Identifying the Stated Main Idea Sentence

and the

Supporting Details

of a Paragraph

The Skill

Every paragraph has a topic.

Every paragraph has a main idea.

When an author includes a sentence in a paragraph that tells his or her most important point about the topic, that sentence is called the stated main idea sentence.

Main Idea

The main idea answers the question,

“What is the author’s one most important point

about the topic?”

Characteristics of a Main Idea Sentence

Must always contain the topic (the word, name, or phrase that tells who or what the paragraph is about)

Must always make complete sense by itself (even if you couldn’t read the rest of the paragraph)

Must be a general sentence that sums up the details in the paragraph

Location of the Stated Main Idea Sentence

Can appear anywhere in a paragraph:

Most often it appears at the beginning.

The next most likely location is at the end.

The third possibility is somewhere else within the paragraph.

Regardless of where it appears, it will have supporting details that explain more about it, give examples of it, or prove it.

How to Test the Sentence You Have Identified as the Stated Main Idea

When you think you have located a stated main idea sentence, see if it meets these criteria:

1. The sentence contains the topic.

2. The sentence tells the author’s most important point about the topic.

3. The sentence makes complete sense by itself.

Main Idea Cadence

It’s important that you find The point the author has in mind.

The main idea is its name,But “topic sentence” is the same.

The main idea is top-shelf;It makes sense all by itself.

And never once should you doubt it:Details all tell more about it.

This sentence has the topic, too.It gives a summary or overview.

Stated main ideas you can find,So highlight them or underline.

Supporting Details = Additional Information to Help You Understand the Main Idea

Details consists of specific information such as: Examples, Illustrations Facts and Statistics Reasons Incident Descriptive Details Steps or Procedures Comparison or Contrast.also,,, Who, what, when, where, why, how? The answers will be in the details.

Remember:

Only ONE sentence can be the stated main idea in a paragraph.

Avoid choosing a sentence just because it interests you or you think it sounds important.

Be sure you understand the sentence. The main idea is NEVER a question. Examples are details that support the main idea, so

examples cannot be the main idea. Watch for words or phrases authors use to signal

their main idea: The point is, It is important, Thus, etc.

(continued)

Read the entire paragraph before you decide if there is a stated main idea sentence.

Longer selections (such as textbook sections, essays, articles, and editorials) can have overall stated main ideas.

So, on the EOG, reread the question. Is it asking about:

– The overall main idea?– The subject?– The theme?If so, choose the answer that deals with the whole selection, not just

part of the selection.

Finding an Inferred Main Idea:

Find the topic of the selection.

Decide what the author wants you to know about the topic.

Express the idea in your own words.

Pointers about the Stated Main Idea and Supporting Details

Main idea and details are not the same. The main idea is general. Details are specific. Examples are always details. Underline the main idea, but number the details

in a paragraph. Details are often presented in a bulleted,

numbered, or lettered list. Details are often introduced by In addition, also,

moreover, another, next, then, last, finally, etc. The main idea may give a clue about the number

of types of details: “There are four categories of galaxies.”

Remember:

A question on the EOG about the main idea of a selection may be worded in many ways:

– It might ask for the main idea.– It might ask for the theme.– It might as for another title.– It might ask for the lesson being taught.– It might ask what the selection is mostly or

primarily about.

Main Idea and Supporting Details “House”

Main Idea

Supporting Details

Main Idea and Supporting Details Wheel

Main Idea

How to Raise Your EOG Score

For each selection:

1. Read the test questions.

2. Read the title.

3. Read the subtitles.

4. Read the entire selection completing “wheels” as you go.

Steps for Answering the Questions:

1. Read the question two times.

2. Read all of the answer choices.

3. Circle your choice in the book.

4. Look back in the selection for evidence to support your answer.

5. Read the question one more time to make sure that you are answering the question being asked.

6. Mark your answer.

Let’s Practice

Subheading One

– Main IdeaThe Titanic was the largest, safest

ship of her day carrying 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class passengers.

Supporting details

The Titanic was two blocks long and 11 stories high.

The hull was divided into 16 watertight sections.

The Titanic carried 2,200 passengers. The Titanic carried only enough lifeboats for

half the passengers.

More supporting details…

Passengers on the Titanic included some of the richest people in the world.

1st class rooms were decorated like fancy hotel rooms.

1st and 2nd class passengers could use the dining rooms, gym, and heated pool.

3rd class passengers enjoyed games, singing, and a Scottish piper.