《英语》（八年级下册）
Unit 2 Travelling
Study skills
I. Teaching aims and learning objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. know what main points and details are;
2. distinguish between main points and details;
3. learn how to use the skill in their reading and organize ideas in their writing.
II. Teaching contents
New words and phrases: point, main points
III. Focus of the lesson and predicted area of difficulty
Learn how to use the skill in reading and writing.
IV. Teaching procedures
Step 1 Lead-in
1. Show two idea webs (an umbrella and a house) and the other three pictures
2. Tell the students “main points and details” is a reading skill as well as a writing skill
【设计意图：首先精选代表要点与细节关系的伞状图及房屋框架图以及其他几幅图片，引出本节课要学习的主要内容“要点与细节”，指出这既是一种重要的阅读技能也是写作技能。】
Step 2 Presentation
1. Definitions of topic, main point and details
Let the students know “To read or write well, they need to understand the definitions of the three concepts.”
2. Relationships between topic, main point and details
Show the students an idea web “Topics, Main ideas (Points) and Details” to help them understand the relationships between the main point and details.
Show the students the frame of a house to illustrate that topics, main ideas or points, and details work together.
3. Identification of topic, main point and details
Present a passage about smoking and illustrate how to identify a topic, the main points and details. Put more emphases on the identification of main points and details.
(1) How to determine the topic
a. Tips
◆ Ask yourself “Who or what is the passage about?”
◆ Look carefully at the title. Often the general topic is one of the words in the title.
◆ Look for clue words or phrases that are used repeatedly. Often that word or phrase is the general topic of the article.
b. Ask the students to identify the topic of the passage.
(2) How to determine the main idea
a. Tips
◆ Ask Yourself … What is this passage mostly about?
Why did the writer write this passage?
◆ The main idea is sometimes expressed in the topic sentence.
◆ Figure out the implied main idea in your own words.
b. Ask the students to identify the main idea of the passage Smoking.
c. Ask the students to read four short passages. Ask them to find out the main ideas (MI) or the topic sentences (TS) for the first three passages and then figure out the main point of the fourth one.
The writer may place the main idea in the beginning of the paragraph, in the middle, or in the last part of the paragraph. If the main idea is not stated, the readers have to determine the main idea themselves.
(3) How to find (supporting ) details
a. Tips
◆ Decide which details help to further the storyline.
◆ Decide which details help you to understand the main idea.
◆ Turn the main idea into a question by asking who, what, when, where, why, or how? The answer will give a set of details.
b. Importance of supporting details
◆ Details help you to better understand the main idea and see the big picture.
◆ Details make the main idea stronger and more interesting.
◆ Details help the writing flow.
c. Ask the students to identify the three details which help to support the main idea “Smoking is bad for your health.”
4. Conclusion
T: From the passage about smoking, we are getting to understand the main idea or point and details. Every story or paragraph has a main idea. Main Idea is like the heart of the text or a paragraph. All the supporting details in the text or within a paragraph should tell us more about the main idea.
【设计意图：整体呈现主要的学习内容，激活学生的认知需求。首先首先简明扼要地定义主题、要点与细节，然后利用形象的图片直观地阐述这三者之间的关系。通过实例引领学生发现相关阅读技能，阐述在阅读活动中如何辨别三者，重点放在要点与细节上。适时总结，帮助学生更好地理解三者间的关系: 要点是文章的心脏，所有的支撑细节都是以此为中心。】
Step 3 Reading Practice
1. Check how well the students understand details
Present two short articles. Let the students say which detail or sentence does not support the main point. And then, ask the students to explain the reasons.
2. Check how well the students understand main points or ideas
Present a passage about Benjamin Franklin. The passage has four paragraphs. Ask the students to choose the correct main idea for each paragraph and analyze their choices.
(1) The main point for Para 1 is stated in the first sentence. The remaining sentences give examples to support it.
(2) The main point for Para 2 is stated in the last sentence. The first three sentences give details to explain it.
(3) The main point for Para 3 is stated within the paragraph and then restated at the end.
