Main Idea new

Compiled by

T.Reawadee Angchuan

Paragraph Reading

PSU.Wittayanusorn School

What is a Paragraph?A paragraph is a group of related sentences that develop a main thought, or idea, about a single topic. The structure of a paragraph is not complex. There are usually three basic elements: (1) a topic, (2) a topic sentence, and (3) supporting details. The topic sentence states the main, or controlling, idea. The sentences that explain this main point are called supporting details. These details may be facts, reasons, or examples that provide further information about the topic sentence.

Topics, Main Ideas, and Topic sentences

https://www.brainpop.com/english/writing/mainidea/

The topic is the subject that the selection is about. The main idea can usually be located if you can determine what the topic is. To find the topic of a selection, ask the simple question, “Who or what is the selection about?”

EXAMPLE:

Consumers concerned about the hazards or noise can reduce noise pollution in many ways. They can purchase noisy products such as garbage disposals and lawn mowers with reduced noise levels. They can also use sound-absorbing materials in their home. Carpeting can be installed instead of hard flooring, and cork and fabric can be used in rooms that tend to be noisy. Also, people can become less noisy themselves. They can learn to avoid shouting, to close doors without slamming them, and to play radios, TV sets, and stereos at moderate levels.

TOPIC OF THIS PARAGRAPH: noise pollution or noise pollution in the home.

Topic

satin wool fabric silk

Circle the general term that could be considered the subject of the list.

Recognize General and Specific WordsTry to decide on a general topic or subject under which you can group these ideas. Before tackling sentences, begin with words.

Direction: Circle the general term or subject for each of the following related groups of ideas.

1. chimpanzees orangutans apes gorillas2. cirrus clouds cumulus stratus3. oats wheat corn grain4. Appalachians Alps mountains Rockies5. shrimp crustacean crab lobster

Topics of passages are more often stated as phrases rather than single words.

Direction: Circle the general topic that could be the subject.

Turn on the ignition. Press the accelerator. Insert the key.Start the car.

Recognize General and Specific Phrases

Recognize the General Topic for SentencesParagraphs are composed of sentences that develop a single general topic.

Direction: After reading the sentences, circle the phrase that best expresses the topic or general subject of the sentences (a, b, or c).

1. The law of demand is illustrated in an experiment conducted by the makers of M&M candy.

2. For a twelve-month period, the price of M&Ms remained the same in 150 stores, but the number of M&Ms in a package increased, which dropped the price per ounce.

3. In those stores, sales immediately rose by 20 to 30 percent.

(a) Candy Maker’s Experiment(b) M&Ms Drop in Price(c) M&Ms Prove the Law of Demand

Direction: Circle the phrase that best describes the topic or subject for each group of sentences (a, b or c).

1. Oprah Winfrey’s success has placed her in the top 0.5 percent of the population that owns more than a quarter of the nation’s wealth.

2. Oprah’s entertainment enterprises earn her over $250 million a year.

3. Fortune magazine has listed Oprah as one of the 400 richest Americans.

(a) Rankings of Wealth(b) The Richest Americans (c) Oprah’s Financial Success

1.Simply drinking water is the best way to prevent dehydration from sweating.

2.Taking salt tablets before drinking water can dehydrate the body even more by extracting water from body tissue.

3.Plain water is better than beverages containing sugar or electrolytes because it is absorbed faster.

(a) Salt Tablets versus Water (b) Value in Plain Water (c) Preventing Dehydration

Each year, thousands of people are bitten by snakes. Several steps should be taken if you are a victim of a snakebite. First, keep still and warm. Next, remove rings and tight clothing. Wrap a bandage above the bite, but do not apply a tourniquet, as this may cut off blood circulation. Also, do not try to remove snake venom. Finally, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

The topic of this paragraph is:

(a) snakebites(b) things to do after a snakebite (c) keeping still after a snakebite

The cost of printing new money and then destroying old money has become too expensive for the government. As a result, serious efforts are being taken to replace the dollar bill with a dollar coin. The dollar coin will last far longer than a dollar bill. The coin would also be easier than the dollar bill to use in vending machines. Finally, it would help cities. Cities spend a lot of time counting bills placed in collection boxes. A dollar coin would change that.

