Formulating an Implied Main Idea

Main Idea  The most important point that the author is trying to make about the topic

Stated Main Idea  The one sentence in the paragraph that states both the topic and the most important point.

Implied Main Idea  Sometimes an author does not state the main idea but implies the main idea.  The reader must infer the main idea and formulate the main idea sentence.

The Definitions  An inference is the process to drawing a conclusion based on evidence.  A conclusion is a decision, opinion, or judgment reached after thoughtful inferences.  To Imply means to send a message by suggesting something, without stating it outright.  Authors imply a message, and readers infer and then draw a conclusion that go beyond what the author has stated, but based on what the author has stated.

Making Inferences  Watch this video  Use inferences to draw a conclusion about the relationship between the man and woman in the video.

How to Make Inferences  Read the material carefully.  Ask yourself, “What inferences and conclusions does the author expect me to make?”  There may be more than one important inference or conclusion to draw.

The Application  Watch the Video again  What Inferences or conclusions can you make about the man and the woman in the video.

Steps to Formulating the Implied Main Idea  Determine the topic  Determine the most important point about the topic  Formulate a sentence that includes the topic and the most important point  Be sure the sentence makes complete sense by itself.

Methods for formulating the implied main idea:  Formula 1: Add essential information (usually the topic) to a sentence in the paragraph that almost states the main idea.  Formula 2 : Combine ideas from two sentences in the paragraph into a single sentence that together complete main idea.  Formula 3: Summarize details into one general sentence or combine several ideas into one sentence.

What implied main ideas do you see in these ads? Find the Topic, determine the most important point, formulate the main idea

What implied main ideas do you hear in this conversation Find the Topic, determine the most important point, formulate the main idea

Apply Method 1  For decades, people smoked whenever and wherever they wished. Smoking was glamorized in the movies, on television and in print throughout the 20 th century. Some ads even promoted the “health benefits” of smoking. Gradually, these attitudes began to change. As data from medical studies began to accumulate on the dangers of tobacco, antismoking advocates started to achieve some victories in society and in public policy.

Implied Main Idea  Attitudes toward smoking have gradually changed.

Apply Method 2  The events of September 11, 2001, changed the United States profoundly. Not since the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor in 1941 had the nation experienced such a devastating attack on its homeland. Most directly, the attack on 911 claimed approximately 3,000 lives. Some 2,000 children lost a parent in the attack. More than 20,000 residents living nearby had to evacuate their homes. Officials estimated the cost to the New York city economy at over $83 billion.

Formulated Main Idea  The attack on September 11 th 2001 was profoundly devastating.

Apply Method 3  The digestive system provides nutrients, and the excretory system rids the body of metabolic wastes. The respiratory system supplies oxygen but also eliminates carbon dioxide. The circulatory system carries nutrients and oxygen to and wastes from the cell so that tissue fluid composition remains constant. The immune system helps protect the body from disease.

Formulated Main Idea  There are many different body systems with different functions.