IDENTIFYING MAIN IDEAS

What is a main idea?

The main idea is the central or most important idea in a paragraph or passage. The main idea is often stated in the first sentence of a passage or paragraph. However, the main idea can be found in any sentence of a passage or paragraph. The main idea is sometimes repeated in the last sentence in the passage.

Boys and girls, to identify the main ideas in a paragraph, here are some techniques you can use, before you read, during reading and after you read.

1. Before you read:

Read the title

What is the text about?

What is the topic?

2. During reading:

Look for and carefully read text features.

Is the text fiction or non-fiction?

Look for information, words and pictures that are repeated.

3. After reading:

Think about the most important point about the topic.

What details or examples back up and support the main idea?

Use the method listed above to tell the main idea in the following passage.

Jamaica is the only country to produce clean sweeps in track and field at the Olympic Games. In the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the female sprinters won all three medal in the 100 metre dash, copping the gold and two silver medals. In the 2012 Olympics, Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake and Warren Weir, won Gold silver and bronze respectively in the 200 metre race. In 2021 another clean sweep for Jamaica. Elaine Thompson- Herah, Shelly-ann Fraser-pryce and Shericka Jackson, took home the gold, silver and bronze medals respectively. No other country has been able to accomplish this great feat. Boys and girls, did you choose the first sentence (Jamaica is the only country to produce clean sweeps in track and field at the Olympic Games) as the main idea? Well, if you did you are right. Notice too that the main idea is repeated in the last sentence. The other sentences are supporting sentences, as they provide the evidence to support the main idea.

Here is another example; Advertising affects our lives every day. Brand names are common household words. We start each day using toothpaste, soap and breakfast foods that are promoted by advertisements. Ads have made the cars we drive in signs of our success. Our choice of food, dress and entertainment are swayed by ads. Not one aspect of our lives is untouched by advertisement. Read this carefully then tell me what the main idea is? The main idea is ‘Advertising affects our lives every day’. Yes, you are right.

Boys and girls, you will also notice that the main idea is stated in the beginning of the paragraph and then restated at the end.