CRITICAL READING

 IDENTIFYING MAIN IDEAS,

 TOPIC SENTENCES,
 SUPPORTING DETAILS.
A PARAGRAPH

• A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main

idea.
• Paragraphs usually have 2 types of sentences:
------a topic sentence, which contains the main idea, and
------one or more detail sentences which support, prove,
provide more information, explain, or give examples.
IN SUM; A PARAGRAPH CONTAINS:

1.Statement of the main idea.

2.Elaboration of the main idea and supporting
details.
3.Restatement of the main idea-summary of main
ideas or conclusions.
EXAMPLE OF A PARAGRAPH:
• Oceans and lakes have much in common, but they are also
quite different. Both are bodies of water, but oceans are
very large bodies of salt water, while lakes are much
smaller bodies of fresh water. Lakes are usually surrounded
by land, while oceans are what surround continents. Both
have plants and animals living in them. The ocean is home to
the largest animals on the planet, whereas lakes support
much smaller forms of life. When it is time for a vacation,
both will make a great place to visit and enjoy.
WHAT IS MAIN IDEA?
• The main idea of a paragraph is the author's message about
the topic. It is often expressed directly or it can be implied.

OR IN OTHER WORDS;

• The main idea of a paragraph is the primary point or concept

that the author wants to communicate to the readers about the
topic. Hence, in a paragraph, when the main idea is stated
directly, it is expressed in what is called the:
TOPIC SENTENCE.
WHERE ARE THE MAIN IDEAS FOUND?
• Main ideas are often found at the beginning of paragraphs. The first sentence
often explains the subject being discussed in the passage.
• For example:
Social media allows the social growth of the society and
also helps many businesses. It provides tools like social media marketing
that can reach a millions of potential clients. We can easily access information and get
news through social media. Social media is a great tool for creating awareness about
any social cause. Employers can reach out to potential job seekers. It can help many an
individuals to have social growth and interaction with the world without having any hitch.
Many people use social media to make themselves heard to the higher authorities. It can
also help you meet like-minded people.
TOPIC SENTENCES
1. The topic sentence is usually first, but could be in any position in the
paragraph.
2. A topic is usually more "general" than the other sentences, that is, it talks
about many things and looks at the big picture. Sometimes it refers to more that
one thing. Plurals and the words "many", "numerous", or "several" often signal a
topic sentence.
3. Detail sentences are usually more "specific" than the topic, that is, they
usually talk about one single or small part or side of an idea. Also, the words
"for example", "i.e.", "that is", "first", "second", "third", etc., and "finally" often
signal a detail.
4. Most of the detail sentences support, give examples, prove, talk about, or
point toward the topic in some way.
EXAMPLES OF TOPIC SENTENCES:
• Many physiatrists believe that social media is a single most factor causing
depression and anxiety in people. It is also a cause of poor mental growth in
children. Increased use of social media can lead to poor sleeping patterns. There
are many other negative effects like cyber bullying, body image issues etc. as
well. There is an increased ‘Fear of Missing out’ (FOMO) at an all-time high in
youth because of social media.
• Social media is widely used to create awareness for causes that are important
for the society. Social media can also help many noble causes run by NGOs and
other social welfare societies. Social media can also aid government in other
agencies in spreading awareness and also fight crime. For many businesses social
media is strong tool for business promotion and marketing. Many communities are
built through social media platforms which are essential for our society’s growth.
SUPPORTING DETAILS

• Supporting details provide the information that supports

the topic sentence. You can create supporting details with
descriptions, examples, reasons, explanations and
comparisons.
• When writing supporting details, you:
i. Decide which details help to further the story line.
ii. Decide which details help you to understand the main idea.
iii. Answer question raised by the main idea (who, what when,
why or how).
THANK YOU!