1. Chapter 4 Main Ideas and Paragraph Structure
Efficient and Flexible Reading, 7/e
Kathleen T. McWhorter
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2. In this chapter you will learn:
To identify the topic of a paragraph.
To identify the main idea and topic sentence of a paragraph.
To develop expectations about the writer’s ideas.
To recognize supporting details and understand their relationship to the main idea.
To use transitions to see the connections between ideas.
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3. The Essentials of a Paragraph
Topic- the common subject of the paragraph.
Main Idea- the most important idea expressed about the topic.
Details- the information that explains or supports the main idea. (often connected by transitional words or phrases)
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4. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Identifying the Topic
The sentences relate to one another in the sense that each is about a common person, place thing, or idea.
Ideas are grouped together in a paragraph.
Each sentence defines, explains, or provides examples of the topic.
Ask: “Who or what is the paragraph about?”
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5. Finding the Main Idea: Topic Sentence First
As the first sentence…
The most common location.
Appears as first sentence.
May connect transition from previous paragraph.
Author states the main idea and then develops that idea.
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6. Finding the Main Idea: Topic Sentence Last
As the last sentence…
Topic sentence may be expressed in the next-to-the-last sentence if the last sentence is a transition connecting the next paragraph.
Commonly used in argument or persuasive writing as a concluding statement.
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7. Finding the Main Idea: Topic Sentence in the Middle
As the middle sentence…
Topic sentence splits the paragraph into two parts:
Preceding sentences lead up to or introduce the main idea.
Preceding sentences may be part of a transition from the previous paragraph.
Sentences that follow the main idea explain, describe, or provide further information.
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8. Finding the Main Idea: Topic Sentence First and Last
Split between the first and last sentences…
Main idea repeated at end for emphasis.
Main idea repeated at end for clarification.
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9. Paragraphs Without a Topic Sentence
Most common in descriptive or narrative writing.
You must form your own statement or impression of the main idea.
Paragraph contains numerous clues; you must piece together the information to form a generalization.
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10. Developing Expectations as You Read
Think about what you read.
Follow the author’s pattern of thought.
Try to relate the ideas.
Predict what will come next.
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11. Major and Minor Supporting Details
Which statements directly prove or explain the main idea?
Main Idea
Major Detail
minor detail
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12. Types of Supporting Details
Illustrations and Examples
Facts and Statistics
Reasons
Descriptions
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13. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Common Transitions
Time–Sequence
Uses transition words: first, later, next, finally, then.
The author is arranging ideas in the order in which they happened.
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Common Transitions
Example
Uses transition words: for example, for instance, to illustrate, such as
Author writes something like “An example will follow.”
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Common Transitions
Enumeration
Uses transition words: first, second, third, last, another, next.
The author is making or identifying each major point (sometimes these may be used to suggest order of importance).
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Common Transitions
Continuation
Uses transition words such as: also, in addition, and, further, another.
The author is continuing with the same idea and is going to provide additional information.
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Common Transitions
Contrast
Uses words such as: on the other hand, in contrast, however.
The author is switching to a different, opposite, or contrasting idea than was previously discussed.
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Common Transitions
Types of Transitions
Comparison
Uses transitions such as: like, likewise, similarly.
The writer will show how the previous idea is similar to what follows.
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19. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Common Transitions
Cause-Effect
Uses transitions such as: because, thus, therefore, since, consequently.
The writer will show a connection between two or more things, how one thing caused another, or how something happened as a result of something else.
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20. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Types of Transitions
Summary Questions
What is a paragraph?
What are the essential elements of a paragraph?
Where is the topic sentence most likely to be found?
How can you identify main ideas that are not stated in a topic sentence?
What are the most common types of details used to explain or support a main idea?
What clues in paragraphs can help you anticipate the writer’s ideas?
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21. Critical Thinking Tip #4: Recognizing Your Own Bias
Types of Transitions
Critical Thinking Tip #4: Recognizing Your Own Bias
Keep an open mind until you’ve read what the author has said and have evaluating the evidence provided.
Work harder than usual to follow the writer’s development and reasoning process.
Outline the writer’s main points so you don’t overlook anything.
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22. Visit the Companion Website
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