1. Chapter 4:
Formulating the Implied
Main Idea Sentence

2. Formulating the Implied Main Idea Sentence
When authors imply their main point rather than stating it as one single sentence in the paragraph, the reader must formulate (create) a sentence that tells the author’s main point.
Look at what the author gives you in the paragraph to work with. Then use one of the three formulas to “formulate” the author’s implied main idea.

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

4. Cadence for Formulated Main Ideas
A stated main idea you just locate.
But if it’s implied, then formulate.
Which formula to use, you can decide
By seeing what the author has supplied.
When you use Formula 1,
Add the topic to a sentence and you are done.
Formula 2 works just fine
With two sentences you can combine.
With Formula 3 you must construct
A general sentence that sums things up.
Implied main ideas, you can see
Are as easy as

5. Test the Main Idea Sentence You Formulate
To verify that the sentence you have created
is correct, test it by asking:
Does my sentence contain the topic?
Does it tell the author’s most important point about the topic?
Does it make complete sense by itself?
Is it a complete sentence?

6. The Edge: Pointers about Formulating the Implied Main Idea Sentence
You must write the main idea as a single sentence. (Get help if you are not sure how to tell when you have written a complete sentence.)
Simply tell the author’s main point; don’t include anything else in your sentence. (Do not start your sentence with “The author’s main idea is . . .” or “The author wants us to know….”)
There are several equally correct ways to express the main idea sentence. (The meaning must be correct, however, regardless of the precise wording.)

7. The Edge (continued)
Even when Formula 1 or Formula 2 will work, you can put the main idea in your own words.
Do not include any details in your sentence.
Be sure you understand all the words you use in your sentence.
It may take you a few tries to work out a correct main idea sentence.

8. Pointers (continued)
Longer reading selections may have overall main ideas that are implied.
As with stated main ideas, implied main idea sentences underlie several important study skills (such as note taking, annotating a textbook, outlining, summarizing, and making concept maps.)