The topic of this paragraph is:(a) Using a dollar coin in a vending machine (b) Reasons for a dollar coin(c) A dollar coin

To sum up....The topic of a paragraph should be a word or a phrase, not a complete sentence. In conclusion the topic of a paragraph tell us what that paragraph is about. A well-written paragraph discusses only one topic and develops that topic. The topic must be precise, not too general nor too specific.

Practice:

“Reading Practice” on pages 24 - 26, Do exercises A - C

Recognizing the main idea, or point, is the most important key to good comprehension.

What is the main idea?

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA?

To find the main idea, or point, in a reading selection, ask yourself:

“What is the main point the author is trying to make?”

Topic Sentence and Main Idea

We may say that a topic sentence is a main idea because a topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main idea of a paragraph. It is a general statement that covers all or most of the material in the paragraph. If the main idea is contained in one sentence, that sentence is called the “topic sentence”, a complete sentence that states the main point of the paragraph. It expresses a view about the topic and prepares the reader for what to expect in the paragraph. Locating the topic sentence in a paragraph is one of the most important reading skills. To find a paragraph's topic sentence, we should do the following:1. Identify the topic of the paragraph by asking ourselves, "Who or what is this paragraph about?"2. Find the sentence that is a general statement telling us what we need to know about the topic.

supporting details (examples, reasons, or facts)

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Certain basic fears are part of our lives. For one thing, we fear being disrespected. Bullies play on this fear. They cruelly tease their victims and take away their self-respect. And we feel hurt and disrespected when someone doesn’t return our phone calls or walks past us without saying hello. Another of our deepest fears is being alone. No matter how tough we act, we know that the poet who wrote “No man is an island” was telling the truth. We need each other. Not having other people in our lives makes us feel empty inside. A third basic fear is of growing old. Every year, Americans use plastic surgery to try to turn back the clock. And our magazines and TV shows and movies are full of beautiful young people. We do not want to be reminded that the clock keeps ticking.

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA?Read this paragraph, asking yourself, “What is the author’s point?” Many people feel that violence on television is harmless entertainment. However, we now know that TV violence does affect people in negative ways. One study showed that frequent TV watchers are more fearful and suspicious of others. They try to protect themselves from the outside world with extra locks on the doors, alarm systems, guard dogs, and guns. In addition, that same study showed that heavy TV watchers are less upset about real-life violence than non-TV watchers. It seems that the constant violence they see on TV makes them less sensitive to the real thing. Another study, of a group of children, found that TV violence increases aggressive behavior. Children who watched violent shows were more willing to hurt another child in games where they were given a choice between helping and hurting. They were also more likely to select toy weapons over other kinds of playthings.

A. Many people feel that violence on television is harmless entertainment. B. However, we now know that TV violence does affect people in negative ways. C. One study showed that frequent TV watchers are more fearful and suspicious of others. D. They try to protect themselves from the outside world with extra locks on the doors, alarm systems, guard dogs, and guns.

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA?

A — The paragraph does not support the idea that TV violence is harmless. Sentence A introduces the topic of TV violence.

B — This is a general statement. The rest of the passage goes on to describe three negative ways that TV violence affects people.

C — This sentence is about only one study. It is not general enough to include the other studies cited in the paragraph.

D — This sentence provides detailed evidence for the first supporting idea. It does not cover the rest of the paragraph.

Explanation

A. Many people feel that violence on television is harmless entertainment. B. However, we now know that TV violence does affect people in negative ways. C. One study showed that frequent TV watchers are more fearful and suspicious of others. D. They try to protect themselves from the outside world with extra locks on the doors, alarm systems, guard dogs, and guns.

WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA?The Main Idea as an “Umbrella” Idea

TV VIOLENCE DOES AFFECTPEOPLE IN NEGATIVE WAYS

Frequent TV watchers are more fearful and suspicious of others. Heavy TV watchers are

less upset about real-life violence than non-TV watchers.

TV violence increases aggressive behavior inchildren.

• The main idea is the author’s general point.• The other material of the paragraph fits under the general point.

HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE A MAIN IDEA?

• To recognize the main idea of a passage, you must think as you read.

1 Look for general versus specific ideas. 2 Use the topic to lead you to the main idea.3 Use clue words to lead you to the main

idea.

• Here are three strategies that will help you find the main idea:

NOTE: Locating the Main IdeaThe main idea of an article is the major point the author makes about a topic. In an article, the main idea is often called the thesis statement. In a paragraph, the main idea is often called the topic sentence.

Look for General versus Specific Ideas

In the list of words below, which three items are specific ideas, and which item is the general idea?


A. dishonesty B. greed C. vices D. selfishness

Look for General versus Specific IdeasHOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE A MAIN IDEA?

Vices is the general idea. It includes three specific types of vices: dishonesty, greed, and selfishness.

Explanation

A. dishonesty B. greed C. vices D. selfishness

SpecificSpecific

GeneralSpecific

Look again at the paragraph on TV violence. Notice that the general idea is supported by specific ideas.

Look for General versus Specific IdeasHOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE A MAIN IDEA?

Many people feel that violence on television is harmless entertainment. However, we now know that TV violence does affect people in negative ways. [general idea] One study showed that frequent TV watchers are more fearful and suspicious of others. [specific idea] They try to protect themselves from the outside world with extra locks on the doors, alarm systems, guard dogs, and guns. In addition, that same study showed that heavy TV watchers are less upset about real-life violence than non-TV watchers. [specific idea] It seems that the constant violence they see on TV makes them less sensitive to the real thing. Another study, of a group of children, found that TV violence increases aggressive behavior. [specific idea] Children who watched violent shows were more willing to hurt another child in games where they were given a choice between helping and hurting. They were also more likely to select toy weapons over other kinds of playthings.

• The topic is the general subject of a reading selection.

• Knowing the topic can help you find the writer’s main point about that topic.

Use the Topic to Lead You to the Main IdeaHOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE A MAIN IDEA?

• To find the topic of a selection, ask yourself: Who or what is the selection about?


• After you find the topic, ask yourself: What main point is the author making about the topic?


Recently a family of four were found dead in their suburban home in New Jersey—victims of carbon monoxide. Such cases are tragically common. Carbon monoxide is deadly for many reasons. To begin with, it is created in the most ordinary of ways—by the burning of wood, coal, or petroleum products. Once created, this gas is impossible to detect without instruments; it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Also, carbon monoxide mingles with and remains in the air rather than rising and being carried away by the wind. Then, when people unsuspectingly breathe it in, it chokes them, taking the place of the oxygen in their blood. Furthermore, it can do its lethal work in very small quantities: anyone exposed to air that is just 1 percent carbon monoxide for even a few minutes will almost certainly die.

What is the topic of the paragraph?

What is the topic of the paragraph?Carbon monoxide



Everything in the paragraph is about the topic of carbon monoxide. Notice how many times the term is used in the passage.

Explanation



What is the main idea of the paragraph?



The third sentence states a general idea that sums up what the entire paragraph is about. It is an “umbrella” statement under which all the other material in the paragraph fits.

Explanation

What is the main idea of the paragraph?Carbon monoxide is deadly for many reasons.

Note: The difference between the main idea and the topic is that the topic is an incomplete thought that does not show an opinion. The main idea, on the other hand, is a complete sentence that states an opinion. Although the topic may be specific, it does not reveal the author’s main point. Notice how much clearer and more complete the main ideas in the right column are than the topics on the left.

