Suggested Answers to Janet Elder – Chapter 5

Formulating the Implied Main Idea Sentence

There are 3 formulas:

Formula 1 - Add essential piece of info to a sentence in the paragraph

that almost states the main idea.

Formula 2 - Combine into a single sentence two sentences from the

paragraph that together express the complete main idea.

Formula 3 - Summarize details into one general sentence or combine

several important ideas into one sentence.

SET 2

9. Topic: Getting the rest and relaxation you need

Implied Main Idea: There are many techniques you can use to get the rest
and relaxation you need in order to avoid certain problems. (Formula 3)

10. Topic: Exercise socks

Implied Main Idea: It is important to wear the right size and the right type
of socks when you exercise. (Formula 1)

SET 3

1. Topic: Four broad goals of the Constitution (Note: The topic is just a
noun/noun phrase and is not a complete sentence.)

Implied Main Idea: The Constitution reflected the Framers’ vision of a

proper government for the American people, and its provisions addressed
four broad goals. (Formula 2, Main Idea must be a complete sentence)
2. Topic: Polygamy, polygyny, and polyandry

Implied Main Idea: There are two types of polygamy: polygyny and
polyandry. (Formula 3)

3. Topic: Newspapers

Implied Main Idea: Today, many cities have only one newspaper and
circulation has plummeted; nevertheless, newspapers remain one of the
most informative, carefully edited, and insightful sources of information
and analysis. (Formula 2)

4. Topic: Listening (also acceptable: How much time Americans spend

listening)

Implied Main Idea: Studies show that Americans spend a significant

amount of time on the important activity of listening. (Formula 1)

5. Topic: Cultural competence, prejudices and stereotypes

Implied Main Idea: In order to develop cultural competence, it’s important

to identify our prejudices and stereotypes and to fight them, but
sometimes they are quite subtle and difficult to detect. (Formula 2)

6. Topic: The prototype of the abusive parent (also acceptable:

characteristics of child abusers)

Implied Main Idea: There is a known prototype of the abusive parent. – or

– Child abusers tend to have certain characteristics. (Formula 3)
7. Topic: Japan’s low divorce rate until the 1980s

Implied Main Idea: Although Japan had one of the lowest divorce rates
until the 1980s, this was not due to love, but other factors. (Formula 3)

8. Topic: The effects of caffeine

Implied Main Idea: Most people enjoy caffeine merely as a mild stimulant,
but withdrawal from even a mild caffeine habit can cause problems, and in
high doses, caffeine can produce acute effects. (Formula 3)