(4) The main point for Para 4 is stated in the first sentence. The remaining sentences give examples to prove it.
(5) First and last sentences in the paragraph are usually helpful.
3. Check how well the students understand the topic, main points and details
Present a passage about Canada. Ask the students to identify the topic, main point and details. Then ask them to locate the topic, main point and major and minor details in the paragraph.
【设计意图：让学生阅读四篇文章，在阅读活动中运用相应技能来检测学生本节课学习的效果。先让学生剔除不能支撑要点的细节，再让学生找出每段的主题句，最后让学生阅读一篇文章，说出相应的主题、要点与细节，并要求学生在文中找出相关的句子。活动难度逐步增加，有一定的梯度，由分项到综合，同时也与开头形成呼应。阅读技能是学生写作的有力支撑，该环节也为下面在写作中运用本课的学习技能做了充足准备。】
Step 4 Writing Practice
1. Kitty’s day at Hong Kong Disneyland
T: We can use the skill of “main points and details” when writing about an experience or event or some other genre of writing.
T: Let’s illustrate it with the example of Kitty’s day at Hong Kong Disneyland.
3. Writing Tips on main points and details
(1) Choose several supporting points about the topic.
(2) Stay on the point.
(3) Provide enough specific details to support the main points.
4. The Taiwan Earthquake
Take Taiwan Earthquake as an example to illustrate that strong supporting evidence is at the heart of effective writing.
5. Writing your own paragraph
Ask students to write their own paragraphs, using main points and details properly.
Before that, the teacher demonstrates how to write a good paragraph step by step.
Then, the students are asked to write their own paragraphs according to the requirements.
【设计意图：要点与细节是非常重要的一个写作技能。先结合本单元的课文，分析在写作一个经历或事件时应如何选择要点及支撑细节，再点拨相关写作技巧，并以Taiwan Earthquake课文为例强调有效写作的中心是为要点提供有力的细节支撑。接着是范文引路，最后是写作实践。由易到难、逐步开放的阅读及写作训练很好地检测本节学习技能课的目标达成度。】
Step 5 Conclusion
T: Writing is like soccer. You want to stay with your ideas. Adding supporting details is like kicking the soccer ball all the way down field to score the final goal.
【设计意图：通过比喻，概括本节课的学习要点及该技能的重要性。】
V. Homework
1. Read more passages and find their main points and details.
2. Preview Task.
课件32张PPT。Unit 2 Travelling
Study skills& DetailsPoints The main idea, also called the main point,
is the most important thought about a topic. It tells the reader what the text is about. It is usually stated in one sentence.Details or supporting details are specific facts, reasons, examples or other kinds of information
used to support the main points. A topic in a paragraph, an article or other passage is a general subject. It can often be expressed in a single word or phrase. DetailsMajor details which directly support the main ideaMinor details which directly support major detailsTopics, Main ideas and Details Topics, main ideas or points, and details work together. The main idea tells the writer’s point about the topic,
and it is supported by details throughout the paragraph
much like the frame of a house supports the roof.How to Determine the TopicSmoking cigarettes is not only a disgusting and smelly habit, but also very bad for your health. It has been proven to cause cancer, lung disease, and heart disease, and to weaken your immune system.
Smoking makes it a lot harder to breathe, which means it’s more difficult to play sports and get the exercise you need to stay healthy. It’s also harmful for those hanging around a smoker, because they breathe the smoky air. Even though most people know how bad smoking is for them, more than 1,000 people die each day from its effect!◆ Ask yourself “Who or what is the passage about?”
◆ Look carefully at the title. Often the general topic is one of the words in the title.
◆ Look for clue words or phrases that are used repeatedly. Often that word or phrase is the general topic of the article.
_______________ TopicMain point/idea?How to Determine the Main Idea2. When stated in the paragraph, the main idea is
expressed in the topic sentence.1. Ask Yourself … What is this passage mostly about?
Why did the writer write this passage? 3. If the main idea is not stated, first find the topic and then look
at all the details that give you enough information to determine
the main idea. Smoking cigarettes is not only a disgusting and smelly habit, but also very bad for your health. It has been proven to cause cancer, lung disease, and heart disease, and to weaken your immune system.