• Sometimes an author announces the main idea by using clue words or phrases.

• One type of clue word is a list word. A list word tells you that a list of items will follow.

Find and Use Clue Words to Lead You to the Main Idea


Note: The difference between the main idea and the topic is that the topic is an incomplete thought that does not show an opinion. The main idea, on the other hand, is a complete sentence that states an opinion. Although the topic may be specific, it does not reveal the author’s main point. Notice how much clearer and more complete the main ideas in the right column are than the topics on the left.

The expression many reasons suggests that the paragraph may be about specific reasons that carbon monoxide is deadly. The list words many reasons help you identify the main idea.

The main idea in the paragraph about carbon monoxide was stated like this:

Carbon monoxide is deadly for many reasons.



several kinds (or ways) of several causes of some factors in three advantages of five steps among the results various reasons for a number of effects a series of

List Words

Here are some common words that often introduce a main idea:





• Another type of clue word is the addition word.

• It is generally used right before a supporting detail.

Here are some common words that often introduce supporting details and help you discover the main idea:

one to begin with in addition last first another next last of all first of all second moreover finally for one thing also furthermore

Addition Words



Reread the paragraph about TV violence. As you do, pick out the addition words that alert you to supporting details. Also note the list words that suggest the main idea.

Many people feel that violence on television is harmless entertainment. However, we now know that TV violence does affect people in negative ways. One study showed that frequent TV watchers are more fearful and suspicious of others. They try to protect themselves from the outside world with extra locks on the doors, alarm systems, guard dogs, and guns. In addition, that same study showed that heavy TV watchers are less upset about real-life violence than non-TV watchers. It seems that the constant violence they see on TV makes them less sensitive to the real thing. Another study, of a group of children, found that TV violence increases aggressive behavior. Children who watched violent shows were more willing to hurt another child in games where they were given a choice between helping and hurting. They were also more likely to select toy weapons over other kinds of playthings.



Many people feel that violence on television is harmless entertainment. However, we now know that TV violence does affect people in negative ways [ list words]. [addition word] One study showed that frequent TV watchers are more fearful and suspicious of others. They try to protect themselves from the outside world with extra locks on the doors, alarm systems, guard dogs, and guns. [addition words] In addition, that same study showed that heavy TV watchers are less upset about real-life violence than non-TV watchers. It seems that the constant violence they see on TV makes them less sensitive to the real thing. [addition word] Another study, of a group of children, found that TV violence increases aggressive behavior. Children who watched violent shows were more willing to hurt another child in games where they were given a choice between helping and hurting. They were also more likely to select toy weapons over other kinds of playthings.



Each new supporting detail is introduced by an addition word or words. The list words negative ways suggest the supporting details will be a list of negative ways TV violence affects people.

Stated Main Ideas (Topic Sentences)A stated (explicit) main idea sentence is a SENTENCE FOUND IN THE PARAGRAPH which states two pieces of information: 1) The topic of the paragraph and 2) The main point or points being made about the topic.

Stated main idea sentences may be anywhere in the paragraph, but are typically found in the following locations: 1) First sentence 2) Middle of paragraph 3) Last sentence and 4) Combination of two sentences or split main ideas and usually the topic sentence or main idea appears as the first sentence in the paragraph. Now read this passage.

Main Idea at the BeginningLOCATIONS OF THE MAIN IDEA

In textbooks, the main idea is often stated in the first or second sentence of the paragraph. The rest of the paragraph then supports the main idea with details.

Supporting DetailSupporting DetailSupporting DetailSupporting Detail

Main Idea

Supporting DetailSupporting DetailSupporting Detail

Main IdeaIntroductory Detail

or

Which sentence contains the main idea?

The government rest home was not luxurious by American standards. The walls were clay, the floor was a composition of clay and garden dirt, and the roof was a thatched mat. The doors and windows were merely holes in the wall. There was no furniture whatever.

As you read the paragraph below, look for the main idea.


