Main Ideas

What is the main idea?

The main idea is the one big idea the author wants us to understand in each paragraph. The whole paragraph is there to help us fully understand this one thing. Every time there is a new big idea the author wants to make clear, they write a new paragraph. In writing, the main idea sentence is sometimes referred to as the topic sentence.

One definition of a main idea is that it is the topic of the paragraph plus the point the author wants to make about that topic.

MAIN IDEA = TOPIC + POINT

Analogies can help us understand main ideas.

An analogy is a comparison between two things that are different in some ways but share similarities in others. Analogies can make abstract or unfamiliar ideas easier to understand by relating them to something familiar.

This basic image of a house shows that the roof is like the main idea and it is supported by supporting details instead of walls.

How is a main idea like a roof?

It is wide and broad enough to cover the rest of the house. In the same way, the main idea is more general than most of the other sentences. It is broad enough to cover the details.
It has a point. The main idea is the most important point the author is making in each paragraph.
A roof needs a lot of support, just as a main idea needs support from the rest of the details in the paragraph.

How is a main idea like the destination on a map?

The destination is the reason, or point, of using a map. In the same way, the main idea is the reason why someone wrote the paragraph.
A destination would be challenging to find without the additional details on the map and step-by-step instructions. Main ideas also need step-by-step explanations and details to clarify and explain for the reader.

A map on a phone is shown to illustrate how the main idea is like the place you want to go on a map.

How do we find the main idea?

Just like there are strategies in solving math problems, there are several strategies for finding the main idea as we read. These strategies will make us better at finding the main idea while also helping us stay focused on the most important elements of the reading.

Strategy #1: Use the pattern of the paragraph.

In Module 2, we learned to recognize the various patterns of organization. Recognizing the pattern of a paragraph can lead us to the main idea, For example:

If we can tell a paragraph is contrasting Android and Apple phones, the main idea will likely be that there are several differences between Apple and Android phones.
If it is clear the writer is giving us a list of reasons to get a flu vaccine, the main idea is likely that people should go get their flu vaccine.

What is the main idea of this paragraph from Module 2? First identify the pattern, and then use that to help you find the stated main idea.

Achilles and Hector, though on opposing sides of the Trojan War, share a surprising number of similarities. Both are depicted as peerless warriors, admired for their strength, courage, and unwavering loyalty. They fight not for glory or personal gain, but out of a deep sense of duty – Achilles to the Greek cause, and Hector to the defense of Troy and his family. Despite the brutal conflict, both acknowledge the human cost of war and share moments of empathy with their enemies. This shared complexity makes them not just formidable warriors, but relatable figures caught in the tide of fate.

A wikipedia page is shown with the topic, or heading of the page, circled.

Strategy #2: Start with the topic of the paragraph.

In one or two words, predict what the paragraph is going to be about. This is the topic. Often, writers repeat the topic several times, so just glancing through the reading will alert you to the topic.
Another way to think of a topic is to think of it as a title. If you were to label the paragraph, what would your one- or two-word title be? In fact, putting a title on paragraphs as you read complicated or important material is a great strategy to stay focused on the topic the author wants to explain.

What is the topic of each of these sentences? Choose 1-3 words from each sentence which tell what the sentence is about in very general terms.

My summer vacation went by way too fast.
I turned my taxes in on time.
When registering for classes, be sure to pay attention to the course hours and mode of delivery.
My teacher says the craziest things during class.

What is the topic of this paragraph? Look for words that are repeated. The topic would also make a clear title for the paragraph.

When one hears the term "reality" applied to a show, one might expect that the events portrayed occurred naturally or, at the least, were not scripted. This is not always the case. Many reality shows occur in unreal environments, like rented mansions occupied by film crews. Such living environments do not reflect what most people understand to be "reality." Worse, there have been accusations that events not captured on film were later restaged by producers. Worse still, some involved in the production of "reality" television claim that the participants were urged to act out story lines premeditated by producers. With such accusations floating around, it's no wonder many people take reality TV to be about as real as the sitcom.

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Strategy #3: Pay attention to any clue words. 🔍

Clue words are red flags which often alert us to main ideas and their supporting details. Writers often use such words to help us notice their main ideas, as well as help us zoom in to the specific supporting details. Keeping an eye out for such clues can keep us from missing important information.

A collective amount (something more than one) plus a plural noun is a clue that we have likely found the main idea sentence.

As seen in the following examples, these words alert us that the idea in the sentence is general. These clue words also give us a map of what the supporting details will be.

There are several helpful steps to managing a panic attack.
We have three options for dinner tonight.
I have developed a few time management strategies to keep me from procrastinating.

