Determining the Main Idea

Determining the Main Idea

The main idea of a selection is the writer’s purpose in writing the selection. As you read, it will be helpful to determine the main idea not only of the entire piece, but also of each paragraph. After identifying the important details in each paragraph, pause and ask yourself
  • What is the main point of this selection? 
  • What do these details add up to? 
  • What is the writer trying to communicate?

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