2.

Locating Main Idea

OBJECTIVES
a. Locate main ideas
b. Give the difference between a thesis statement and a topic
sentence
c. Identify strategies in locating and formulating thesis statements
and topic sentences
•“At the heart of determining the
thesis or main idea of something
is the ability to see patterns and
the common denominator behind
details.”
What is a Main Idea?
• The main idea of a paragraph is the author's message about the
topic. It is often expressed directly or it can be implied.
• It is easy to identify a main idea that is directly expressed in the text.
Locating the Main Idea

Summer is a wonderful time to spend at West Beach. It is a

beach with light- colored, soft sand. The coastline goes on for
a long way and many people enjoy walking along it. Children
like to play in the surf and walk along the rocks that are visible
at low tide. This is a fun beach for people of all ages.

What is the main idea?

Locating the main idea

Daisies, lilies, and roses are good flowers for gardeners. They
are easy to grow and look beautiful. Carnations are also a
popular choice because they come in many colors. In warm
climates, hibiscus flowers are popular, but in cold climates
grasses and hearty bushes are the plants of choice. There are
many popular flower choices available to gardeners.

What is the main idea?

Where are the main ideas found?
• at the beginning of paragraphs - the first sentence often explains the
subject being discussed in the passage
• at the concluding part of a paragraph - the main idea can be
expressed as a summary of the information in the paragraph
 “
It is more difficult to identify a
main idea when it is inferred
or implied.

8
Implied Main Idea
• Several sentences in a paragraph can imply the main idea.
• Implied ideas can be drawn from facts, reasons, or examples that
give hints or suggestions concerning the main idea.

• For example:
That summer, the fence that stretch through our town seemed bigger.
We lived in a yellow house on one side of it. White people lived on the
other. And Mama said, “Don’t climb over that fence when you play.”
She said it wasn’t safe.
Thesis Statement vs
Topic Sentence
Thesis statements and topic
sentences are similar in some ways:

They are full sentences that communicate a full idea.

They should state or show, rather than announce the main idea.
They should not be too broad or too narrow.
What is a Thesis Statement?
• The thesis statement is one sentence that tells the main idea of an
essay. It tells the argument that the author is going to defend.
• It states a claim and takes a position.
Understanding and Locating the
Thesis Statement
• It is often placed at the middle or end of the introductory paragraph
of an essay.
• In an academic text, like research, the thesis statement is usually
presented in the abstract or executive summary.
• It is usually expressed in one declarative sentence, and
the statement may be reiterated elsewhere.
Strategies in Locating the Thesis
Statement
1. Read the title of the text and make inferences on its purpose.
2. Read the first few paragraphs as the thesis statement is usually
located there.
3. In other cases, you may also check the conclusion part of the text.
Thesis Statement
Another Example

Studies show that teenagers would benefit from a

later school start. Middle and high schools should
begin later in the morning to allow greater success
in the school system. T he s
is S
tate
me n
t
You may be able to develop the essay by incorporating the following
ideas:
1. A later school start could mean more time for students and teachers
to rest. 2. Teachers are more productive and could plan better lessons
to engage their students in learning. 3. A later start in school gives
parents more time in the morning with their children.
What is a Topic Sentence?
• In expository writing, a topic sentence is a sentence that summarizes
the main idea of a paragraph.
• Sometimes referred to as a focus sentence, the topic sentence helps
organize the paragraph by summarizing the information in the
paragraph.
Strategies in Locating the Topic
Sentence
1.Read first sentence of the paragraph.

2.Identify what the sentences describe.

3.Find the “big word”.

4.Identify the purpose.

5.Observe the writing style.

Example
Topic Sentence
What is a Topic Sentence?
• TOPIC SENTENCE = TOPIC + CONTROLLING IDEA
• Examples:
a. There are many possible contributing factors to global warming.

b. Adjusting to Canadian winters has been a real challenge for me.

