READING - IDENTIFYING MAIN IDEAS.pptx

Five Thinking Strategies of Good Readers
• Preview the Text: Before diving in, scan the text to get an
overview. Read headings, subheadings, and any bolded or
italicized text.
• Identify Purpose: Understand why you are reading. Are you
seeking information, analyzing an argument, or enjoying a
story?
• Active Reading: Engage with the text actively. Highlight key
points, take notes, and ask questions.
• Chunking: Break the text into manageable chunks, typically
paragraphs. This aids in processing information efficiently.
• Visualization: Create mental images while reading. This
enhances comprehension by making the text more vivid.

How to strengthen your reading comprehension
• Analyze the time and place in which you are reading -
• Rephrase each paragraph in your own words -
• Read aloud sentences or sections that are particularly
difficult -
• Reread difficult or complicated sections -
• Slow down your reading rate -
• Turn headings into questions -
• Write a brief outline of major points -
• Highlight key ideas -
• Write notes in the margins -
• Determine whether you lack background knowledge -

Understanding the topic, the gist, or the larger
conceptual framework of an article, a paragraph, a
sentence or a passage is a sophisticated reading task.
Being able to draw conclusions, evaluate, and critically
interpret articles or chapters is important for overall
comprehension in college reading. Textbook chapters,
articles, paragraphs, sentences, or passages all have
topics and main ideas.
The topic is the broad, general theme or message. It is
what some call the subject.
The main idea is the "key concept" being expressed.
Details, major and minor, support the main idea by
telling how, what, when, where, why, how much, or how
many. Locating the topic, main idea, and supporting
details helps you understand the point(s) the writer
wants to convey.

A paragraph is a group
of sentences that details
a single idea. In order
for a paragraph to be
effective, it must begin
with a topic sentence,
have sentences that
support the main idea of
that paragraph, and
maintain a consistent
flow.
A topic sentence is a
sentence that
introduces a paragraph
by presenting the one
main idea that will be
the focus of that
paragraph. Topic
sentences contain both
a main idea (the subject,
or topic that the writer
is discussing) and a
controlling idea (the
writer's specific stance
on that subject)
A main idea is the
subject, or topic that the
writer is discussing) and
a controlling idea is the
writer's specific stance
on that subject.
The supporting ideas are
the more focused
arguments that bolster
the main ideas. They
have a clear and direct
connection with the
main ideas. They are
backed-up by evidence
or illustrated by
examples. In general,
the supporting ideas
that bolster the same
main idea are grouped

• A paragraph is a group of sentences related to a particular
topic.
• Every paragraph has a purpose, important point or main
idea.
• The main idea is the most important piece of information
the author wants you to know about that paragraph, and it
will be stated at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of
the paragraph. Generally, it is at the beginning
Structure:
A good paragraph is composed of a topic sentence (or key
sentence), relevant supporting sentences, and a closing (or
transition) sentence.
This structure is key to keeping your paragraph focused on
the main idea and creating a clear and concise image.

The topic sentence in a paragraph clearly states
the main idea (or topic) of the paragraph as well
as the controlling idea. While it is usually at the
beginning of the paragraph, it also can be in the
middle or end of it.
Topic: Are life jackets important?
Example: Everyone should wear a life jacket when they are
on a boat. Life jackets have been proven to save
lives. No one can predict when an accident might happen.
There may not be enough time to put on a life jacket, but if
you are already wearing it, it may save your life.
The topic sentence in the example is underlined. The rest of
the sentences in the paragraph support the topic sentences.

Below are topic sentences. Write what you think the topic/main idea is for each one. All of them respond
to a question. What might be the question?
1. Having friends and being a good friend can sometimes be work.
2. Reading is the most important subject in school because reading is necessary in order to learn all the
other subjects.
3. Cell phones should be turned off during class time because if they ring, they can distract all the
students
in the class.
4. You can save water by turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth, fixing any leaks in the pipes,
and
taking a shower instead of a bath.
5. After-school art programs are a good way for students to have fun, stay out of trouble, and learn
about art.
6. A field trip should be interesting to all the students and go someplace the students usually don’t go.
7. I would like to play drums in a band because they keep the rhythm for the rest of band members.
8. A pet can teach you responsibility, give you love, and be there when you need a friend.