The first sentence introduces the topic. The remaining sentences support the main idea with details of the government rest home.

Explanation


The government rest home was not luxurious by American standards. The walls were clay, the floor was a composition of clay and garden dirt, and the roof was a thatched mat. The doors and windows were merely holes in the wall. There was no furniture whatever.


For shy people, simply attending class can be stressful. Several strategies, though, can lessen the trauma of attending class for shy people. Shy students should time their arrival to coincide with that of most other class members—about two minutes before the class is scheduled to begin. If they arrive too early, they may be seen sitting alone or, even worse, actually forced to talk with another early arrival. If they arrive late, all eyes will be upon them. Before heading to class, the shy student should dress in the least conspicuous manner possible—say, in the blue jeans, sweatshirt, and sneakers that 99.9 percent of their classmates wear. That way they won’t stand out from everyone else. They should take a seat near the back of the room. But they shouldn’t sit at the very back, since instructors sometimes make a point of calling on students there.


The first sentence introduces the topic: shy people in class. The second sentence contains the main idea. The remaining sentences support the main idea with examples of pain causing aggression.

Explanation


For shy people, simply attending class can be stressful. Several strategies, though, can lessen the trauma of attending class for shy people. Shy students should time their arrival to coincide with that of most other class members—about two minutes before the class is scheduled to begin. If they arrive too early, they may be seen sitting alone or, even worse, actually forced to talk with another early arrival. If they arrive late, all eyes will be upon them. Before heading to class, the shy student should dress in the least conspicuous manner possible—say, in the blue jeans, sweatshirt, and sneakers that 99.9 percent of their classmates wear. That way they won’t stand out from everyone else. They should take a seat near the back of the room. But they shouldn’t sit at the very back, since instructors sometimes make a point of calling on students there.

Main Idea in the MiddleLOCATIONS OF THE MAIN IDEA

Introductory DetailIntroductory Detail

Supporting DetailSupporting Detail

Main Idea

Sometimes the main idea appears in the middle of the paragraph.


A television ad for a new sports car showed scenes of beautiful open country that suggested freedom and adventure. The car never appeared in the ad at all. An ad for a hotel chain showed a romantic couple in bed together. They were obviously on vacation and having a leisurely, romantic, sexy morning. As these ads suggest, advertisers often try to sell products and services by associating them with positive images rather than by providing relevant details about the product or service. An ad giving the car’s gas mileage, safety rating, or repair frequency would be more important to a buyer, but it might not draw the viewer’s interest as much as beautiful scenery. Similarly, details on the hotel’s prices and service would be more informative than images of a glamorous vacation. But the romantic couple gets people’s attention and associates the hotel in the viewers’ minds with a good time.

As you read the paragraph below, look for the main idea.


A television ad for a new sports car showed scenes of beautiful open country that suggested freedom and adventure. The car never appeared in the ad at all. An ad for a hotel chain showed a romantic couple in bed together. They were obviously on vacation and having a leisurely, romantic, sexy morning. As these ads suggest, advertisers often try to sell products and services by associating them with positive images rather than by providing relevant details about the product or service. An ad giving the car’s gas mileage, safety rating, or repair frequency would be more important to a buyer, but it might not draw the viewer’s interest as much as beautiful scenery. Similarly, details on the hotel’s prices and service would be more informative than images of a glamorous vacation. But the romantic couple gets people’s attention and associates the hotel in the viewers’ minds with a good time.


The first four sentences introduce the topic of advertisers and provide specific examples of the main idea. The fifth sentence contains the main idea. The rest of the paragraph further develops the main idea.

Main Idea at the EndLOCATIONS OF THE MAIN IDEA


Main Idea

Sometimes all of the sentences in the paragraph will lead up to the main idea, which is presented at the end.


