IMPLIED MAIN IDEAS

What does the word “Implied” mean?

What is an implied main idea?  If we know what a main idea is how does the word “imply” change it?  A main idea that is not stated directly but is strongly suggested by the supporting details in the passage.

Why don’t authors just tell us?  Not every paragraph has a stated main idea.  Authors do not write every paragraph telling themselves that they need a topic sentence.  They rely on the reader to make inferences.

Inferences  An inference is a “reasonable conclusion based on information in the text.”  We make inferences all the time.  We look at body language, mannerisms, and tone of voice to discern mood.

Creating an implied main idea  Look at the supporting details.  What are they suggesting?  If you were the author, what would you write as a topic sentence?  Remember: you need to cover all or most of the supporting ideas in the paragraph.  Write a general topic sentence.  Verify that it “fits” the support.

What is the main idea of the paragraph?  What is the topic, or subject, of the paragraph?  What are the major supporting details?  Based on the details about the topic, what point or main idea is the author trying to get across?

What is the topic? What is the author’s controlling point?  Ranked number one on the Forbes list for most powerful and best paid celebrities, Oprah Winfrey earns around $1.5 billion a year.  At number two, Tiger Woods is the first athlete in history to bank $100 million.  Number three on the list, Madonna traveled the globe for her tour, “Confessions”, which drew over 1 million fans and grossed $194 million.  By 2007, the Rolling Stones ranked fourth on the list by earning $437 million with their “Bigger Bang Tour”.  Rounding out the top five on the Forbes list is Brad Pitt with $35 million in annual earnings.

Implied Main Idea  Topic: The Forbes list of influential celebrities.  Controlling point: The list is a diverse group ranked by their earnings.  Implied main idea: The Forbes list of most influential celebrities is a diverse group ranked by their earnings.

Practice  We’re often told “He who hesitates is lost,” but we’re also warned to “look before you leap.” Most of us have heard the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind,” but then we hear “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Everyone talks about “love at first sight.” But then someone reminds us, “Marry in haste, repent at leisure.” It’s all very confusing.

 Topic: common sayings  Supporting detail: common sayings that are contradictory.  Supporting detail: it’s all very confusing.

Practice  The United States calls its basic unit of currency the “dollar”. Australia and New Zealand also measure their currency by “dollars”. The money in Great Britain is called the “pound”. Korea uses the “won”. In Russia you spend “rubles”. Mexico and the Philippines use a “peso”. And the country of Zaire calls its money unit a “Zaire”.

 Topic: types of currency  Supporting detail: US—Dollar  Supporting detail: Aus and NZ—Dollar  Supporting detail: GB—Pound  Supporting detail: Et Cetera  Topic and CP: Different countries have different names for their currency.

Practice  One myth about exercise is that if a woman lifts weights, she will develop muscles as large as a man’s. Without extra male hormones, however, a woman cannot increase her muscle bulk as much as a man’s. Another misconception about exercise is that it increases the appetite. Actually, regular exercise stabilizes the blood-sugar level, which prevents hunger pains. Some people also think that a few minutes of exercise a day or one session is enough, but at least three solid workouts a week are needed for muscular and cardiovascular health.

 Topic: myths about exercise  SD: woman can get big muscles  SD: increase appetite  SD: a few minutes of exercise are enough  IMI: There are many myths about exercise.

Independence  Chuang Tzu was one day fishing, when the Prince of Ch’u sent two high officials to interview him, saying that his highness would be glad of Chuang Tzu’s assistance in the administration of his government. The latter quietly fished on, and without looking around, replied, “I have heard that in the State of Ch’u there is a sacred tortoise, which has been dead for three thousand years, and which the prince keeps packed up in a box on the altar in his ancestral shrine. Now do you think that tortoise would rather be dead and have its remains thus honored, or be alive and wagging its tail in the mud?” The two officials answered that no doubt it would rather be alive and wagging its tail in the mud; whereupon Chuang Tzu cried out, “Begone! I too elect to remain wagging my tail in the mud.”

What is the main idea the author is trying to get across?  Independence is more valuable than public office or political power.

Answers (will vary)  1. There are many sayings in our culture that contradict one another or are very confusing.  2. Different countries have different names for currency.  3. There are many myths about exercise.