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Main Ideas

Main Ideas. 10 Steps – Step TWO. What’s the Point?. You’ve probably heard these words before. It’s a question people ask when they want to know the main idea that someone is trying to express. The same question can guide you as you read.

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Main Ideas

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  1. Main Ideas 10 Steps – Step TWO

  2. What’s the Point? You’ve probably heard these words before. It’s a question people ask when they want to know the main idea that someone is trying to express. The same question can guide you as you read. Recognizing the main idea, or point is the most important key to good comprehension. While reading, ask yourself, “What’s the point the author is trying to make?”

  3. The Main Idea as an “Umbrella” Idea The main idea is the author’s general point; all other material fits under the main idea as supportingdetails—specific evidence such as examples, causes, reasons, or facts. Main Idea: Studies reveal reasons some children become bullies. -combination of size and personality -overexposure to violent TV programs -exposure to real violence

  4. THINK as you Read Reading is an active process, as opposed to watching television. You must actively engage your mind, and, as you read, keep asking, “What’s the point?” Three strategies to help you find the main idea: • Look for general versus specific ideas. • Use the topic to lead you to the main idea. • Use key words to lead you to the main idea.

  5. 1. Look for General versus Specific Ideas Main idea = general idea Supporting details = specific ideas The group of words below has one general idea and three specific ideas. ______ dogs ______ goldfish ______ hamsters ______ pets --As a class, 10 Steps Pg. 60, Practice 1 (Oral) --In peer groups, 10 Steps Pg. 61, Practice 2 (Journal)

  6. 2. Use the Topic to Lead You to the Main Idea The topic is the general subject of a selection. It can often be expressed in one or more words. Examples: • Dating • Safe Driving • Sports --As a class, check Understanding 10 Steps Pg. 65 (Oral) --In peer groups, complete Practice 5 Pg. 66 (Journal)

  7. 3.Find and Use Key Words to Lead You to the Main Idea Sometimes authors make it fairly easy to find their main idea. They announce it by using keywords—verbal clues that are easy to recognize. First to note are list words. “Studies reveal several reasons why some children become bullies.” You realize that the paragraph is going to be about specific reasons why some children become bullies. The expression several reasons helps you zero in on the main idea. --As a class, see word groups on Pg. 71. Complete Check Your Understanding (Oral)

  8. In addition to list words, addition words can alert you to the main idea. One to begin with also further First (of all) for one thing in addition furthermore Second (ly) other next last (of all) Third (ly) another moreover final (ly) By identifying the specifics (supporting details), you can narrow the choices and identify the general statement—the main idea.

  9. Locations of the Main Idea Now you know how to recognize a main idea by: • Distinguishing between the general and the specific, • Identifying the topic of a passage, and • Using key words NOTE* A main idea may appear at any point within a paragraph. Very commonly, it shows up at the beginning, as either the first or second sentence.However, main ideas may appear further within a paragraph or even at the very end.

  10. A Final Thought Whether we are readers, writers, listeners, or speakers, the “heart” of clear communication is the main idea, or point, and the support for the main idea. The Heart of Clear Communication Good writers and speakers: • Make a point • Support the point Good readers and listeners: • Recognize the point • Recognize the support of

  11. Journal Questions • Recognizing the ________ _______ is the most important key to comprehension. 2. The three strategies that help you find the main idea are? 3. Where may the main idea appear in a paragraph?

  12. ANSWERS • Recognizing the main idea is the most important key to good comprehension. • The three strategies that help you find the main idea are: --look for general versus specific ideas; --use the topic (the general subject of a selection) to lead you to the main idea; --use key words—verbal clues to lead you to the main idea. 3.The main idea often appears at the beginning of a paragraph, though it may appear elsewhere in a paragraph.

  13. Concluding Activity • READ: “Here’s to your Health” by Joan Dunayer 10 Steps Pg. 85-88 Journal Questions: -- 1-10 on Pgs. 88-90 --Correct and Discuss

  14. The End!!

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