Smoking makes it a lot harder to breathe, which means it’s more difficult to play sports and get the exercise you need to stay healthy. It’s also harmful for those hanging around a smoker, because they breathe the smoky air. Even though
most people know how bad smoking is for them, more than 1,000 people die each day from its effect!
_________________ TopicMain point/idea?Smoking is bad
for your health.Costs were low that year and the output high. There was a good person for each job and the market remained firm. There were no lesson from fire. All in all it was the best years in the history of the company. The first three sentences give
details to explain why it was the
best year in the company’s history. The main idea is stated in the last sentence. There are great numbers of deer around here. This whole area is
a great country for hunters and fishermen. There are bears,
mountain lions, and wolves. To the east there are streams full of fishes,
and there are ducks and geese. The writer begins and ends with examples. The main idea is stated in the second sentence. Finding the main ideasThe main idea is stated in the first sentence. The remaining sentences give examples to explain the reasons. Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach. Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed. Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun. It is also fun to look for shells. Some people simply like to sunbathe.
People can do lots of beach activities to relax themselves. What is the implied main idea? State
it in your own words.
Can you find the main idea directly?Practicing implied main ideasHow to Find (Supporting ) Details1. Decide which details help to further the storyline.
2. Decide which details help you to understand the main idea.
3. Turn the main idea into a question by asking who, what, when,
where, why, or how? The answer will give a set of details.
Supporting details answer all those questions that you have about the topic sentences. Why are (supporting )details important?◆ Details help you to better understand the main idea and see the big picture.
◆ Details make the main idea stronger and more interesting.
◆ Details help the writing flow.
Smoking cigarettes is not only a disgusting and smelly habit, but also very bad for your health. It has been proven to cause cancer, lung disease, and heart disease, and to weaken your immune system.
Smoking makes it a lot harder to breathe, which means it’s more difficult to play sports and get the exercise you need to stay healthy. It’s also harmful for those hanging around a smoker, because they breathe the smoky air. Even though
most people know how bad smoking is for them, more than 1,000 people die each day from its effect!Main
Idea Detail Detail Detail Smoking is bad
for your health.Find the supporting details.All the sentences in
the passage support the main idea. You should provide enough supporting detail in your paragraphs so the reader can easily understand what you are trying to communicate. Smoking is bad
for your health.SmokingIt can cause cancer,
lung disease, and
heart disease, and
weaken your immune
system.Smoking makes
it a lot harder to
breathe.It’s also harmful
for those hanging
around a smoker.All the supporting details in the text or within
a paragraph should tell us more about the main idea. Every story or paragraph has a main idea.
Main Idea is like the heart of the text or a paragraph. Maria offered to help her mother clean the
house. She vacuumed the living room and
dusted the furniture. She picked up the toys
in the playroom. She ate a ham sandwich for
lunch. Then, she mopped the kitchen floor.
Which sentence/detail does not support
the main idea?Practice: Understanding Details Which sentence/detail does not support
the main idea?Winter provides the opportunity for many
outdoor activities. Many people enjoy ice
skating on a pond. Swimming in the pond in
summer can also be fun. Skiing can be an
exciting experience too. After a new snowfall,
you can even build a snowman!
Benjamin Franklin loved to write. When he was twenty-two, he set up his own printing shop and started a newspaper. He also printed a book called Poor Richard’s Almanac. It had funny stories, information about the weather, and wise sayings.
What is the main idea?
A. Franklin loved to write stories and books.
B. Franklin worked very hard when he was young.
C. Franklin knew a lot about the weather.
D. Franklin was very poor.APractice: Identifying Main Idea Benjamin Franklin loved the city of Philadelphia.
He started the city’s first hospital and fire
department. Ben also started Philadelphia’s first
public library. Benjamin Franklin worked very hard
to make Philadelphia a better place to live.
What is the main idea?
Franklin worked hard to make his city a
great place to live.
