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Table of Contents
The main idea is the heart of every paragraph or essay as it holds the central idea of the text. The main idea is usually directly stated in the paragraph in a form of a sentence. However, in some cases, it may also be implied. The main idea can also be found at the beginning or even in the last sentence of the paragraph.
See the fact file below for more information on the Main Idea, or you can download our 28-page Main Idea worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
MAIN IDEA
- The main idea is the central idea of the paragraph.
- It is considered the most important idea in a paragraph or text. It allows the writer to state the purpose of the paragraph or text, which also sets its direction.
- The topic of the paragraph is easy to identify, but it is too broad, so determining what specific aspect of the topic is being dealt with is more helpful. The main idea that is directly indicated in one of the sentences of the paragraph may serve as a guide to readers in determining the direction or the purpose of the reading material.
- The main idea, together with coherent supporting details, make a more effective paragraph.
- Ideally, an idea explicitly stated in the paragraph is a good way to introduce the topic of the text and guide the reader to its specific direction.
- Example: Taking sunglasses on a trip is a brilliant idea. Primarily, they protect your eyes from the extreme brightness of the sun. Also, if you feel like sleeping during the trip, you can simply put them on so you don’t feel self-conscious.
- Reading the details of the paragraph leads to its main point, which is the benefits of wearing sunglasses. With this idea, you can clearly see that the first sentence expresses this, and this shows how a directly stated main idea guides the readers to understand what the text is about.
- In some cases, the main idea is not really given or stated in any of the sentences in the paragraph. The reader needs to deduce the topic of the paragraph and its main point using the details used to substantiate the idea.
- Example: The initial thought of a person who is exposed to too much sunlight is to use sunblock. However, the person needs to consider first their skin sensitivity as well as their complexion. This will help determine which one suits their skin more. Physical sunscreen is better for those with sensitive skin, whereas chemical sunscreen is better for those that have a darker complexion as it does not leave white marks on the skin.
- The paragraph given only suggests what the topic is. However, examining each sentence, none of these explicitly discuss the central idea. In such situations, the reader can use the details to make sense of what the text wants to say.
MAIN IDEA AND ITS SUPPORTING DETAILS
- The main idea is a good foundation of writing material. However, supporting details also play a significant role in magnifying the central idea of the text.
- Supporting details explain the main idea further by giving reasons, examples, more information, illustrations, steps, and other evidence.
- Supporting details can be categorized into two types: major details and minor details.
- Major details help develop and sometimes chunk the main idea to make it more specific.
- Minor details, on the other hand, elaborate the major details to make them more clear.
- These details, whether minor or major, substantiate the central idea of the text. They help give explanations and clarifications on the topic being discussed.
- If the main idea guides the readers and the flow of the text, the details support the main idea.
MAIN IDEA IN A TOPIC SENTENCE
- A topic sentence is a sentence that carries the main idea or central point of the paragraph.
- It is usually at the beginning of the paragraph.
- Let’s use the example given earlier.
- Taking sunglasses on a trip is a brilliant idea. Primarily, it protects your eyes from the extreme brightness of the sun. Also, if you feel like sleeping during the trip, you can simply them on so you do not feel self-conscious.
- The first sentence seems to carry the central point of the paragraph. Examining the supporting details (the succeeding sentences), all point to the first paragraph.
- Although a topic sentence is typically found at the beginning, it can also be found at the end of the paragraph.
- Example: Sunglasses primarily protect the eyes from the extreme brightness of the sun. They are also convenient when sleeping during a trip because you can simply put them on. Therefore, taking sunglasses on a trip is a brilliant idea.
- In the example above, you can see how the topic sentence can be stated at the end of the paragraph as long as it retains its coherence and cohesion.
- Having a topic sentence in a paragraph is ideal because it helps the reader identify what the writer is going to focus on in the paragraph, connects the paragraph to the thesis of the entire essay, and makes the reader focus on the topic that is being talked about.
MAIN IDEA IN A THESIS STATEMENT
- A thesis statement has almost the same function as a topic sentence. However, a thesis statement holds the larger scope of a text.
- A thesis statement contains the main idea of the entire essay. It is usually found at the end of the introduction.
- Just like a topic sentence, it also needs to be written in a complete sentence.
- Examine the example below:
Travelling is an activity that almost everyone in the world wants to experience. As a matter of fact, people who travel and want to travel plan for it, save up for it, and squeeze it into their busy schedule. Given that many people want to travel, it is important to understand what they get from it. Traveling offers new experiences, creates significant memories, and allows a better understanding of different things. - The example above is an introduction for an essay. Although the entire essay was not written, you can already anticipate the ideas that the author will include through the last sentence. This serves as a guide to the reader and even the writer as to what the essay will specifically deal with.
- The thesis statement does not only introduce the specific points that the essay will discuss. It also helps to create an outline as to how they will be discussed.
- This part of the sentence allows a glimpse into what the supporting details will be elaborating, and makes the essay focus on the central point.
Main Idea Worksheets
This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about a Main Idea across 28 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching kids about the Main Idea, which is the heart of every paragraph or essay that holds the central idea of the text.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- Main Idea Facts
- Forming a Main Idea
- Crossing the Wrong Details
- Identifying a Main Idea
- Choosing a Main Idea
- Completing the Details
- Creating a Main Idea
- Relating Concepts
- Writing Your Paragraph
- Reflecting on the Main Idea
- Working with the Main Idea
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Link will appear as Main Idea Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, April 14, 2016
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.