Identify the main idea ..presentation
- 2. Topic :- Identify the main idea Presenting by:- Moazzam Yassin B.S English 2nd semester Assigned by :- Prof. Sardar Akram Concordia college Allahabad 2
- 4. what is main idea ? • The main idea of a paragraph is the author's message about the topic. It is often expressed directly or it can be implied. The main idea may stated or it may be implied . The main idea may be stated in the first sentence of paragraph and then be repeated or related at the end of the paragraph. The main idea may be split. The first sentence of the paragraph may present a point of view, while the last sentence presents a containing or opposite view. To find main idea of any paragraph or passage, ask this questions: 1. Who or what is the paragraph about? 2. What aspect or idea about the “who” or “what” is the author concerned with? 4
- 5. Where are the main ideas found? It is easy to identify a main idea that is directly expressed in the text. Main ideas are often found: • at the beginning of paragraphs. The first sentence often explains the subject being discussed in the passage. • in the concluding sentences of a paragraph. The main idea can be expressed as a summation of the information in the paragraph as well as a link to the information in the next paragraph. 5
- 6. How to Find the Main Idea? Finding the main idea is critical to understanding what you are reading. It helps the details make sense and have relevance, and provides a framework for remembering the content. Try these specific tips to pinpoint the main idea of a passage. 1)Identify the Topic 2) Summarize the Passage 3) Look at the First and Last Sentences of the Passage 4) Look for Repetition of Ideas 6
- 7. 1) Identify the Topic Read the passage through completely, then try to identify the topic. Who or what is the paragraph about? This part is just figuring out a topic like "cause of World War I" or "new hearing devices;" don't worry yet about deciding what argument the passage is making about this topic. 7
- 8. 2) Summarize the Passage After reading the passage thoroughly, summarize it in your own words in one sentence. Pretend you have just ten to twelve words to tell someone what the passage is about—what would you say? A new hearing device uses a magnet to hold the detachable sound-processing portion in place. Like other aids, it converts sound into vibrations, but it is unique in that it can transmit the vibrations directly to the magnet and then to the inner ear. This produces a clearer sound. The new device will not help all hearing-impaired people—only those with a hearing loss caused by infection or some other problem in the middle ear. It will probably help no more than 20 percent of all people with hearing problems. Those people who have persistent ear infections, however, should find relief and restored hearing with the new device. For instance read the paragraph 8
- 9. 3) Look at the First and Last Sentences of the Passage Authors often put the main idea in or near either the first or last sentence of the paragraph or article, so isolate those sentences to see if they make sense as the overarching theme of the passage. Be careful: sometimes the author will use words like but, however, in contrast, nevertheless, etc. that indicate that the second sentence is actually the main idea. If you see one of these words that negate or qualify the first sentence, that is a clue that the second sentence is the main idea. 9
- 10. 4) Look for Repetition of Ideas If you read through a paragraph and you have no idea how to summarize it because there is so much information, start looking for repeated words, phrases, or related ideas. Read this example paragraph: A new hearing device uses a magnet to hold the detachable sound-processing portion in place. Like other aids, it converts sound into vibrations, but it is unique in that it can transmit the vibrations directly to the magnet and then to the inner ear. This produces a clearer sound. The new device will not help all hearing- impaired people—only those with a hearing loss caused by infection or some other problem in the middle ear. It will probably help no more than 20 percent of all people with hearing problems. Those people who have persistent ear infections, however, should find relief and restored hearing with the new device. What does this paragraph consistently talk about? A new hearing device. What is it trying to convey? A new hearing device is now available for some, but not all, hearing-impaired people. That's the main idea! 10
- 12. Thank you 12