Finding main idea...4/1/2012

Today Miss Zu wanted to check our files. My file was not complete. When she checked, Miss Zu a little bit upset and not satisfied with our files. So, she asked us to complete it and don't make her angry. Then, we learned about finding main idea. We have to find main idea in passages.

lThe main idea of a passage is the thought that is present from the beginning to the end.

lIn finding the main idea, ask yourself these:

–What idea is common to most of the text?

–What is the idea that relates the parts to the whole?

–What opinion do all the parts support?

 

You also can find more here: http://www.landmarkoutreach.org/FindingtheMainIdea.htm

 

 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.

 

 

Rules for Finding the Topic Sentence

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.

IMPLIED MAIN IDEA

lSome paragraphs have no topic sentence.

lThis does not mean that there is no main idea in the paragraph.

lWhen a paragraph has no topic sentence, the supporting details suggest the main idea.

lThe main idea is implied, or unstated, which means that you have to figure it out by yourself.