Main Idea
MAIN IDEAS
•
The main idea is the
central, or most important, idea in a paragraph or passage. It
states the purpose and sets the
direction of the paragraph or passage.
•
The main idea may be
stated or it may be implied.
•
When the main idea of a paragraph
is stated, it is most often found in the first
sentence of the paragraph.
However, the main idea may be found in any sentence
of the paragraph.
•
The main idea may be
stated in the firs t sentence of a para graph and then be
repeated or restated at the end
of the paragraph.
•
The main idea may be
split. The first sentence of a paragraph may present a point
of view, while the last
sentence presents a contrasting or opposite view.
•
To find the main idea of
any paragraph or passage, ask these questions:
1. Who or what is the paragraph
about?
2. What aspect or idea about
the ‘who’ or ‘what’ is the author concerned with?
Main Idea
Practice Paragraphs 1-6
Read and
think about the following sample paragraphs, in which the main idea
sentences
are underlined.
Paragraph One
It is often said that lightning never strike s twice
in the same place, but this isn’t true.
Go ask the
forest rangers. Rangers who spend their summers as fire-fighters will tell you
that
every
thundershower brings several bolts of lightning to their lookout stations.
(Notice that
the first sentence tells what the paragraph is about; the sentences that follow
support the
idea stated
in the first sentence.)
Paragraph
Two
Costs were low that year and
the output high. There was a good person for each job and the market remained
firm. There were no losses from fire. All
in all it was the best years in the history of the company.
(Note that the first
three sentences give details to explain why it was the best year in the
company’s
history.)
Paragraph Three
There are great numbers of deer
around here. This whole area is great
country for hunters and fishermen. There are bears, mountain lions, and
coyotes. To the east there are streams full of trout, and there are ducks and
geese.
(The author begins and ends
with examples. The main idea is stated in the second sentence.)
Advertising affects our lives everyday. Brand names are common household words. We start each day using the toothpaste, soap, and breakfast foods promoted by advertisers.
Ads have
made the cars we drive signs of our success. Our choices of food, dress, and
entertainment are swayed by ads. Not
one aspect of American life is untouched by advertising.
(The main idea is stated at the beginning of the paragraph and then restated at
the end.)
Paragraph Five
Penicillin is one of the greatest of the wonder drugs. It has saved thousands of lives
already and will save many more in the future. Unfortunately it has no effect
at all on most of
the ills of mankind. Penicillin is a very good drug, but it
is certainly not a cure-all.
(The author has split the main
idea. This paragraph begins with positive comments on penicillin. The word but
signals a shift in thought, and the paragraph ends with a statement of its
limitations.)
Paragraph Six
Do you wear glasses? Make sure your glasses fit well. The
earpieces should be at eye level. Don’t try to adjust the earpieces yourself.
Take your glasses for adjustments to the place you bought them. Keep your
glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. This will prevent scratches.
Keep the lenses clean. A soft cloth is best for cleaning.
(The main idea is implied. All
of the sentences in the paragraph give details about a main idea. In this
paragraph the implied main idea is that taking care of your glasses involves
many steps.)