Only about 1 percent of insect species are destructive to crops and property. Nevertheless, this small group causes several billion dollars of damage each year in the United States alone. Harmful insects include household pests, such as termites; crop and livestock pests, such as boll weevils; and hosts of disease-causing organisms, such as mosquitoes infected with parasitic protozoa. Many insects, on the other hand, are beneficial to human society. Some insects pollinate fruit trees, flowers, and many field crops. Bees produce honey and beeswax, silkworms form cocoons from which silk is spun, and lac insects provide the raw material for commercial shellac. Some kinds of insects are natural enemies of destructive insects. For example, the larvae of certain wasps feed on caterpillars that destroy plants. Clearly, insects are both harmful and beneficial to human society.

As you read the paragraph below, look for the main idea. Main Idea at the EndLOCATIONS OF THE MAIN IDEA

Only about 1 percent of insect species are destructive to crops and property. Nevertheless, this small group causes several billion dollars of damage each year in the United States alone. Harmful insects include household pests, such as termites; crop and livestock pests, such as boll weevils; and hosts of disease-causing organisms, such as mosquitoes infected with parasitic protozoa. Many insects, on the other hand, are beneficial to human society. Some insects pollinate fruit trees, flowers, and many field crops. Bees produce honey and beeswax, silkworms form cocoons from which silk is spun, and lac insects provide the raw material for commercial shellac. Some kinds of insects are natural enemies of destructive insects. For example, the larvae of certain wasps feed on caterpillars that destroy plants. Clearly, insects are both harmful and beneficial to human society. The first three sentences provide details about destructive insects. The next five sentences provide details about beneficial insects. The last sentence states the main idea, that insects are both harmful and beneficial.

Main Idea at the EndLOCATIONS OF THE MAIN IDEA

Main Idea at the Beginning and the EndLOCATIONS OF THE MAIN IDEA


Main Idea

Main Idea

Sometimes an author will state the main idea near the beginning of the paragraph and then emphasize it by restating it later in the paragraph.


Which two sentences contain the main idea?

Penicillin is one of the greatest of the wonder drugs. It has save thousands of lives already and will save many more in the future. But it has not effect whatever on the bulk of the ills of man and of beast. Good as it is, it is certainly not a cure-all.

Read the paragraph and look for the two main idea sentences.

The main idea: The first and the last sentence are contrastive, but equally important.


Penicillin is one of the greatest of the wonder drugs. It has save thousands of lives already and will save many more in the future. But it has not effect whatever on the bulk of the ills of man and of beast. Good as it is, it is certainly not a cure-all.

An important result of medical advances is an increase in the number of conditions thought to be of medical concern. In the not-to-distant past, birth and death usually occurred at home. Family members and friends were there or close by. Now most people are born and die in a hospital, surrounded by bright lights and expensive machines. People who were addicted to alcohol or drugs were once considered sinful or lacking in willpower. Now they are considered “sick.” Problems that used to be accepted as part of life—baldness, wrinkles, small breasts, sleeplessness—are now deemed proper matters for medical attention. Some criminologists have even defined antisocial behavior as a medical problem. Lawbreakers of all kinds, from the shoplifter to the mass murderer, may potentially be labeled “sick.” Because of current medical knowledge, what were once thought to be problems of life or of character are now considered medical issues.


Which two sentences contain the main idea?

An important result of medical advances is an increase in the number of conditions thought to be of medical concern. In the not-to-distant past, birth and death usually occurred at home. Family members and friends were there or close by. Now most people are born and die in a hospital, surrounded by bright lights and expensive machines. People who were addicted to alcohol or drugs were once considered sinful or lacking in willpower. Now they are considered “sick.” Problems that used to be accepted as part of life—baldness, wrinkles, small breasts, sleeplessness—are now deemed proper matters for medical attention. Some criminologists have even defined antisocial behavior as a medical problem. Lawbreakers of all kinds, from the shoplifter to the mass murderer, may potentially be labeled “sick.” Because of current medical knowledge, what were once thought to be problems of life or of character are now considered medical issues.

