1. Expository Essay: The Central Idea

2. What is a central idea? SO
A central idea is the main idea of an expository essay.
It is often a point you want support in an essay. SO
The central idea explains to a reader the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinions on that idea.

3. A central idea is usually one sentence.
It is placed in the introductory paragraph of an essay.
An expository essay will contain evidence that supports the central idea.

4. Central ideas avoid the following:
the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.)
unclear language (It seems, etc.)
attempting two topics at once (even if they seem related). Pick one and stick with it.
just stating a fact - A central idea is something you plan to support with evidence.

5. A central idea should
contain a topic (main idea of what you are writing about)
contain an opinion about the topic (what your attitude is toward the topic)

6. A central idea should not be too general.
Krahn Elementary is a fantastic school.
Better
Highly qualified teachers make Krahn Elementary a fantastic school.

7. Which sentence is too general to be a good central idea?
One reason to live in Spring, Texas is its diversity.
Spring, Texas is a great place to live.

8. Too General
Spring, Texas is a great place to live.

9. A central idea should not be too wordy.
Some problems with Krahn Elementary School are that it needs more playground equipment, an auditorium, and restrooms connected to each classroom.
Better
Krahn Elementary needs several changes to make it a better school.

10. Which sentence is too wordy to be a good central idea statement?
A. Abe Lincoln was one of the best presidents the United States has ever known.
B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

11. Too Wordy
Abraham Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

12. A central idea should not be too general.
Krahn Elementary is a good school.
Better
Daily writing practice has led to improved writing skills for the students at Krahn Elementary.

13. Which sentence is too general to be a good central idea?
A. Music makes people happy.
B. Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.

14. Too general
Music makes people happy.

15. Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement
Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a central idea. 2) Tell if the statement is a good central idea.
Although most people believe otherwise, bats are harmless and highly beneficial.

16. In this essay I will discuss the crime rate in Spring, Texas.
Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a central idea. 2) Tell if the statement is a good central idea.
In this essay I will discuss the crime rate in Spring, Texas.

17. Energetic exercise is a good way to help relieve stress.
Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a central idea. 2) Tell if the statement is a good central idea.
Energetic exercise is a good way to help relieve stress.

18. Spring and Galveston differ in many ways.
Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
Spring and Galveston differ in many ways.

19. Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement
Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a central idea. 2) Tell if the statement is a good central idea.
This paper will consider the advantages and disadvantages of students having nightly homework.

20. Take out a piece of notebook paper and number from 1 to 10
Take out a piece of notebook paper and number from 1 to 10. In each of the following slides tell whether the sentence is a good or bad central idea.

21. Good or Bad Many people do not like to watch violent horror movies.
Today’s movies do not have the emotional impact of the classic horror movies of the 1940’s.

22. Good or Bad
Rap music is the best music ever.
Although many people find rap music offensive, it has had a positive impact on today’s youth.

23. Good or Bad
I enjoy white water rafting.
The first white water rafting trip can challenge a person both in body and spirit.

24. Good or Bad
Fourth grade students are busy.
The life of a typical fourth grade student is challenging due to the need to succeed in a variety of different subjects.

25. Good or Bad
Community service projects include building shelter for the homeless, servicing meals to the hungry, providing transportation for the sick, distributing clothes, and a large number of other helpful activities.
Students should help others who are less fortunate.