 Writing a
Thesis Statement
Key Features of a
Thesis Statement
 Answers the prompt
 States the main idea in a complete sentence, not a question
 Sometimes at the end of an introduction
 States an opinion or attitude on a topic
Key Feature Does not
answer the

Answers the Prompt prompt

completely

Prompt Student Responses

• Writing Situation: There has been a problem in
local schools with discipline and violence. Your
school board has decided to institute a school School uniforms are not
uniform policy in order to cut down on these connected to violence.
problems, based on the positive examples that they
have seen at other schools.
The introduction of school
Consider the issue of school uniforms. What is your
position on this issue?
uniforms may decrease
violence, however, there
Directions for Writing: Write a persuasive essay to
giving reasons for our position on the school may be other detrimental
uniform issue. effects as a result of this
new policy.
Answers
the
prompt
Key Feature
Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
 Since the thesis statement is the main statement for the entire
essay, it should express a complete thought and be a complete
sentence.
 The thesis statement is asserting an opinion or idea, so it should
not be a question.
A COMPLETE SENTENCE
Example
Writing as the best subject THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE.

Writing is a very challenging subject, yet

rewarding because one can express THESIS

himself on paper to convince others. STATEMENT

What is the problem with big cities? THIS IS A QUESTION, NOT A

STATEMENT.
The problem of pollution in major cities can be alleviated by
limiting the number of cars allowed to drive on city streets and
THESIS
creating more efficient public transportation systems.
STATEMENT
Key Feature
Location
• The reader likes to know what the essay is going to
be about early on in the essay rather than the end
of the essay.
• Because of this, the thesis statement is often found
at or near the end of the introductory paragraph.
KEY FEATURE
LOCATION

In America, freedom of expression is a right that our

forefathers fought foe. Lunch is a social time for students
where they can express themselves with their friends. It is also
a time when students don’t have to talk about school. Finally,
allowing students to express themselves in lunch allows for
less off-topic discussion during classes. Silent lunch is a
violation of students’ first amendment rights and is not an
acceptable solution to the loud noise in the cafeteria.
EM IS
T
EN
AT ES
ST TH
Key Feature
States an Opinion or Attitude
• A thesis statement states an opinion or attitude
about a particular topic, making the thesis more
specific.
• The writer must defend or explain this opinion in
the essay.
Key Features
States an Opinion or Attitude
• I learned to play many
musical instruments when I
was young.
This would not be considered a
good thesis statement because it
is only expressing a fact.
• Learning to play many musical
instruments at a young age helps
a child to become a more
intelligent and well-rounded
person.
This thesis statement is much
better because it expresses how
the writer feels about the
experience of learning to play
musical instruments.
Key Feature
Don’t State the Obvious
• At all costs, you should avoid using “I’m going to
write about…” or “This essay will discuss…” in your
thesis statements.
• Try to write the thesis statement in a way that will
capture your reader’s attention, but does not state
the obvious.
Don’t State the Obvious
• In this essay, I’m going to talk about why
students shouldn’t have to wear
uniforms.
A dress code requiring students to wear
uniforms can inhibit student expression,
quench creativity, and deter students
from enjoying school.
Don’t State the Obvious

• This essay will discuss why teachers

should not be permitted to assign
homework to students.

Homework is a nuisance that should not be

assigned because it causes headaches for
teachers, students, and parents.
Key Features
Review
Answers the prompt
States the main idea in a complete sentence, not a
question
Usually at the end of an introduction
States an opinion or attitude on a topic
Does not directly announce your main topic
Key Features
Review
• A thesis statement should have 2 – 3 premises.

-, +, +
+, -, -
Key Features
Review
• “Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang
violence.”

• Premise 1: Americans should add exercise to their daily morning routine.

• Premise 2: Morning exercise keeps their bodies at a healthy weight.
• Premise 3: Morning exercise reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

= “Americans should add exercise to their daily morning routine because it not only
keeps their bodies at a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of high blood pressure.”
References
• Barrot, J. & Sipacio, P. (2016). English for academic and professional
purposes. Quezon City: C&E Publishing, Inc.
• Miciano, M. & Miciano, R. English for academic and professional
purposes. Makati City: Donn Bosco Press, Inc.