1. Having friends and being a good friend can sometimes be work. Is it easy to be a friend?
2. Reading is the most important subject in school because reading is necessary in order to learn all the
other subjects. What is the most important subject in school?
3. Cell phones should be turned off during class time because if they ring, they can distract all the students in the class. Should students be
allowed to have cell phones in class?
4. You can save water by turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth, fixing any leaks in the pipes, and taking a shower instead of a
bath. What are ways to save water?
5. After-school art programs are a good way for students to have fun, stay out of trouble, and learn about art. Should there be more after-
school art programs at school?
6. A field trip should be interesting to all the students and go someplace the students usually don’t go. What is a good field trip?
7. I would like to play drums in a band because they keep the rhythm for the rest of band members. What instrument in a band would you
like to play?
8. A pet can teach you responsibility, give you love, and be there when you need a friend. What are the advantages of owning a pet?

In each paragraph below, underline the topic sentence.
1. The best trip my family ever took was to New Orleans, Louisiana. We drove there in two days. I didn’t think it would be
very interesting, but I was wrong. We saw the Mississippi River, rode a horse carriage in the French Quarter, and visited a
cemetery where everyone was buried above the ground. I liked the food best, especially the New Orleans doughnuts called
beignets.
2. No one likes to eat with a dirty knife, fork, or spoon. It is important to completely wash all utensils before using them.
Clean utensils won’t transmit germs and bacteria. They also are more pleasant to eat with.
3. Many people think poetry is old-fashioned and uninteresting. They don’t realize that every time they hear a song sung,
they are hearing poetry in the form of song lyrics. Just like many written poems, many song lyrics use rhythm, rhyme, and
literary imagery. It turns out that poetry isn’t old-fashioned; it’s as modern as the latest hit song!
4. Growing a garden can be fun, good exercise, and will provide fresh fruits and vegetables for the gardener. It is interesting
to watch the seeds pop their heads above the soil for the first time. It is sometimes hard to believe that a little seed can
become a large vine or plant in just a few weeks. Planting the seeds and pulling weeds are good exercises for anyone. Then,
after watching the plant grow and produce, the gardener ends up with delicious tomatoes, beans, or other yummy produce
from the garden.
5. Sometimes it is hard to fall asleep. Maybe you are not sleepy, or maybe you are thinking about what happened during the
day. You can also lie awake if a big event, like a test or a party, is happening the next day. There are several things you can
do to try and fall asleep. You can try counting sheep, or just counting, which will keep your mind busy with a repetitious
activity. Sometimes listening to soft music or gentle sounds, like rain, helps. You can even try telling yourself a story, which

In each paragraph below, underline the topic sentence.
1. The best trip my family ever took was to New Orleans, Louisiana. We drove there in two days. I didn’t think it would be very
interesting, but I was wrong. We saw the Mississippi River, rode a horse carriage in the French Quarter, and visited a cemetery
where everyone was buried above the ground. I liked the food best, especially the New Orleans doughnuts called beignets.
2. No one likes to eat with a dirty knife, fork, or spoon. It is important to completely wash all utensils before using them. Clean
utensils won’t transmit germs and bacteria. They also are more pleasant to eat with.
3. Many people think poetry is old-fashioned and uninteresting. They don’t realize that every time they hear a song sung, they
are hearing poetry in the form of song lyrics. Just like many written poems, many song lyrics use rhythm, rhyme, and literary
imagery. It turns out that poetry isn’t old-fashioned; it’s as modern as the latest hit song!
4. Growing a garden can be fun, good exercise, and will provide fresh fruits and vegetables for the gardener. It is interesting to
watch the seeds pop their heads above the soil for the first time. It is sometimes hard to believe that a little seed can become a
large vine or plant in just a few weeks. Planting the seeds and pulling weeds are good exercises for anyone. Then, after watching
the plant grow and produce, the gardener ends up with delicious tomatoes, beans, or other yummy produce from the garden.
5. Sometimes it is hard to fall asleep. Maybe you are not sleepy, or maybe you are thinking about what happened during the
day. You can also lie awake if a big event, like a test or a party, is happening the next day. There are several things you can do to
try and fall asleep. You can try counting sheep, or just counting, which will keep your mind busy with a repetitious activity.
Sometimes listening to soft music or gentle sounds, like rain, helps. You can even try telling yourself a story, which may distract
your mind enough that you will be asleep in no time.

