After reading a paragraph, the main topic (or main idea) is the central point or message the author wants to convey about the subject, often introduced in a topic sentence (usually first or second sentence) and supported by details, examples, and facts throughout the rest of the paragraph. To find it, identify the subject (topic) and then ask what the author is saying about that subject, summarizing it in your own words.
The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph because it gives an overview of the sentences to follow. The supporting sentences after the topic sentence help to develop the main idea. These sentences give specific details related to the topic sentence.
Whereas the thesis is the main point of the essay, the topic sentence is the main point of the paragraph. Like the thesis statement, a topic sentence has a unifying function. But a thesis statement or topic sentence alone doesn't guarantee unity.
Finding the Main Idea
The topic is the broad, general theme or message. It is what some call the subject. The main idea is the "key concept" being expressed. Details, major and minor, support the main idea by telling how, what, when, where, why, how much, or how many.
The main idea or main topic of a passage (or any writing) is mentioned in the first few sentences, and it is called Topic Sentence. The topic sentence introduces the main idea to the reader.
Parts of a Paragraph
A basic paragraph has three parts: 1) a topic sentence, 2) supporting sentences, and 3) a concluding sentence. This handout is intended only for a single paragraph.
Here are some examples of topics and main ideas. Main idea: Dogs can be great helpers for people with disabilities. Main idea: Serena Williams worked hard to become one of the best tennis players in the world. Main idea: Recycling helps protect the Earth and keeps it clean.
Guidelines. The topic sentence should identify the main idea and point of the paragraph. To choose an appropriate topic sentence, read the paragraph and think about its main idea and point. The supporting details in the paragraph (the sentences other than the topic sentence) will develop or explain the topic sentence.
The main point or main idea is generally a one or two sentence summary. With nonfiction, the writer often puts the main idea either in the first paragraph of an essay or in the first sentence of a paragraph. If so, this is called either a thesis statement of an essay or a topic sentence of a paragraph.
Depending on the purpose for writing, a writer must develop one of the four types of paragraphs: expository (to explain or inform), persuasive (to persuade), descriptive (to describe), or narrative (to tell a story).
Topic Examples
Think of it as a summary of the author's writing that represents their central argument. The main idea includes the key statements, facts, or opinions the author chooses to include that embody what they're trying to say.
A sentence that states the main idea is called the topic sentence. It contains the main idea upon which a paragraph is developed.
The five-paragraph essay format is a guide that helps writers structure an essay. It consists of one introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs for support, and one concluding paragraph. Because of this structure, it has been nicknamed the “hamburger essay,” the “one-three-one essay,” and the “three-tier essay.”
In many ways, the three-paragraph essay is similar to the five-paragraph essay. They both make a solid point using an introduction, body, and conclusion. This simpler essay only requires that you condense your points into one body paragraph, perhaps only one supporting point, before reaching a conclusion.
The topic is the general subject of a paragraph or essay. Topics are simple and are described with just a word or a phrase. Main Idea. The main idea is a complete sentence; it includes the topic and what the author wants to say about it.
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Ten sentence starters that you can use right now
The topic sentence is the one sentence that is general enough to include all the ideas in the paragraph. Therefore, a topic sentence that begins a paragraph or appears within the first few sentences of a paragraph signals a move from general ideas to specific ideas.
The main idea expresses the central point, or the most important idea, in the paragraph—what the passage is about. The main idea gives the paragraph focus, purpose, and direction. The rest of the paragraph explains, develops, illustrates, or supports the main idea.
The main idea may be stated in the first sentence of a paragraph and then be repeated or restated at the end of the paragraph. The main idea may be split. The first sentence of a paragraph may present a point of view, while the last sentence presents a contrasting or opposite view.
You might recall from your first English composition class that a sentence that announces the main point of the paragraph is called a topic sentence. It's generally a good idea to put that sentence at the beginning of the paragraph.
There are seven main types of paragraphs: narrative, expository, definition, classification, description, process analysis, and persuasion. Each type has a distinct purpose and structure.
Paragraphs Should: