Section # 3 Identifying the Main Idea

The main idea is the sentence that makes the central point about the topic or subject of a paragraph. 

The strategies explained in this section are:

1. Making your own main idea.

           
Ask three key questions:

1. What is the topic?
2. What is listed about the topic?
3. What do the major details have in common? 

Practice 1:
Roses are given on special occasions because of their beauty and fragrance.  Florists report higher sales of roses on Valentine’s Day. Carnations honor important people at special events. These two types of flowers are used for specific occasions. 

Which sentence represents the main idea of the paragraph?

1. Roses are given on special occasions.
2. Florists report higher sales of roses on Valentine’s Day.
3. Carnations honor important people at special events.
4. These two types of flowers are used for specific occasions.

Test Your Knowledge by opening up the Test Yourself Activity.

Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Test 4