Final answer:
A key detail is essential for understanding the main idea of a text and is supported by evidence and examples, whereas a minor detail provides supplementary information that is not critical to grasp the core message. Key details are strategically placed for emphasis, though not necessarily at the beginning or end of the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between a key detail and a minor detail lies in the significance of the information they provide relative to the main idea of a text. A key detail is vital for understanding the main point or thesis of the writing. It supports the author's main argument and is often what the author wants the reader to remember. When peer reviewers evaluate writing, they may look for key details that support the thesis and suggest removing or revising minor ones that don't serve the main purpose of the text. Key details often include evidence and examples that back up the main point of the text. Minor details, on the other hand, offer additional information that may be interesting or provide context, but they are not essential to the core understanding of the text's main message.
Developing a main point in writing is crucial, as it provides clarity and direction for the reader. All other details provided in the text should serve to support this main point. For a descriptive essay, showing rather than telling is paramount, where good details allow a reader to comprehend the why and how behind what is being described.
In writing, placement also affects how details are interpreted. While it is not true that key details are always at the beginning or end of a text, they are typically positioned for emphasis, often at the end of a sentence, paragraph, or section to resonate with the reader and reinforce the main idea or theme of the work.