What are the clue words to the main idea in these sentences?

The Tennessee Titans' rough season is undoubtedly the result of a series of poor management decisions.
While English and Reading classes have much in common, there are a few key differences.
I did some brainstorming and came up with 5 reasons to look for a new job.

🎯CLUE TO THE MAIN IDEA

Collective Word + Plural Noun

Several steps
A list of consequences
Various options
A few reasons
A sequence of events
Numerous examples
Many ways
A couple of unique causes
Some clear differences
Five effects
A number of purposes
A series of results

Transition words help us notice supporting details.

These signal words show us that the author's writing is getting more specific or detailed and that these statements are there to explain, support, or clarify the writer's main idea.

The first thing I do is look at my calendar to see what I have coming up for the day.
Having a physical checklist of daily tasks is another strategy which keeps me focused.
Finally, I have found the reward of checking my phone after completing a dreaded or challenging task to be a valuable motivator.

What transition words help us identify that these sentences are likely supporting details?

For one thing, the Tennessee Titans never should have traded Derrick Henry.
A second difference is that English 0815 is pass/fail, but Reading uses a letter grading system.
I am also asked to work overtime with no notice and at my normal rate of pay.

🧩CLUES TO SUPPORTING DETAILS

Specific or Singular Transition Word

Also
Another
Finally
First
For one thing
Furthermore
In addition
Later
Moreover
Next
Now
One
Second
Then
Third
To begin with

Think you found the main idea? Always check!

Is the statement supported by all of the supporting details in the paragraph?
Is the statement more general than the supporting details in the paragraph?
Does the statement include the topic of the paragraph and explain the big idea the author wants us to know about that topic?

Hint: Try turning the main idea into a question. If all of the supporting details help answer that question, you have found it!

Where do we find the main idea when it is directly stated in a paragraph? 🎯

The main idea may be anywhere in a paragraph; however, there are 3 spots which are most common. Paying extra attention to these locations when we read can help us find it.

At the Very Beginning

Often, writers like to state the main idea right away at the start of the paragraph. It is then followed up with supporting details to help make the main point clear.

Example of the Main Idea at the Beginning:

It is important for all eligible US citizens to take advantage of their right to vote. Not only does voting allow individuals to influence the direction of local, state, and national policies, but it also serves as a vital expression of democratic participation. When citizens engage in the electoral process, they help ensure that government representatives are held accountable and reflect the will of the people. Furthermore, voting can impact key issues such as education, healthcare, and environmental regulation, all of which directly affect daily life. In addition, consistent voter participation strengthens the legitimacy of democratic institutions and promotes political stability.

🎯The main idea, or the main point the author is trying to make about the topic of the paragraph, sometimes comes first. Supporting details are then needed to follow up and explain the main idea. These details are more specific and often include examples to help us more clearly picture and understand the writer's point. The supporting details usually make up the majority of the paragraph. Transition words are often used to help us follow along with these supporting points.

After Introductory Detail(s)

Have you heard of a hook? It is quite common for writers to lead into the main idea by introducing the topic with some background information. These introductory details are not very important to the point of the paragraph. Instead, they prepare the reader by activating background knowledge we may already have on the topic or by sharing something that may pique our interest in learning more about the topic. The introductory detail may even state something we already know, or something that is not true, just to focus our attention on what the writer really wants us to know in the main idea statement which follows. These introductory details are often just a sentence or two, but they may be longer.

Example of the Main Idea after an Introductory Detail:

In Washington State, the GOP primary was once decided by only 1 vote. In Baltimore County, in 2018, the Democratic primary was decided by only 17 votes. It may not always seem like it, but it is important for all eligible US citizens to take advantage of their right to vote. Not only does voting allow individuals to influence the direction of local, state, and national policies, but it also serves as a vital expression of democratic participation. When citizens engage in the electoral process, they help ensure that government representatives are held accountable and reflect the will of the people. Furthermore, voting can impact key issues such as education, healthcare, and environmental regulation, all of which directly affect daily life. In addition, consistent voter participation strengthens the legitimacy of democratic institutions and promotes political stability.

The first few sentences may be introductory details. Introductory details are not always needed, but they serve to introduce the topic to us. 🎯The main idea, or the main point the author is trying to make about the topic, often comes next. Supporting details are then needed to follow up and explain the main idea. These details are more specific and often include examples to help us more clearly picture and understand the writer's point. The supporting details usually make up the majority of the paragraph. Transition words are often used to help us follow along with these supporting points.

