to distinguish major and minor details
Major details are facts, examples, and reasons that directly support the main idea.
Words that often signal a major detail include first, second, third, next, finally, in addition, one, another, and, also, and furthermore.

10. How to distinguish major and minor details (continued)
Minor details are specific facts, numbers, examples, and anecdotes that add interest to or provide additional information about major details.
Words that often signal a minor detail include for example, to illustrate, one example, specifically, for instance, in one case.

11. Recognize the major details in the following passage:
There are many different kinds of meditation, but most of them share the same basic guidelines: adjust the posture, adjust the breathing, adjust the mind. First, adjust the posture. Sit up straight and comfortably. Put both hands on the lap. Then, adjust the breathing. Breathe deeply but naturally through the nose. Count “one” when breathing in, and count “two” when breathing out. Finally, adjust the mind. Try to block out worries and concerns. Concentrate on counting the breath. When the mind wanders, don’t become anxious, just bring concentration back.

12. The three major details that directly support the main idea are highlighted below:
There are many different kinds of meditation, but most of them share the same basic guidelines: adjust the posture, adjust the breathing, adjust the mind. First, adjust the posture. Sit up straight and comfortably. Put both hands on the lap. Then, adjust the breathing. Breathe deeply but naturally through the nose. Count “one” when breathing in, and count “two” when breathing out. Finally, adjust the mind. Try to block out worries and concerns. Concentrate on counting the breath. When the mind wanders, don’t become anxious, just bring concentration back.

13. Concept Review Check your understanding of this module by
answering the questions below. If you need help,
search for these important points in the previous
slides.
Define “supporting details.”
What is the difference between major and minor details?
Why is it necessary to distinguish major and minor details?
How do readers distinguish major and minor details?