1. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Chapter 3: Main Ideas “The Search for Good Looks” PowerPoint by JoAnn Yaworski and Randall McClure, 2004 Joining a Community of Readers, 3/e Roberta Alexander & Jan Lombardi

2. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Improving Reading Skills Identify Topics Identify Main Ideas Identify Thesis Statements

3. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Recognizing the Topic Ask “What is this reading about?” Look for a key word or phrase that describes the focus of the reading. Look for a key word or phrase that is repeated throughout the reading.

4. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Distinguishing Between the Topic and the Main Idea Ask yourself “What did the reading say about the topic?” The main idea is a complete sentence. The main idea sentence is a broad, general statement of the main point of the reading.

5. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Main Idea at the Beginning The topic and main idea are usually in the first or second sentence of paragraph or passage. Main ideas are typically easier for the reader to understand. The sentences following the main idea explain it in more detail. Main Idea

6. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Main Idea in the Middle Sometimes, the main idea is stated in the middle of a paragraph or passage. In this case, the details are presented both before and after the main idea. Main Idea Supporting Details

7. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Main Idea at the End The main idea is at the end usually when the author is arguing a point. In this case, the facts are presented first. The main idea comes in the form of one or many conclusions or suggestions presented at the end. Fact Conclusion (Main Idea)

8. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Identifying the Thesis Statement Short essays are organized around a single main idea. The main idea of an essay is called a thesis statement. The thesis statement is usually at the beginning, but it could be at the end.

9. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman “Skin Deep Matters” by Martin de la Cruz Read “Skin Deep Matters” in Chapter 3 of your textbook. What does the saying “beauty is only skin deep” mean? What does the author say is the importance of first impressions? What is the main idea of this passage?

10. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman “The Amazing Transformations of Michael Jackson” by Tyrone McFarland Read “The Amazing Transformations of Michael Jackson” in Chapter 3. Where is the main idea in the first paragraph—the beginning, middle, or end? What is the thesis of this reading? What do you think are the reasons that the public is so interested with the physical appearance of Michael Jackson?

11. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman “Touch It Up! The Art of Making Beautiful People” by Lia Trageser Read “Touch It Up! The Art of Making Beautiful People” in Chapter 3. What is the topic and thesis statement? What is the main idea of paragraph 2? According to the author, what are the steps in altering a photo image to create a “beautiful person”?

12. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman “Body Art” by Olivia Mayberry Read “Body Art” in Chapter 3. What is the topic and thesis of this reading? According to the reading, what is the importance of body art in different cultures? How does “body art” as discussed in the reading relate to the modern-day tatoo? How are they similar and different?

13. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Visit the Companion Website http://www.ablongman.com/alexander Chapter Quizzes  Web Resources  Internet Activities