This document discusses how to identify the topic and main idea in paragraphs and essays. It explains that paragraphs and essays are structured similarly, with a topic sentence that introduces the topic and main idea followed by supporting details. To identify the main idea, look for the author's overall feelings or message about the topic. The document provides examples of paragraphs and a short essay to illustrate these concepts.
3. Understanding the Topic and Main Idea
Do you understand the author?
Paragraph Structure = Essay Structure
Topic
Main Idea
Supporting Points Supporting Points
Supporting Points Supporting Points
4. Understanding the Topic and Main Idea
Structure of a Paragraph
- Topic and Main Idea
Structure of an Essay or Long Passage
- Topic and Main Idea
5. Structure of a Paragraph
• Topic Sentence and Main Idea
• Supporting Sentences
• Concluding Sentence (Bridge to next paragraph)
Topic = Whole Pie
Main Idea = One Slice
6. Structure of a Paragraph
Even though we have many more television channels now
than we did 30 years ago, we are actually watching less
programming and more advertising. In 1984, the average length
of a half-hour television program was 26 minutes. The other four
minutes were for advertising. In 2010, the average length of a
half-hour program was 24 minutes. A full six minutes was now
used for advertising. Hour-long programs went from 50 minutes
of programming down to only 45 minutes. Even though it feels
like we can avoid advertising by changing channels, we still see
more than ever before.
7. Structure of a Paragraph
Even though we have many more television channels now
than we did 30 years ago, we are actually watching less
programming and more advertising. In 1984, the average length
of a half-hour television program was 26 minutes. The other four
minutes were for advertising. In 2010, the average length of a
half-hour program was 24 minutes. A full six minutes was now
used for advertising. Hour-long programs went from 50 minutes
of programming down to only 45 minutes. Even though it feels
like we can avoid advertising by changing channels, we still see
more than ever before.
8. Structure of an Essay
• Introductory Paragraph
(Topic and Main Idea)
• Supporting Paragraphs
• Conclusion
Topic = Big Category
Main Idea = Author's Feelings
9. Structure of an Essay
• The government recently voted to reduce the amount of money it devotes to space
exploration. This is a bad idea. Space exploration has benefits way beyond what can be
learned scientifically. It inspires people all over the world and helps humanity. We should not
allow the hope it creates to be eliminated.
• From the time they are young, every person occasionally looks up to the moon and
stars and wonders what is out there. In times of difficulty on this planet, people can look to
the heavens and hope for a better world. Dreams of space travel are not limited to one nation
but are common to all people. The exploration of space can bring the world together in
pursuit of the same goal. It can inspire us to create a better Earth right now. For these reasons,
the rewards of space exploration are much greater than just knowledge.
• Because the rewards are so great, we must insist that the government increase the
budget for space exploration. We cannot let money decide humanity's fate. The power to
inspire people to create a better world is much more important.
10. Structure of an Essay
• The government recently voted to reduce the amount of money it devotes to space
exploration. This is a bad idea. Space exploration has benefits way beyond what can be
learned scientifically. It inspires people all over the world and helps humanity. We should not
allow the hope it creates to be eliminated.
• From the time they are young, every person occasionally looks up to the moon and
stars and wonders what is out there. In times of difficulty on this planet, people can look to
the heavens and hope for a better world. Dreams of space travel are not limited to one nation
but are common to all people. The exploration of space can bring the world together in
pursuit of the same goal. It can inspire us to create a better Earth right now. For these reasons,
the rewards of space exploration are much greater than just knowledge.
• Because the rewards are so great, we must insist that the government increase the
budget for space exploration. We cannot let money decide humanity's fate. The power to
inspire people to create a better world is much more important.
11. Conclusion
Paragraphs and Essays are Similar!
Topic = What is this about?
Main Idea = Author's feelings about Topic
Look for Topic and Main Ideas in
Introduction and Conclusion