Identifying the main idea and the controlling idea in a topic sentence involves breaking down the sentence to understand
the core message and the supporting details or concepts that elaborate on that message. Here's how to do it:
1. Identify the Main Idea (Topic):
• The main idea, also known as the topic, is the central concept or message of the topic sentence.
• Look for the most general and essential information in the sentence. What is the sentence primarily about?
2. Identify the Controlling Idea (Supporting Details):
• The controlling idea provides specific details, examples, explanations, or evidence that support or clarify the main
idea.
• It serves to expand upon the main idea, giving it context and depth.
3. Look for Clues:
• Pay attention to words or phrases that signal the main idea or the controlling idea. Words like "is," "involves,"
"comprises," "consists of," and "includes" often indicate the main idea. Words like "for example," "such as,"
"specifically," and "particularly" often signal the controlling idea.
4. Evaluate the Relationship:
• Assess how the controlling idea relates to and supports the main idea. The controlling idea should provide additional
information that enhances the reader's understanding of the main topic.
5. Consider the Sentence Structure:
• In some cases, the main idea may appear at the beginning or end of the topic sentence, while the controlling idea is

Exercise: Identify Main Idea and Controlling Idea
For each of the following topic sentences, identify the main idea (topic) and the controlling idea (supporting details) that
provide additional information about the main idea.
Topic Sentence: "Renewable energy sources have become increasingly important in addressing environmental concerns."
Topic Sentence: "The impact of technology on society is undeniable."
Topic Sentence: "Effective communication skills are crucial in both personal and professional relationships."
Topic Sentence: "The Great Wall of China is an architectural marvel."
Topic Sentence: "Climate change poses a significant threat to our planet."
Topic Sentence: "The benefits of a diverse workforce extend beyond improved creativity and innovation."

Topic Sentence: "Renewable energy sources have become increasingly important in addressing environmental concerns."
Topic Sentence: "The impact of technology on society is undeniable."
Topic Sentence: "Effective communication skills are crucial in both personal and professional
relationships."
Topic Sentence: "The Great Wall of China is an architectural marvel."
Topic Sentence: "Climate change poses a significant threat to our planet."
Topic Sentence: "Education is the foundation of a prosperous society."
Topic Sentence: "The benefits of a diverse workforce extend beyond improved creativity and innovation."

Here's an example paragraph with the topic sentence and supporting sentences:
Example Paragraph:
"Exercise is essential for maintaining good physical health. Regular physical activity has numerous benefits. It helps
improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength, and enhance flexibility. Furthermore, exercise is known to
reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. In addition to the physical benefits, exercise
also has a positive impact on mental well-being. People who engage in regular physical activity often report reduced
stress levels and improved mood."
In this paragraph:
Topic Sentence: "Exercise is essential for maintaining good physical health."
Supporting Sentences:
"Regular physical activity has numerous benefits."
"It helps improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength, and enhance flexibility."
"Furthermore, exercise is known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease."
"In addition to the physical benefits, exercise also has a positive impact on mental well-being."
"People who engage in regular physical activity often report reduced stress levels and improved mood."

