Lab Activity 19: Topics, Main Ideas, and Supporting Details

Chapter 4: Topics and Main Ideas
Lab Activity 19: Topics, Main Ideas, and Supporting Details

Objective
To recognize the general idea as the topic when it appears with other, more specific items.

Step 2: Consider the list of ideas presented about each character in the following exercises. Select the word from the box that describes each character based on the details presented. Each word will be used once. You may want to use an online dictionary. For example, you can access Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Your instructor will tell you whether to write your answers in your book or to submit your answers online for electronic grading.

immoral inept gregarious introverted sinister


		6. Arthur always looked for the easy way out. He exploited, or used, other people for his own personal gain. As the chief executive officer of a company, he made sure that his personal accounts were well padded, even at the expense of his employees. Last year, Arthur received a $7 million bonus, but his employees received no raises. Arthur is .

		7. Imani skulked around the corridor avoiding the security cameras. She knew that if the security guards caught her, she would be arrested and convicted of trespassing. Stealing the architect’s plans was critical if she wanted to win the contract. Imani had spent her life stealing others’ ideas and passing them off as her own. Imani is .

		8. The new teacher nervously introduced himself to the class, all the while wondering, What am I going to do today? He nervously rifled through his papers looking for the roll to take attendance. When he was ready to project a transparency, he turned off the lights before turning on the projector and ended up tripping over some electrical cords in the dark. The new teacher realized he should have taken some education classes in college, but now it was too late. The new teacher is .

		9. Walking into a room of strangers was intimidating to Alonzo. He enjoyed watching the people in the crowd, but introducing himself to knots of strangers seemed intrusive. He was happy to hold a plate of appetizers and stare at the artwork in the hall. Alonzo wanted to slip away and return to his home and TV shows. Alonzo is .

		10. Stella loved a good party and actually felt energized by being in social situations. Even as a child, she could talk to anybody about anything, nonstop. When Stella walked into a room late, she always made an impressive entrance. In the midst of a party, she made sure no one was alone and drew everyone into the group. Stella is .