What is a topic?

• A topic is simply who or what is being talked or

written about. A topic is never stated in a complete
sentence. It can be stated as a word or a phrase but
never as a complete sentence. When looking for the
topic of a written passage, look first at the title, look
for repeated words in the selection, and look for the
idea that is emphasized throughout the passage. It
would help a lot if you would underline the key words
in the selection so that you can easily spot the topic, as
well as the main idea of the selection.
Main idea
•The main idea is the main point or
argument that is made in a text.
Two types of main ideas:
• The stated main idea
•The implied main idea
Stated main idea
• The stated main idea of a written passage is there. It
stated directly, and all you need to do is identify it.

Implied main idea

Implied main idea is simply a main idea that is not
directly stated by the author. You, the reader, have
to figure it out.
How do you identify main idea?
• A main idea should be stated in one sentence only. If
you cannot see one sentence in the written passage,
then the main idea is probably not stated; rather, it is
implied.
• A main idea is never a word, a phrase, or a question. It
should be a complete declarative sentence.
Supporting details
• Supporting details are reasons, examples, facts, steps,
or other kinds of evidence that explain the main idea.
• In the case of written passages with implied main
ideas.
You can state the whole point in your own words by
doing any of the following: adding missing information
in a sentence that almost states the main idea;
combining a sentence into one; or summarizing
everything in your own words.
Examples:
John sings so beautifully that many people think he
should be a professional singer. He also won a dance
contest last year. Have you ever seen John’s paintings?
They are exceptional! In addition, he learned how to
program a computer by himself, created an application,
and made millions of dollars selling it. Sports? John is
good at any sport that he has ever played.
Examples:
John sings so beautifully that many people think he
should be a professional singer. He also won a dance
contest last year. Have you ever seen John’s paintings?
They are exceptional! In addition, he learned how to
program a computer by himself, created an application,
and made millions of dollars selling it. Sports? John is
good at any sport that he has ever played.
Examples:
John sings so beautifully that many people think he
should be a professional singer. He also won a dance
contest last year. Have you ever seen John’s paintings?
They are exceptional! In addition, he learned how to
program a computer by himself, created an application,
and made millions of dollars selling it. Sports? John is
good at any sport that he has ever played.
Examples:
John is talented in many ways. John sings so beautifully
that many people think he should be a professional
singer. He also won a dance contest last year. Have you
ever seen John’s paintings? They are exceptional! In
addition, he learned how to program a computer by
himself, created an application, and made millions of
dollars selling it. Sports? John is good at any sport that
he has ever played.
Examples of stated main idea:

Having a pet can be good for your health. A

pet can be good company. It gives you
something to focus on besides yourself.
Studies have show that having a pet can also
reduce stress.
Examples:
Having a pet can be good for your health. A
pet can be good company. It gives you
something to focus on besides yourself.
Studies have show that having a pet can also
reduce stress.
Examples:
Having a pet can be good for your health. A
pet can be good company. It gives you
something to focus on besides yourself.
Studies have show that having a pet can also
reduce stress.
Examples:
Having a pet can be good for your health. A
pet can be good company. It gives you
something to focus on besides yourself.
Studies have show that having a pet can also
reduce stress.