1. Survey the paragraph and predict the topic.
2. Read the paragraph.
3. Choose the number of the sentence which states the main idea.
4. Choose the number of each sentence which includes a major supporting detail.  

(1)The teenage years have a reputation for being filled with freedom, fun times, and friends. (2)In actuality, it is more often a tumultuous period which includes myriadchallenges for which teens could use support, understanding, and resources. (3)Academic pressure to achieve high grades and gain acceptance to colleges can create immense stress.  (4)There are many academic and application deadlines to deal with, as well as the uncertainty of life after high school. (5)Additionally, the desire to fit in socially often leads to peer pressure and the adoption of unhealthy behaviors. (6)For instance, drug and alcohol use stemming from the desire to belong can turn into abuse. (7)Body image concerns and self-esteem issues are also prevalent among teenagers, exacerbated by the unrealistic beauty standards often portrayed in media. (8)Furthermore, the increasing reliance on technology can contribute to issues such as cyberbullying, addiction, and sleep deprivation.

Paragraph #2
Topic:
Main Idea:
Major Details:

(1)Fought primarily over the issue of slavery, the American Civil War, which ran from 1861 to 1865, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians. (2)Approximately 360,000 Union soldiers and 258 Confederate soldiers died during that time, as well as nearly 50,000 civilians. (3)Most of these civilian deaths were in the South since that is where most of the battles occurred. (4)The conflict also led to the destruction of property and infrastructure across the South. (5)Ultimately, the Union victory and the subsequent passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments brought an end to slavery and granted citizenship and voting rights to African Americans. (6)Clearly, the American Civil War was a pivotal event in the nation’s history.

Paragraph #3
Topic:
Main Idea:
Major Details:

(1)Cornell Notes have several benefits. (2)First, they help keep notes neat and systematically arranged. (3)It is easier to find what we are looking for if we have a consistent system. (4)Additionally, taking Cornell Notes promotes active learning because we have to think through things in order to organize ideas and sum up in our own words. (5)It doesn’t allow us to just read or listen passively. (6)This active engagement makes us more likely to remember the material. (7)Cornell Notes also provide us with a solid way to review material. (8)Finally, the system is adaptable. (9)It works for taking lecture notes or notes from reading material such as textbook chapters and research articles. (10)We can make the system work for us by color-coding, using symbols and pictures, or taking notes digitally.

Outline #1       

I.       Main Idea: It is not a good idea to let children have social media accounts.

A.  Major:

            i.  Minor

            ii. Minor

B.   Major:

            i.  Minor

            ii. Minor

Outline #2       

I.       Main Idea: I use several strategies to be successful in this class. 

A.  Major:

            i.  Minor

            ii. Minor

B.   Major:

            i.  Minor

            ii. Minor