2. The Skill
Every paragraph has a topic.
Every paragraph has a main idea.
When an author includes a sentence in a
paragraph that tells his or her most important
point about the topic, that sentence is called
the stated main idea sentence.
3. Main Idea
The main idea answers the question,
“What is the author’s one most important point
about the topic?”
4. Characteristics of a
Main Idea Sentence
Must always contain the topic (the word, name, or
phrase that tells who or what the paragraph is about)
Must always make complete sense by itself (even if
you couldn’t read the rest of the paragraph)
Must be a general sentence that sums up the details
in the paragraph
5. Location of the
Stated Main Idea Sentence
Can appear anywhere in a paragraph:
Most often it appears at the beginning.
The next most likely location is at the end.
The third possibility is somewhere else within the
paragraph.
Regardless of where it appears, it will have supporting details that
explain more about it, give examples of it, or prove it.
6. How to Test the Sentence You Have
Identified as the Stated Main Idea
When you think you have located a stated
main idea sentence, see if it meets these
criteria:
1. The sentence contains the topic.
2. The sentence tells the author’s most important
point about the topic.
3. The sentence makes complete sense by itself.
7. Main Idea Cadence
It’s important that you find
The point the author has in mind.
The main idea is its name,
But “topic sentence” is the same.
The main idea is top-shelf;
It makes sense all by itself.
And never once should you doubt it:
Details all tell more about it.
This sentence has the topic, too.
It gives a summary or overview.
Stated main ideas you can find,
So highlight them or underline.
8. Supporting Details =
Additional Information to Help You
Understand the Main Idea
Details consists of specific information such as
examples, explanations, descriptions, proof,
and statistics.
Who, what, when, where, why, how?
The answers will be in the details.
9. The Edge:
Pointers from Ms. Lowans
Only ONE sentence can be the stated main idea in a
paragraph.
Avoid choosing a sentence just because it interests
you or you think it sounds important.
Be sure you understand the sentence.
The main idea is NEVER a question.
Examples are details that support the main idea, so
examples cannot be the main idea.
Watch for words or phrases authors use to signal their
main idea: The point is, It is important, Thus, etc.
10. The Edge (continued)
Read the entire paragraph before you decide if
there is a stated main idea sentence.
Longer selections (such as textbook sections,
essays, articles, and editorials) can have
overall stated main ideas.
Locating the main idea is a skill that underlies
several important study skills, such as marking
a text, outlining, making concept maps, and
writing summaries.
11. The Edge: Pointers
about the Stated Main Idea
and Supporting Details
Main idea and details are not the same.
The main idea is general. Details are specific.
Examples are always details.
Underline the main idea, but number the details in a
paragraph.
Details are often presented in a bulleted, numbered, or
lettered list.
Details are often introduced by In addition, also,
moreover, another, next, then, last, finally, etc.
The main idea may give a clue about the number of
types of details: “There are four categories of galaxies.”
