How to Define the Main Idea
The main idea of a paragraph is the primary point or concept that the author wants to communicate to the readers about the topic. Hence, in a paragraph, when the main idea is stated directly, it is expressed in what is called the topic sentence. It gives the overarching idea of what the paragraph is about and is supported by the details in subsequent sentences in the paragraph. In a multi-paragraph article, the main idea is expressed in the thesis statement, which is then supported by individual smaller points.
Think of the main idea as a brief but all-encompassing summary. It covers everything the paragraph talks about in a general way, but does not include the specifics. Those details will come in later sentences or paragraphs and add nuance and context; the main idea will need those details to support its argument.
For example, imagine a paper discussing the causes of World War I. One paragraph might be dedicated to the role that imperialism played in the conflict. The main idea of this paragraph might be something like: "Constant competition for massive empires led to increasing tensions in Europe that eventually erupted into World War I." The rest of the paragraph might explore what those specific tensions were, who was involved, and why the countries were seeking empires, but the main idea just introduces the overarching argument of the section.
When an author does not state the main idea directly,it should still be implied, and is called an implied main idea. This requires that the reader look closely at the content—at specific words, sentences, images that are used and repeated—to deduce what the author is communicating.
How Can I Locate the Main Idea?
Once you can find the topic, you are ready to find the main idea. The main idea is the point of the paragraph. It is the most important thought about the topic.
To figure out the main idea, ask yourself this question: What is being said about the person, thing, or idea (the topic)?
The author can locate the main idea in different places within a paragraph. The main idea is usually a sentence, and it is usually the first sentence. The writer then uses the rest of the paragraph to support the main idea.
Let’s use the paragraph below as an example. First find the topic, then look for the main idea.
Summer is a wonderful time to spend at West Beach. It is a beach with light- colored, soft sand. The coastline goes on for a long way and many people enjoy walking along it. Children like to play in the surf and walk along the rocks that are visible at low tide. This is a fun beach for people of all ages.
In this paragraph:
- the topic isWest Beach
- the main idea (what the writer is saying about the topic) is that summer is a wonderful time at West Beach
Here is another example:
The movie Apollo 13 was a blockbuster for the summer of 1995.It is an exciting story about space exploration. In the movie, the astronauts get in trouble while they are trying to return to Earth. People in the audience are on the edge of their seats waiting to see what happens. What makes it evenmore exciting is that it is a true story.
In this paragraph:
- the topic is the movieApollo 13
- the main idea is in the first sentence:Apollo 13 was a blockbuster for the summer of 1995
While the main idea is usually in the first sentence, the next most common placement is in the last sentence of a paragraph.The author gives supporting information first and then makes the point in the last sentence.
Here’s a paragraph we can use as an example. Try to locate the topic and the main idea.
Most teenagers and young adults do not know what they want to do for the rest of their lives. It is a big decision. There are a number of things you can do to narrow the choices. For example you can take an interest test, do some research on your own about a career, try volunteer work in the field in which you are interested, or “job-shadow”, in which you spend a day with a person who is workingin a field that interests you. These are just a few helpful ideas as you begin to choose a career.
In this paragraph:
- the topic isjobsorcareer choices
- the main idea is a few ideas to help the reader choose a career
Finally, an author might put the main idea in the middle of a paragraph. The author will spend a few sentences introducing the topic, present the main idea, then spend the rest of the paragraph supporting it. This can make the main idea more difficult to find.
See if you can find the topic and main idea in the paragraph below.
The United States seems to be in love with the idea of going out to eat. Because of this,a real variety of restaurants has come about specializingin all kinds of foods. McDonald’s is the king of a subgroup of restaurants called fast-food restaurants. Chances are, no matter where you live, there is a McDonald’s restaurant near you. There are even McDonald’s in the Soviet Union. Now McDonald’s is trying something new. It is called McDonald’s Express and there is a test site in Peabody, Massachusetts. It is part of a Mobil gas station. This allows you to fill up with gas and fill up on food at the same time. What will they think of next?
In this paragraph:
- the topic isMcDonald’s
- the main idea is in the middle of the paragraph, in the third sentence:McDonald’s is the king of fast food
Excerpted from:
Study Skills: A Landmark School Student Guide
(out of print)
by Diane Vener,
© 2002 Landmark School, Inc.
1. What is the main idea or the topic that the paragraph tells? a, about Tina c. about being a good girl
b. about Nena d. about being lazy and impatient girl
2. What do you think is the key sentence of the following?
a. She is smiling at everyone.
c. Nena is a good girl
b. She obeys her parents. D. Nena is a wise girl
(3-5) Which are the supporting details in the above paragraph example? Put
check inside the circle
Nena is a good girl. She is always smiling at everyone she meets. .
She obeys her parents and elder sister. She never hurts anyone and
she is always helping others.
1
Where are the main ideas found?
It is easy to identify a main idea that is directly expressed in the text. Main ideas are often found:
- at the beginning of paragraphs. The first sentence often explains the subject being discussed in the passage.
- in the concluding sentences of a paragraph. The main idea can be expressed as a summation of the information in the paragraph as well as a link to the information in the next paragraph.
The main idea is not always clearly stated. It is more difficult to identify a main idea when it is inferred or implied. It can be implied through other words in the paragraph. An implied main idea can be found in several ways.
- Several sentences in a paragraph can imply the main idea by introducing facts about the topic before actually stating the topic.
- Implied ideas can be drawn from facts, reasons, or examples that give hints or suggestions concerning the main idea. These hints will be clues leading you to discover the main idea in the selected text.
- Try the passage below to see if you can pick out the main idea.
"To many parents, the infant's crying may be mainly an irritation, especially if it continues for long periods. But crying serves important functions for the child as well as for the parents. For the child, crying helps improve lung capacity and the respiratory system. Perhaps more important, the cry serves as a signal of distress. When babies cry, they indicate that they are hungry or in pain, and this is important information for parents."
Use the hints below to determine the correct main idea of this paragraph.
After reading a paragraph ask, "What point is the author making in this passage?"
Ask the following questions:
- Who - Does this passage discuss a person or group of people?
- When - Does the information contain a reference to time?
- Where - Does the text name a place?
- Why - Do you find a reason or explanation for something that happened?
- How - Does this information indicate a method or a theory?