Exercise 1:
Identify the supporting sentences in the following paragraph:
"Reading comprehension is a vital skill for academic success. It enables students to understand and retain
information from textbooks, articles, and lectures. Additionally, strong reading comprehension skills are essential
for critical thinking and problem-solving. When students can grasp the main ideas and details of a text, they can
analyze and evaluate the content more effectively."
Exercise 2:
Identify the supporting sentences in the following paragraph:
"Pollution in urban areas is a growing concern. Air pollution from vehicles and industrial emissions poses
significant health risks. Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and bronchitis, are on the rise due to polluted air.
Furthermore, water pollution in urban rivers and lakes has adverse effects on aquatic life and the environment.
Efforts to reduce pollution levels are critical for the well-being of urban populations."

Exercise 1:
Topic Sentence: "Reading comprehension is a vital skill for academic success."
"It enables students to understand and retain information from textbooks, articles, and lectures."
"Additionally, strong reading comprehension skills are essential for critical thinking and problem-solving."
"When students can grasp the main ideas and details of a text, they can analyze and evaluate the content more
effectively."
Exercise 2:
Topic Sentence: "Pollution in urban areas is a growing concern."
"Air pollution from vehicles and industrial emissions poses significant health risks."
"Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and bronchitis, are on the rise due to polluted air."
"Furthermore, water pollution in urban rivers and lakes has adverse effects on aquatic life and the environment."
"Efforts to reduce pollution levels are critical for the well-being of urban populations."

Concluding sentences in reading paragraphs serve to wrap up the main point or message of the paragraph and often
provide a sense of closure. Here's an example paragraph with a concluding sentence. Identifying concluding sentences in
reading paragraphs involves recognizing the sentence that summarizes or concludes the main point of the paragraph.
Here's how to do it:
1. Locate the Topic Sentence: Start by finding the topic sentence, which usually appears at the beginning or end of the
paragraph. The topic sentence introduces the main idea or central message of the paragraph.
2. Look for a Summary or Conclusion: A concluding sentence typically comes at the end of the paragraph. It often restates
or summarizes the main idea presented in the topic sentence. It may also provide a final thought or insight related to the
topic.
3. Check for Transition Words: Concluding sentences often contain transition words or phrases that signal a summary or
conclusion. Look for words like "in conclusion," "to sum up," "in summary," or "finally."
4. Consider the Logic: Evaluate whether the sentence logically brings the paragraph to a close and reinforces the main idea
or message.

Now, let's look at an example paragraph with a concluding sentence:
Example Paragraph:
"The benefits of regular exercise are numerous. Engaging in physical activity improves cardiovascular health, enhances
muscle strength, and promotes mental well-being. It also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart
disease. In conclusion, incorporating regular exercise into your routine is essential for overall health and well-being."
In this paragraph:
Topic Sentence: "The benefits of regular exercise are numerous."
"Engaging in physical activity improves cardiovascular health, enhances muscle strength, and promotes mental well-being."
"It also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease."
Concluding Sentence: "In conclusion, incorporating regular exercise into your routine is essential for overall health and well-
being."

Here are three exercises to practice identifying concluding sentences in paragraphs:
Exercise 1: Identify the concluding sentence in the following paragraph:
"Traveling broadens one's horizons and fosters personal growth. When individuals explore new cultures and environments,
they gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Additionally, exposure to different customs and traditions
encourages tolerance and cultural appreciation. Moreover, travel provides opportunities for learning and self-discovery,
making it a valuable life experience."
"The impact of climate change on the environment is undeniable. Rising global temperatures have led to more frequent and
severe weather events. Melting ice caps and rising sea levels pose a significant threat to coastal communities. It is imperative
that we take immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change."
"Effective communication skills are crucial in both personal and professional relationships. Clear and respectful
communication fosters understanding and cooperation. Whether in the workplace or in our personal lives, the ability to
convey ideas and listen actively is a cornerstone of healthy relationships."

READING - IDENTIFYING MAIN IDEAS.pptx

READING - IDENTIFYING MAIN IDEAS.pptx

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READING - IDENTIFYING MAIN IDEAS.pptx