The main idea is a complete sentence; it includes the topic and what the author wants to say about it. If the author states the main idea in his paragraph it is called a “topic sentence.”

The main idea answers the question, “What does the author want me to know about the topic?” or “What is the author teaching me?” Often the author states the main idea in a single sentence. In paragraphs, a stated main idea is called the topic sentence. In an article, the stated main idea is called the thesis statement.

Finding the main idea

• at the beginning of paragraphs. The first sentence often explains the subject being discussed in the passage.
• in the concluding sentences of a paragraph. The main idea can be expressed as a summation of the information in the paragraph as well as a link to the information in the next paragraph.

Here are some examples: Topic Sentence: There are many reasons why pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world. The topic is “pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world” and the controlling idea is “many reasons.”

The main idea is the central, or most important, idea in a paragraph or passage. It states the purpose and sets the direction of the paragraph or passage. • The main idea may be stated or it may be implied.

Use a three-step process to identify supporting details.

1. Step 1: Identify the topic.
2. Step 2: Identify what the author is saying about the topic.
3. Step 3: Identify details that support or explain the main idea.
4. Step 1: Identify the topic.
5. Step 2: Identify what the author is saying about the topic.

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 into one paragraph.

The topic can be stated in 1-2 words. MAIN IDEA: Although the topic is a couple of words, the main idea is always a sentence. EVIDENCE: Evidence of the main idea includes the words, phrases, and sentences within the original text that repeat or reiterate the sentiment of the main-idea sentence.

The supporting sentences, also called the body of the paragraph, are used to support, explain, illustrate, or provide evidence for the idea expressed in the topic sentence. Topic Sentence. expresses a paragraph’s main idea. Body of the Paragraph. develops the main idea expressed in the topic sentence.

Begin each supporting paragraph with a topic sentence. This statement reinforces your point for the reader. Everything in the paragraph should support the point you establish in the initial sentence. Use specific facts from your research and specific examples to enhance and clarify the point you are making.

Supporting sentences give a reader details to understand a main idea, or evidence to show why a claim is true or correct. You will find supporting sentences in the middle of a paragraph – after the topic sentence, and before a concluding sentence or transition.

Supporting details develop, explain, and support the main idea. A major supporting detail provides essential information to help the reader understand the main idea. Whereas a major detail offers primary support of the main idea, a minor supporting detail offers more explanation of the major detail.

WHAT ARE THE SUPPORTING DETAILS. Anger is having a feeling of hatred towards someone or something. It is one of our basic emotions and can be most dangerous if it is not carefully controlled. A person can become angry when he cannot fulfill some basic needs or desire that is important to him.

The most important sentence in your paragraph is the topic sentence, which clearly states the subject of the whole paragraph. The supporting sentences after the topic sentence help to develop the main idea. These sentences give specific details related to the topic sentence.

Major supporting details: topic sentences. in each body paragraph that support the thesis statement. Minor supporting details: sentences that support the major supporting details.

A topic sentence has three main parts:

• Limited Topic.
• Verb.
• Attitude, idea, feeling, opinion, or point of view.