rwinteractive

Key Features of Good Support

Without support, you state the main point, but you do not make the main point. Consider these unsupported statements:

The amount shown on my bill is incorrect.

I deserve a raise.

I am innocent of the crime.

The statements may be true, but without good support, they are not convincing. If you sometimes get papers back with the comment “You need to support /develop your ideas,” the suggestions in this chapter will help you.

Also, keep in mind that the same point repeated several times is not support. It is just repetition.

REPETITION, NOT SUPPORT	The amount shown on my bill is incorrect. You overcharged me. It didn’t cost that much. The total is wrong.
SUPPORT	The amount shown on my bill is incorrect. I ordered the bacon-cheeseburger plate, which is $6.99 on the menu. On the bill, the order is correct, but the amount is $16.99.

As you develop support for your main point, make sure it has these three features.

BASICS OF GOOD SUPPORT

It relates directly to your main point. Remember that the purpose of support is to show, explain, or prove your main point.
It considers your readers and what they will need to know.
It gives readers enough specific details, particularly through examples, so that they can see what you mean.