3. List two details that support the main idea in the first paragraph.

MAIN IDEAS AND SUPPORTING DETAILS

DEFINITION OF A PARAGRAPH

• A group or specially and intentionally related sentences; a thought unit;

sentences that revolve around a single idea and is a writer’s attempt to develop an

idea or part of an idea.

Organization of a Paragraph

1. Statement of the main idea.

2. Elaboration of the main idea and supporting details.

3. Restatement of the main idea-summary of main ideas or conclusions.

TOPIC

The topic is the subject that the selection is about. The main idea can usually be

located if you can determine what the topic is. To find the topic of a selection,

ask the simple question, “Who or what is the selection about?”

EXAMPLE: Consumers concerned about the hazards or noise can reduce noise

pollution in many ways. They can purchase noisy products such as

garbage disposals and lawn mowers with reduced noise levels.

They can also use sound-absorbing materials in their home.

Carpeting can be installed instead of hard flooring, and cork and

fabric can be used in rooms that tend to be noisy. Also, people can

become less noisy themselves. They can learn to avoid shouting, to

close doors without slamming them, and to play radios, TV sets,

and stereos at moderate levels.

TOPIC OF THIS PARAGRAPH: noise pollution or noise

pollution in the home.

MAIN IDEA

• Chief point an author is making about a topic. It sums up the author’s primary

message.

Topic Sentence; Statement of the main idea. It is the statement under which all

other material in the paragraph – examples, reasons, facts, details and other

evidence – can fit.

EXAMPLE: (refer to above example)

Notice that all information is after the first sentence is about ways

to reduce noise pollution.

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