Exploring Writing 2nd Edition by John Langan

Exercise 7

One key to effective outlining is the ability to distinguish between general ideas (or main points) and specific details that fit under those ideas. Read each group of specific details below. Then circle the letter of the general idea that tells what the specific details have in common. Note that the general idea should not be too broad or too narrow. Begin by trying the example item, and then read the explanation that follows.
EXAMPLE
Specific details: runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat The general idea is:
b. symptoms.
c. throat problems.
EXPLANATION: It is true that the specific ideas are all symptoms, but they have in common something even more specific-they are all symptoms of the common cold. Therefore, answer b is too broad; the correct answer is a. Answer c is too narrow because it doesn't cover all the specific ideas; it covers only the final item in the list ("sore throat").
HINT
Remember that the general idea is the main point.
1. Specific details: leaking toilet, no hot water, broken window, roaches
The general idea is:
a. problems.
b. kitchen problems.
c. apartment problems.
2. Specific details: count to ten, take a deep breath, go for a walk
The general idea is:
a. actions.
b. ways to calm down.
c. ways to calm down just before a test.
3. Specific details: putting sticky tape on someone's chair, putting a "kick me" sign on someone's back, putting hot pepper in someone'scereal
The general idea is:
a. jokes.
b. practical jokes.
c. practical jokes played on teachers.
4. Specific details: going to bed earlier, eating healthier foods, reading for half an hour each day, trying to be nicer to my mother
The general idea is:
a. resolutions.
b. problems.
c. solutions.
5. Specific details: money problems, family problems, relationship problems, health problems
The general idea is:
a. poor grades.
b. causes of poor grades.
c. effects of poor grades.