Introduction

Chapter 4: Main Idea

The main idea of a passage is the core of the material. Therefore, in this chapter, a progression of exercises is provided for recognizing the main idea. This includes instruction on recognizing the difference between the general and the specific in words, phrases, and sentences. It also includes exercises for recognizing general and supporting sentences and exercises for differentiating between the topic, the main idea, and the supporting details.

A three-step questioning technique is outlined for finding the stated main idea. This technique includes: (1) establishing the topic, (2) identifying the key supporting terms, and (3) focusing on the message of the topic. In addition to these explanations, examples and exercises are provided for finding the unstated main idea, understanding differentiating distractors, and getting the main idea of longer selections.

Finally, before, during, and after reading exercises accompany three readings in the areas of psychology, literature, and history with additional topic-related Internet activities. An added feature on Everyday Reading Skills includes information on selecting fiction and non-fiction books for pleasure reading.