Lesson 29b Remove Irrelevant Details

1. Lesson 29b Remove Irrelevant Details • Today we will eliminate unimportant sentences from paragraphs to improve their unity. • Irrelevant detail = an unimportant fact that does not support the main idea of a paragraph and should therefore be taken out.

2. Which sentence in this paragraph does not support the main idea? My neighbor Wanda is the craziest lady in town. She only comes out at night to look in people’s windows. Newspapers from decades ago fill her living room to the ceiling. Loud singing noises can be heard from her house every morning. My other neighbor Jake thinks she’s weird. A very strange smell is coming out of her garage. Little kids fear her.

3. Which sentence in this paragraph does not support the main idea? My neighbor Wanda is the craziest lady in town. She only comes out at night to look in people’s windows. Newspapers from decades ago fill her living room to the ceiling. Loud singing noises can be heard from her house every morning. My other neighbor Jake thinks she’s weird. A very strange smell is coming out of her garage. Little kids fear her.

4. Which sentence in this paragraph does not support the main idea? • Disneyland is the greatest theme park in Southern California. Their rides range from thrilling to relaxing, so there is something for everybody, no matter their age. Restaurants of all kinds can be found to accommodate every taste. My cousin prefers Magic Mountain. Each and every “land” has its own theme and feel to it. A day spent at Disneyland is a good day!

5. Which sentence in this paragraph does not support the main idea? • Disneyland is the greatest theme park in Southern California. Their rides range from thrilling to relaxing, so there is something for everybody, no matter their age. Restaurants of all kinds can be found to accommodate every taste. My cousin prefers Magic Mountain. Each and every “land” has its own theme and feel to it. A day spent at Disneyland is a good day!

6. Which sentence in this paragraph does not support the main idea? • Cats make better pets than dogs. Not only are cats quieter and less messy, but they also require far less maintenance. While dogs need constant attention and upkeep, cats, on the other hand, are independent and can take care of themselves. Russian Fighting Hamsters also make good pets. Both cats and dogs have their pros and cons, but the cat comes out on top for easiest pet care ever.

7. Which sentence in this paragraph does not support the main idea? • Cats make better pets than dogs. Not only are cats quieter and less messy, but they also require far less maintenance. While dogs need constant attention and upkeep, cats, on the other hand, are independent and can take care of themselves. Russian Fighting Hamsters also make good pets. Both cats and dogs have their pros and cons, but the cat comes out on top for easiest pet care ever.

8. Which sentence in this paragraph does not support the main idea? • The L.A. Lakers are the greatest team in the NBA. They have won so many national championship titles it is almost impossible to count. The Lakers stand for determination, integrity, and sportsmanship. These men are willing to give 100% of themselves to their team and work together to achieve a common goal. My dad likes the Lakers but he also likes the Bulls. Just look to the Lakers for the most outstanding team in the entire NBA.

9. Which sentence in this paragraph does not support the main idea? • The L.A. Lakers are the greatest team in the NBA. They have won so many national championship titles it is almost impossible to count. The Lakers stand for determination, integrity, and sportsmanship. These men are willing to give 100% of themselves to their team and work together to achieve a common goal. My dad likes the Lakers but he also likes the Bulls. Just look to the Lakers for the most outstanding team in the entire NBA.

10. Classwork • Write a 5-sentence paragraph about any sports team. (Make it up if necessary.) Start with a main idea, then add RELEVANT supporting details.