At or Towards the End

It is very important to refocus our attention on the ends of paragraphs. Writers sometimes start paragraphs with supporting details and build up to their main idea at the end. When they do this, it sounds like they are "summing up" the paragraph. The writer may include a helpful transition at the start of the last sentence to alert us that they are stating their main idea at the end.

Example of the Main Idea at the End of a Paragraph:

In Washington State, the GOP primary was once decided by only 1 vote. In Baltimore County, in 2018, the Democratic primary was decided by only 17 votes. Not only does voting allow individuals to influence the direction of local, state, and national policies, but it also serves as a vital expression of democratic participation. When citizens engage in the electoral process, they help ensure that government representatives are held accountable and reflect the will of the people. Furthermore, voting can impact key issues such as education, healthcare, and environmental regulation, all of which directly affect daily life. In addition, consistent voter participation strengthens the legitimacy of democratic institutions and promotes political stability. As you can see, there are several reasons eligible US citizens should take advantage of their right to vote.

Sometimes a writer starts with supporting details. These supporting details may include specific examples or stories. Transition words are used to help us follow along and recognize the supporting details. These details build on each other and lead us to the writer's main point. 🎯 The writer then sums up what these supporting ideas illustrate by stating the main idea sentence at the end.

Implied Main Ideas 🎯

When a writer does not directly sum up the point, or write the main idea in a paragraph, we say that the paragraph has an implied main idea.

By paying attention to the major supporting details, we can infer, or figure out, the main idea even when it is not stated.

When the main idea is implied, we can figure it out by using the same strategies we have already learned.

Use the pattern of the paragraph.
- - By surveying the paragraph, we can often tell if there is a list, a sequence, a comparison, a contrast, a definition being taught, causes, or effects being explained. These patterns often tell us the writer's main point.
  - For example, if it's clear that osmosis is being defined, and there are details and examples there to help readers understand the new term, then the writer's main point is for us to understand about osmosis. In another case, if we recognize that differences between alligators and crocodiles are being pointed out, we can infer the main idea to be that "There are several differences between alligators and crocodiles."
Use the topic.

Even if the main idea is not spelled out directly in a sentence, recognizing the topic of the paragraph gets us halfway there. We then need to ask ourselves, "What is the main point the writer wants us to understand about this topic?"
For example, if we are reading a paragraph, and we can tell it is about sharks, we need to ask ourselves what point the writer wants us to understand about sharks.

Use clue words.

Specifically, transition words clue us in to the major details. These major details point us to the the main idea because we know that they must support it.
For example, consider a paragraph with the sentence, "The second step to financial freedom is to pay off any credit cards." Second step is a transition which indicates the sentence is a major supporting detail. If there is a second step, there must be a first, and there are likely more to follow in the paragraph. So this major detail clues us in that this paragraph is organized chronologically or in a time pattern. It also leads us to understand that the main idea must be that "There are several steps to financial freedom."

Implied Main Idea Examples 📑

Survey the paragraph and predict the topic. What is it?
Read the paragraph, paying special attention to the supporting details.
What is the Implied Main Idea of this paragraph we examined in Module 2?

Whip up a batch of delicious brownies by first preheating your oven and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. The parchment paper will keep the brownies from sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and sugar. Then, in a separate bowl, cream together butter and eggs. Gently combine the wet and dry mixtures until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix. Finally, pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares and enjoying!

Topic: Brownies; Main Idea: There are several steps to making delicious brownies.

Let's try this one:

The stock market crash of 1929 is often cited as the starting point of the Great Depression. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 23% on a single day, and continued to decline sharply over the next few years. This wiped out the savings of millions of Americans and led to a crisis of confidence in the financial system. Banks began to fail at an alarming rate as depositors rushed to withdraw their money. This further crippled the economy and made it difficult for businesses to borrow money. Soon, unemployment rates soared to unprecedented levels, reaching a peak of 25% in 1933. Millions of Americans lost their jobs and were unable to find new ones. Many families lost their homes and were forced to live in shantytowns or Hoovervilles, makeshift settlements named after President Herbert Hoover. The Dust Bowl, a severe drought that affected the Great Plains during the 1930s, further exacerbated the hardships of the Great Depression. This natural disaster caused widespread crop failures and forced many farmers to leave their land. The Great Depression lasted 10 years, and did not fully end until the outbreak of World War II in 1939.

Topic:

Main Idea:

Practice 1: Choose the Main Idea Sentence

Practice 2: Main Idea Clue Words

Practice 3: Supporting Detail Clue Words

Practice 4: Which Sentence States the Main Idea?

Practice 5: What Is the Implied Main Idea?

Click here to continue to M3.2 Supporting Details

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