The main idea—because of medical advances, more problems are considered medical issues—is expressed in different words in the first and last sentences.


Differentiate Topic, Main Idea, and Supporting DetailsWe have said that a topic is a word or phrase that describes the subject or general category of a group of specific ideas. Frequently, the topic is stated as the title of a passage. The main idea, in contrast, is a complete sentence that states the topic and adds the writer’s position or focus on the topic. The supporting details are the specifics that develop the topic and main idea.

Read the following example from a textbook paragraph and label the topic, the main idea, and a supporting detail.

T = for the topic of the paragraphMI = for the main ideaSD = for the supporting details

____ A. Binge buyers go shopping on a regular basis to buy huge numbers of things.

____ B.

____ C.

____ D.

Daily shoppers cannot miss a single day at the stores or on online shopping addicts.

Shopping addicts.

There are two types of shopping addicts.

_____ A. The Body Signaling Feeling

_____ B. Some signals of body language, like some facial

expressions, seem to be “spoken” universally.

_____ C. When people are depressed, it shows in their

walk, stance, and head position.


_____ A. Children are highly valued in African American

families.

_____ B. Valuing Children

_____ C. Like Latinos, African Americans view “children

as wealth,”believing that children are important

in adding enjoyment and fulfillment to life.


Reading for DetailsWhile reading a selection, the first thing one needs to do is to find its main idea. The next important thing is to be able to note and recall details.

You should be able to identify which ideas are more important than the others. The more important details are called “major details” and we call the details supporting major details “minor details.”

Supporting DetailsTips:

Addition words such as “moreover”, “another”, etc., signal major details. List words such as “a number of,” “a few reasons,” etc., tell you that a list is coming.

Some extra Hints - The supporting details in a sentence or a paragraph MIGHT begin with some of the following words: for example, for instance, in addition, another, in fact, furthermore, moreover, therefore, as a result, consequently, first, second, third, next, then, last, finally, etc…

There are two types of supporting details: major and minor • Major Details o explain the main idea. o are more specific than the main idea. o provide the examples, reasons, statistics and studies that help make the main idea clear and convincing. o answer readers’ questions about the main idea. • Minor Details o explain a major detail. o are even more specific than major details. o repeat key points and add colorful detail. o may or may not be important enough to include in reading notes.

Example: I really like apples. They are sweet, crisp, and juicy and just filling enough to take the edge off my appetite. When I eat apples, I also think of the vitamins and minerals they contain, and the fiber they supply to keep me healthy. Main Idea: I like apples (for the following reasons). Major Detail: They are crisp, juicy, and filling. Major Detail: They provide healthy vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Example: Neighborhood watch programs are good for everyone. One reason for this is that neighborhood watches unite neighbors in a common goal. Neighbors work together to protect each other. One family’s security becomes everyone’s concern. Another reason is that neighborhood watches reduce crime in a couple of ways. Posted signs act as deterrents to criminals. Neighbors in these areas are more likely to report any suspicious persons or activities. And finally, watch programs keep neighbors alert. Because neighbors meet regularly, everyone is more aware of events, rules, or changes in the community. Main Idea: Neighborhood watch programs are good for everyone (in the following ways). Major: Neighborhood watches unite neighbors in a common goal. Minor: Neighbors work together to protect each other. Minor: One family’s security becomes everyone’s concern. Major: Neighborhood watches reduce crime. Minor: Posted signs act as deterrents to criminals. Minor: Neighbors are more likely to report suspicious persons or activities. Major: Watch programs keep neighbors alert. Minor: Because neighbors meet regularly, they are more aware of events, rules, or changes in the community.

