THE ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAM

WRITING 1 BIG QUIZ 3

Supporting Details
By Lilis Lestari Wilujeng, S.S., M.Hum.
A. READ EACH PARAGRAPH. THEN ANSWER THE QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE SUPPORTING DETAILS.
Passage One
One common employment screening test is a drug test. For example,
applicants might be required to take a test that detects marijuana or
cocaine. A second type of test is a physical exam administered by a doctor.
This testing indicates whether the applicants health permits him or her to do
the job, such as one that involves lifting. A skills test is the third type of test.
Skills tests determine whether an applicant has the abilities and aptitudes
required for a job. For example, an applicant may be required to
demonstrate the ability to type, operate a cash register, or use a particular
software program. Depending on the nature of their company, employers
use various types of tests to screen out unsuitable job applicants.
1

Which of these is a detail?

A)
One common employment screening test is a drug test.
B)
Depending on the nature of their company, employers use
various types of tests to screen out unsuitable job applicants.
2
How many major types of screening tests are mentioned in the
paragraph?
A)
two
B)
three
C)
four
Passage Two
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a bizarre mental illness that
affects millions of Americans. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts or ideas
that the person dwells on to the point of driving out other thoughts. For
example, the person might worry constantly that the public water supply is
being poisoned by enemy agents. Compulsions are repetitious rituals that
serve no useful purpose. They are senseless actions that disrupt the persons
normal daily life. Constant, unnecessary hand washing is an example of a
compulsion.
3

Which of these is a detail?

A)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a bizarre mental illness
that affects millions of Americans.

B)
Obsessions are unwanted thoughts or ideas that the person
dwells on to the point of driving out other thoughts.
4

What
A)
B)
C)

do the major details describe?

obsessions
compulsions
obsessions and compulsions

Passage Three
Cell phones are as likely to ring during a church service as during a movie.
Even worse, there are clods who actually accept the calls and start chatting.
People around them are forced to listen to one side of the conversation,
which is usually carried on in a loud voice. In addition to cell phones, pagers
go off in restaurants, classrooms, and meetings. When people should be
paying attention in a meeting or in class, they whip out laptops to check
their email, surf the 'Net, or play computer games. Using electronic devices
at inappropriate times and places is a new form of rudeness that permeates
every aspect of society.
5

Which of these is a detail?

A)
When people should be paying attention in a meeting or in class,
they whip out laptops to check their email, surf the 'Net, or play computer
games.
B)
Using electronic devices at inappropriate times and places is a
new form of rudeness that permeates every aspect of society.
6

How
A)
B)
C)

many types of electronic devices are mentioned?

one
two
three

Passage Four
There are three categories of typefaces or letter styles used by printers.
Each has certain characteristics.

Serif letters have lines that finish off the main strokes of the letter; for
example, serif.
Sans-serif letters do not have any finishing strokes; for example, sansserif.
Script letters imitate handwriting; for example, script.

Which of these is a detail?

A)
There are three categories of typefaces or letter styles used by
printers.
B)
Script letters imitate handwriting; for example, script.

What is the purpose of the details in this paragraph?

A)
define typefaces and give examples (which author sets off with
bullets and italics)
B)
to describe the advantages of each typeface
C)
list typefaces in order of importance

Passage Five
The Drawbacks of Poor Grammar If you use incorrect grammar, people may
lower their opinion of you. Theyre not trying to be unkind. In fact, they may
do it without realizing it. Moreover, poor use of language makes you sound
unintelligent, even if you are bright and talented. Poor grammar can limit
you in your business and professional life. For example, it can cause
potential employers to decide not to hire you. They may conclude that you
do not fit with their company. If you already have a job, you may be passed
over for promotion. This is especially true if the new role involves interacting
with clients who are well spoken. Finally, poor grammar hurts your credibility.
For instance, it may cause others to have less confidence in you and your
abilities. Poor grammar can limit you personally and professionally.
9

Which of these is a detail?

A)
Poor grammar can limit you in your business and professional

life.
B)

Poor grammar can limit you personally and professionally.

10
The details describe how many ways in which poor grammar can limit
you?
A)
one
B)
two
C)
three
D)
four
B. 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. 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 computerlike 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)
C)

examples of several popular teen debit cards.

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.
C. WRITE A PARAGRAPH (AROUND 200 250 WORDS) ON THE GIVEN
TOPIC BY DOING THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
1. Choose only one topic out of the following:
a. Plagiarism in Academic Writing
b. Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media
c. Community Service for University Students
2. You may write more interesting title for the paragraph.
3. First, write the topic sentence that contains the topic and the
controlling idea.
4. Develop the topic sentence by writing supporting sentences that
use supporting details, i.e. facts, quotations, or statistics.
5. Follow the rules of writing supporting details as you have learnt in
chapter 3.
6. Write the reference(s) you use as in-text citations at the end of the
paragraph too.
7. Submit the answer through this email along with the answers of the
above multiple choice questions.
8. Good luck.