MAIN IDEA

A. Definitions
1. Paragraph
 A paragraph is group of sentences organized around a topic, a main idea about the topic,
and details that support the main idea. Topic is the overall subject of a paragraph. While
details is the specific information about the main idea or support for the main idea.
 A paragraph is a group of sentences related to a particular topic, or central theme. Every
paragraph has a key concept or main idea.

2. Main Idea

Main Idea = Topic + Author’s Point about the Topic

 A statement that tells the author’s point about the topic. The main idea
provides the message of a given paragraph or the argument that is being made about
the topic.
 The most important piece of information the author wants you to know about the concept
of that paragraph.
 It is like the heart of the text or a paragraph.
 It is the controlling idea.
 All the other supporting details in the text or within a paragraph should tell us more
about the main idea.
 The main idea tells the author’s point about the topic, and the details offer support for
the main idea. Topics, main ideas, and supporting details work together.
 Florida is full of beautiful scenery, but the vegetation is exceptionally exquisite.
Shopping plazas, residential areas, and highway medians are often elaborately decorated with
grand palm trees and tropical plants. Of the many types of vegetation found in Florida, one of the
most majestic is the royal palm. Growing to nearly ninety feet tall, it towers over many shopping
centers and hotels with splendor. Hibiscus plants, with their picturesque flowers, are a pleasing
addition to any landscape. Adorned with pink, red, or orange flowers, the hibiscus sets a tropical
 scene to homes and businesses alike. Finally, the saw palmetto, though it has a harsh sounding
name, works well as a buffer between roads and residences.

B. Finding the Main Idea

In English paragraphs, the Main Idea will most likely be found in one of these five places:

- in the first sentence

- in the last sentence

- in the middle of the paragraph

- in two sentences of the paragraph

- not stated in the paragraph directly (implied)

C. Instructions Finding the Main Idea

To find the main idea, you have to look at the “big picture”.

Ask yourself the question:

“What is the overall message or argument being made by the author about the topic of this
paragraph?”

Other Way

1. Read the title. Some paragraphs or passages will have a heading or title that describes the
main idea of the passage. If a title is "Popular Garden Flowers" then the following paragraph
will likely describe what kinds of flowers are common in gardens.

2. Read the first sentence of the paragraph. Many paragraphs begin with a topic sentence
that outlines the main idea or point of the entire passage. The sentences that follow the topic
sentence provide supporting details. For instance, read the following passage. "Roses are a
popular type of flower in gardens. Roses are easy to grow and beautiful to look at. Roses give
off a pleasant aroma once they are in bloom. Even though roses have thorns, they remain a
common choice for gardeners." The first sentence lets us know that all subsequent sentences
will be discussing the popularity of roses.

3. Read the passage from beginning to end. First and last sentences in the paragraph are
usually helpful. If the main idea is not stated in the first sentence, it may be stated in the last
sentence. In the following passage, the main idea is in the final sentence. "Daisies, lillies, and
roses are good flowers for gardeners. They are easy to grow and look beautiful. Carnations are
also a popular choice because they come in many colors. In warm climates hibiscus flowers are
popular, but in cold climates grasses and hearty bushes are the plants of choice. There are
many popular flower choices available to gardeners." The last sentence summarizes the list that
precedes it.

4. Read the full passage. Look for repeating words, these often indicate the topic. If the first
and last sentences do not identify the main idea, use a highlighter while rereading the
paragraph. Highlight words or ideas that repeat themselves. Highlight phrases that begin with
marker phrases like, "The most important aspect is..." or, "It's most interesting that..." Ideas
that are repeated are likely evidence of the author's main idea. The following passage repeats a
concept throughout that leads to the main idea. "Water, soil, sun exposure, and climate are all
factors that contribute to flower growth. Choosing the right flowers for your garden should
depend on these factors. There are many varieties of flowers available to gardeners. Exotic
flowers require more care than popular flowers. Common flowers are usually easy to care for
but still visually interesting." The repetition of the words "flower", "care", and
"common/popular" suggest that the passage is about common flower varieties and the reasons
they are popular.

D. Examples

1.

Summer in West Beach

Summer is a wonderful time to spend at West Beach. It is a beach with light- colored,
soft sand. The coastline goes on for a long way and many people enjoy walking along it.
Children like to play in the surf and walk along the rocks that are visible at low tide. This is a
fun beach for people of all ages.

Answer: (what the writer is saying about the topic) is that summer is a wonderful time at west
beach

2.

Same Looks, Different Personalities

By : Rachel

Maya and Melissa are twin sisters. They both have shoulder length brown hair and they are
both 5 feet tall. From this description you might think that the sisters are just alike, but they are
very different.
Maya spends most of her time playing sports. Her favorite sports are baseball and soccer. She
has gone to many championships and won many trophies, and was even said to be the team's
most valuable player.

Melissa hates sports. She plays the piano and has played in many recitals and has won many
awards. She loves writing and writes some stories for a children's magazine. She has won many
statewide writing contests.

Maya is a poor student, but keeps her grades up enough to barely pass. She isn't interested in
school. She doesn't like to read anything, except for sports magazines.

Melissa is a good student. She studies a lot and is at the top of her class. She was
valedictorian when she graduated from elementary school. Melissa loves books and reads them
all the time.

Maya is outgoing and loud. She is also very humorous. When someone is feeling down, you
could count on Maya to make them laugh. She usually wears jeans, a shirt, and she wears her
hair up in her lucky baseball hat.

Melissa is quiet and shy. But she is a good listener. When someone tells her a problem, she tries
to understand how they feel. Melissa wears skirts and sweaters and wears her hair up in a
ponytail.

The two sisters may have very different personalities, but they are best friends and very
close.

Questions

1. What is the main idea of this passage?

A. Melissa is very shy.

B. Maya loves sports.

C. The twins look alike, but they have different personalities.

D. The twins are very different, but they are very close.

2. What is the main idea of the fourth paragraph?

A. Maya isn't interested in school and doesn't like reading.

B. Maya loves sports magazines.

 C. Maya loves to read.

D. Maya is a poor student.

3. What is the main idea of the second paragraph?

A. Maya plays baseball.

B. Melissa plays the piano.

C. Maya loves sports.

D. Maya loves the flute.

4. What is the main idea of the fifth paragraph?

A. Melissa has skipped a grade.

B. Melissa is a good student.

C. Maya loves to write.

D. Melissa pays attention.

Answer:

1. What is the main idea of this passage?

C. The twins look alike, but have different personalities.

2. What is the main idea of the fourth paragraph?

A. Maya isn't interested in school, and doesn't like to read.

3. What is the main idea of the second paragraph?

C. Maya loves sports.

4. What is the main idea of the fifth paragraph?

B. Melissa is a good student.