Main Idea in paragraph

 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 first sentence of a paragraph 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.

The main idea is the most important idea in the paragraph. It is a fact or opinion. The main
idea is usually the first or second sentence in a paragraph. This sentence is called the topic
sentence. All the other sentences support the topic sentence. They are details. They are
examples or explanations. They provide evidence to support the main idea.

Keys to main idea

 It is the most important and general point in the paragraph.

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?

The main idea of a paragraph is the author's message about the topic. It is often expressed
directly or it can be implied.

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.

To Find the Main Idea

 Find the topic first. You have to know the topic before you can determine the main
idea. Preview your text and ask yourself, “What or who is the article about?” or
“What is the author teaching me about?” (For further help, see Identifying the Topic
skill sheet.)
 Ask yourself. “What does the author want me to know about the topic?” or “What is
the author teaching me about the topic?” You can answer this by finding the idea that
is common to most of the text or what opinion all the parts support.
 Use these clues to help find the main idea:

1. Read the first and last sentences of the paragraph (or the first and last paragraphs of the
article). Authors often state the main idea near the beginning or end of a paragraph.

2. Pay attention to any idea that is repeated in different ways. If an author returns to the same
thought in several different sentences (or paragraphs), that idea is the main or central thought
under discussion.

3. Look for a sentence that states the main idea. This is the stated main idea or topic sentence.
4. Look for reversal transitions at the beginning of sentences. These signal that the author is
going to modify the previous idea. When a reversal transition opens the second sentence of a
paragraph, there’s a good chance that the second sentence is the topic sentence and a stated
main idea. Some samples of reversal transitions:

But Nevertheless Still

Conversely Nonetheless Unfortunately

Even so On the contrary When in fact

However On the other hand Yet

In contrast Regardless

5. At times the main idea will not be stated directly. This is called an implied main idea.

 Read all of the specific statements, not just the ones that open the paragraphs.
 Think of a general statement that could sum up the specifics as effectively as
any stated topic sentence. As there will not be a topic sentence, you will have
to write one. The main idea you write must be a complete sentence that
contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

6. Once you feel sure that you have found the main idea, test it. Ask yourself if the sentence
could act as a summary of the other sentences in the paragraph. Do the examples, reasons,
and facts included in the reading explain or give evidence supporting the main idea you have
in mind? If they do, then you are right on target. If they don’t, you may want to revise your
main idea.

Examples of main idea

Here are five short paragraphs. The main idea or topic sentence is shown in bold. The other
sentences are supporting sentences. The other sentences provide details.

Ferraris are fast. They can go from 0 kph to 100 kph in just a few seconds. They can get
you to a place very quickly.

Ahmed loves fruit. He eats fruit every day. He especially loves apples and oranges. He has
never tasted fruit he didn’t like.

Bananas are healthy. They contain vitamins and minerals. There is no fat in a banana. They
release energy slowly, which is good for the body. Eat a banana every day to help stay
healthy.
Reading widely will improve your English. It will improve your reading skills, your
vocabulary and your grammar. Read easy texts, ones that are at your level. Read stories and
articles that are interesting. Read for fun. If you do, your English will become stronger.

Exercise is good for your heart. Jogging and swimming and other such activities are good
for your heart. Getting regular exercise can help you have a healthier heart. Regular physical
activity raises healthy HDL cholesterol levels and reduces unhealthy LDL cholesterol and
triglycerides. It also lowers blood pressure, burns body fat, and lowers blood sugar levels —
all of which benefit heart health.