Main Idea Definition Main Idea the central focus

Main Idea

Definition • Main Idea – the central focus of the writing (i. e. paragraph, essay, article, novel, etc…) • The Main Idea = the subject/topic (Whatever is being discussed) + the focus (Why it is being discussed) • The Main Idea is supported by “supporting details”

Subject/Topic • The “What” of the writing • Whatever the “subject matter of the writing” is the subject/topic • The words “subject” and “topic” are interchangeable

Example of a Topic Cars (topic) Mercedes Dodge Toyota (details) Honda

Labels for Main Idea • • Main point Central point Gist Controlling idea Central thought Thesis Theme

Supporting Details • Support, develop, & explain a main idea • Two Primary Types: – Major Supporting Details (supports the main idea) – Minor Supporting Details (supports the major supporting details)

Major & Minor Details Major Main ideas Support Explain Describe [supports the main idea] Minor Major Details Support Explain Describe [supports the major details]

Signals Words • Major Details: – – – One First Another Furthermore Also Finally • Minor Details: – – For example To be specific That is This means

Types of Main Ideas • Stated Main Idea • Unstated Main Idea

Stated Main Ideas • The main point is directly stated. • It is called thesis statement (main idea of the entire writing) or topic sentence (main idea of paragraph).

Location of Stated Main Ideas 1. 2. 3. 4. Beginning of the paragraph. End of the paragraph. Middle of the paragraph. Introductory & concluding sentences state the main idea.

Unstated or Implied Main Ideas • Details combine to make a point, but the main idea is not directly stated. • The main idea is implied.