Practice:

(1) Some countries require warnings on cigarette packs much stronger than the warnings in the United States. (2) New warnings adopted by Australia now show pictures of cancerous lungs and bloodied brains with text that cautions, "Smoking doubles your risk of stroke.” (3) England for years has had packages that feature large, blunt messages, such as "Smoking kills." (4) The messages span at least a third of the box in large lettering. (5) In Canada, a pack of smokes comes with stark labels of decayed teeth. Which sentence is the main idea? 1. Sentence 2 2. Sentence 5 3. Sentence 1 How many major details are in this passage? 1. three 2. four 3. five

Practice:(1) Traffic has recently become a serious problem in the capital of my country. (2) There are three reasons. (3) First, the number of automobiles has doubled in the past five years, with the result that there are more cars than the streets can accommodate. (4) Second, the streets are old and narrow. (5)Because there are few garages or parking lots, these narrow streets are made even more narrow by cars parked along the side. (6) Third, many drivers do not obey regulations, so many traffic jams results from cars going the wrong way on a one-way street. Main Idea: __________________________________Major Detail: __________________________________Minor Detail: __________________________________

Answer: Main Idea: Traffic has recently become a serious problem in the capital of my country. There are three reasons.

Major Detail: [a] The number of automobiles has doubled in the past five years.[b] The streets are narrow...are old and narrow[c] Many drivers do not obey regulations.

Minor Detail: Because there are few garages or parking lots...along the side. (supporting major detail stated in [b])

REVIEW In this chapter, you learned the following:

• Recognizing the main idea is the most important key to good comprehension. The main idea is a general “umbrella” idea under which fits all the specific supporting material of the passage. • Three strategies that will help you find the main idea are to 1) look for general versus specific ideas; 2) use the topic (the general subject of a selection) to lead you to the main idea; 3) use clue words to lead you to the main idea. • The main idea often appears at the beginning of a paragraph, though it may appear elsewhere in the paragraph.

Looking for References

This is to identify the meaning of words like it, he, our, this, those,them, one, so/not (as in I think so, It appears not) and comparatives (smaller, same, additional, such, other, etc.) The author uses such words to signal to you: “I have referred to this person, object or idea before; you should be able to identify it, if necessary by searching the adjacent text until you find the “required referent.”

Exercises: 1) “Reading Practice” handout: pages 33 -382) Grammar Builder textbook: pages 222-225

Sometimes referring items can form chains. Most of them point back to something previously mentioned. Study the following example.

Differentiating between Facts and Opinions

A fact is usually defined as a truth, something that can be proved or tested by experimentation, observation, or research and shown to be real.

An opinion is someone’s belief, feeling or judgement about something. It is a subjective or value judgement, not something that can be objectively verified. Even though you base an opinion on fact, others may not agree. An opinion cannot be proven to everyone’s satisfaction.

Read the following sentences and see whether you can distinguish facts from opinions.

1. King Ramkamhang was the inventor of Thai alphabet.

2. Sunthorn Poo is the best poet Thailand has had.

3. Generally speaking, reading is more entertaining than

watching TV.

4. Khao Sod is a better newspaper than Thai Rath.

5. Tobots will probably replace human workers in the near

future.

Exercises: 1) “Reading Practice” handout: pages 39-40

References

• สมุทร เซ็นเชาวนิช (2551). เทคนิคการอ่านภาษาอังกฤษเพื่อความเข้าใจสำนักพิมพ์มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร ์กทม.

• Chuencheewee Chalermpatarakul, et.al. (2003). Systematic Reading 1 (7th edition) Thammasat University Press. Bangkok.

• A. Ami, et. al.(2006). Grammar Builder 5. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge.

• http://dusithost.dusit.ac.th/~sompoet_pan/pdf/Interac4.pdf

• http://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/learning/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/MAIN-IDEAS-AND-SUPPORTING.pdf

• http://www.pearsonhighered.com/mcwhorter-2e-info/assets/pdf/sample-chapter--ch03.pdf

• http://www.pearsonhighered.com/samplechapter/0205734367_ch04.pdf

• http://faculty.spokanefalls.edu/InetShare/AutoWebs/alexisn/RR4%20Ch%203_4.pdf

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/topic/fact-or-opinion

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