1. Main Idea

2. Definition
Main Idea – the central focus of the writing (i.e. paragraph, essay, article, novel, etc…)
The Main Idea =
the subject/topic (Whatever is being discussed) + the focus (Why it is being discussed)
The Main Idea is supported by “supporting details”

3. Subject/Topic The “What” of the writing
Whatever the “subject matter of the writing” is the subject/topic
The words “subject” and “topic” are interchangeable

4. Example of a Topic
Mercedes Cars Dodge (topic) Toyota (details) Honda

5. Labels for Main Idea Main point Central point Gist Controlling idea
Central thought
Thesis
Theme

6. Supporting Details Support, develop, & explain a main idea
Two Primary Types:
Major Supporting Details (supports the main idea)
Minor Supporting Details (supports the major supporting details)

7. Major & Minor Details Major Main Support ideas Explain Describe Minor
[supports the main idea]
Minor
Major Support
Details Explain
Describe
[supports the major details]

8. Signals Words Major Details: Minor Details: One First Another
Furthermore
Also
Finally
Minor Details:
For example
To be specific
That is
This means

9. Types of Main Ideas
Stated Main Idea
Unstated Main Idea

10. Stated Main Ideas The main point is directly stated.
It is called the thesis statement (main idea of the entire writing) or topic sentence (main idea of paragraph).

11. Location of Stated Main Ideas
Beginning of the paragraph.
End of the paragraph.
Middle of the paragraph.
Introductory & concluding sentences state the main idea.

12. Unstated or Implied Main Ideas
Details combine to make a point, but the main idea is not directly stated.
The main idea is implied.