B. Franklin worked for the fire department.
C. Franklin knew a lot about books.
D. Franklin went to school in Philadelphia.ABenjamin Franklin was very interested in electricity.
One day he tried a very dangerous experiment to
prove that lightning was electricity. He attached
a key to a kite string and flew the kite during a
thunderstorm. When the lightning hit the kite,
sparks flew from the key. Benjamin Franklin
proved that lightning was electricity.
What is the main idea?
A. Franklin liked to play in the rain.
B. Franklin performed an experiment that proved lightning was electricity.
C. Franklin knew a lot about thunderstorms.
D. Franklin invented a new kind of kite.BBenjamin Franklin invented many things that made life easier in the late 1700’s. He invented the lightning rod that saved many homes from fires. He also invented the Franklin stove. The stove could heat a room better than a fireplace and saved people a lot of fuel. He also invented a special kind of glasses called bifocals. This new kind of glasses helped people to read better.
What is the main idea?
A. Franklin thought reading was important.
B. Franklin was not afraid of fire.
C. Franklin was a great inventor.
D. A Franklin stove can heat a whole room.CPractice: Identifying Main ideas & Details There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
CanadaMain IdeaThere are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world.Canada has an excellent health care system.Detail 1 Canada has a high standard of education.Detail 2 Detail 3Canada's cities are clean and well managed. Topic There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
The underlined sentence is the Main Point of the paragraph.
The bolded sentences are Major Supporting Details.
The italicized sentences in blue are Minor Supporting Details.When we write about an experience or event, we can organize our ideas using the following five main points. Then we should give details to support the main points by giving reasons, examples, steps, or any other information. Main Points and DetailsWriting Tips on Main Points and Details1. After deciding on your topic, choose two to four or
five supporting points about the topic. 2. Stay on the point. Each main point should be worth writing about.All the main points should relate to the subject and help
develop the reader's knowledge about the subject. 3. Provide enough specific details (Reasons, Examples,
Names, Numbers, Senses …) to support the main points. Reason: Say why your idea is good or bad
Examples: Give proof of your ideas
Names: Use specific names, titles, etc.
Numbers: Give provable numbers
Senses: Give details that refer to our senses (sight,
touch, smell, sound, taste)Each of the main points must be different from all the others.◆ Where was?Timmy?when the
earthquake started?
◆ What happened to Timmy in the
earthquake?
◆ What did Timmy do/see/hear/ feel
in the earthquake ?
◆ How did?Timmy?feel when he
was trapped?
◆ How did?Timmy?survive the earthquake??
◆ Truly specific details excite
the reader’s interest.
◆ They show what the writer means.
◆ They provide strong support for
the main points. Strong supporting evidence is at the heart of effective writing. Write your own paragraph.
Choose from one of these ideas.
2. Write down some main points and details and organize your
ideas before you write.
3. Think of a topic sentence and add supporting details. Make
your paragraph at least four sentences long.
4. Remember: Sentences belong in the paragraph only if they tell
about the main idea. The last day of school Your favorite sport Why do people lie? Main Point/IdeaTo avoid hurting someone’s feelings.To avoid a fight.To fit in.To avoid spending more time with someone.Detail 1Detail 2Detail 4Detail 3Why do people lie? ● Think of a topic sentence.
● Add supporting details.● Develop your writing and make it more interesting.Example People lie for different reasons.People lie for different reasons. One common reason is to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. For example, a friend might ask,“Do you like my new haircut?“ If you think it’s ugly, you might still answer, “Yes.” Another common reason for lying is to avoid a fight. Say a friend angers you and then asks, “Are you upset with me?” You might answer,“No, ”to avoid an argument. People also lie so that they’ll fit in, as when you listen to a boring person and politely say, “That’s interesting.” Moreover, people lie to avoid spending more time withsomeone. For instance, you might lie, “I have to go now.”Possible versionWriting is like soccer. You want to stay
with your point. Adding supporting details is like kicking the soccer ball all the way down field to score the final goal. Read more passages and find their
main points and details.
2. Preview Task.
Homework
Main PointsThanks for your watching!
