Look at the following outline of a paragraph. The point is followed by six facts, only three of which are on target in supporting the point. The other facts are irrelevant to the point. See if you can check the three relevant statements of support?the ones that hit the bull’s-eye.
Point: MydogOtisisnotverybright.
___ 1. ___ 2. ___ 3. ___ 4. ___ 5. ___ 6.
He’s five years old and doesn’t respond to his name yet.
He cries when I leave for work every day.
He always gets excited when visitors arrive.
He often attacks the backyard hedge as if it’s a hostile animal. He gets along very well with my neighbor’s cat.
I often have to put food in front of him because he can’t find it by himself.
Now read the checked and why.
following comments on the six items to see which ones you should have
Explanation
1. Most dogs know their names. Otis’s unfamiliarity with his own name reveals a weak memory, and memory is one aspect of intelligence. You should have checked this item.
2. Even an intelligent dog might be sad when its companions leave the house.
3. Both bright and not-so-bright dogs are happy to see old and new human friends.
4. The inability to distinguish between a bush and an animal?friendly or hostile? suggests a lack of analytical skills. You should have checked this item.
5. Dogs of all degrees of intelligence have been known to be friendly with cats.
6. Most dogs recognize food much more often than their owners would like them to. Otis’s inability to find food clearly indicates poor problem-solving skills. You should also have checked this item.
As illustrated on the previous page, you want all the details you provide in a
paper to be on target and hit the bull’s-eye in support
