By Laura S. Young, M.A.

Dev. Reading Instructor, Northern Virginia Community College, 2004

• The word “imply” means to suggest—the idea is not stated clearly.

• When the main idea is not stated clearly, the reader must figure out the main idea by considering the supporting details.

• First, find the topic. Ask: Who or what is the selection about?

• After finding the topic, ask: What is the author’s main point about the topic? (This means to infer, or figure out on your own, the author’s unstated main idea.)

• Next, test your inference. Ask: Does all or most of the material in the paragraph support this idea? If your answer is “no,” then make other inferences, testing each until you find what inference most of the material in the paragraph supports.

• Finally, write the implied main idea in your own words.

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call  (404) 875-6420  and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting....

This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in

the Atlanta Journal.

Over 15,000 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society...

Over 15,000 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society...

What’s the Implied Main Idea?