UNIT 5

GETTING MAIN IDEAS

The main idea tells you more about the topic. It tells you what the author is writing about.
If you know the topic of a paragraph or passage, you know half of what you need to know.
You also need to find out what the author thinks about the topic. Then you have the main
idea.
When you know the main idea, you know what is important and what you can skip over.
You can summarize a text and you know what to mark if you are studying a textbook.
These three paragraphs are about the same topic. Do they tell the same idea about the
topic?
a. Elephants are the biggest land mammals in the world. They live in two continents,
Africa and southern Asia. African elephants are larger and have great ears like fans.
Asian Elephants are called Indian elephants. Both kind of elephants are majestic
animals and very popular in zoos and circuses. They have been used for centuries
as man’s helpers in large building projects.
Elephants___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

b. Both the African and Indian elephants have strong, tough skin and long, lovely
tusks. That is their problem. Elephants are in danger. People kill these animals in
order to use their skin and their tusks. Because of the massive killings, elephants
are dwindling in number and it is feared that by the end of the century, these huge
mammals may be extinct.
Elephants___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

c. Elephants are a problem in some parts of Africa. In areas where the largest herds
exist, they have become giant pests to the farmer. No fence id strong enough to
keep these monsters away from the corps. Elephants go where they wish,
destroying food crops and farm buildings, wreaking havoc with the livestock.

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 African farmers wonder if they can allow the elephants to continue exist in their
vicinity.
Elephants___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

The topic of all three paragraphs is the same: Elephants. But each paragraph
expresses a very different idea about elephants. It is important to read for the topic
AND fort the idea the author expresses about the topic._______________________
___________________________________________________________________

Now, think about different ideas about some topics in the following exercises.
Topics: Supermarkets
Write three different ideas about Supermarkets.
1.
_________________________________________________________________________
2.
_________________________________________________________________________
3.
_________________________________________________________________________
Topic: Land Transportation
Write three different ideas about Land Transportation.
1.
_________________________________________________________________________
2.
_________________________________________________________________________
3.
_________________________________________________________________________

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Topic: Family Picnic
Write three different ideas about Family Picnic.
1.
_________________________________________________________________________
2.
_________________________________________________________________________
3.
_________________________________________________________________________

Task 1
Read each paragraph. Ask yourself, “what is the main idea?” Write the topic beside the
main idea.
1
Clothes can tell a lot about a person. Some people like very colorful clothes. They
want everyone to look at them. They want to be center of things. Other people like to wear
nice clothes. But their clothes are not colorful or fancy. They do not like people to look at
them. There are some people who wear the same thing all the time. They do not care if
anyone looks at them. They do not care what anyone thinks about them.
a. __________ are colorful.
b. __________ can tell a lot about people.
c. __________ always look nice on some people.

2
It is important to bring right clothes when you travel. If you are going to a cold
country, you should bring warm clothes. Be sure to have hat and gloves, too. If you are
going to a hot country, you need different clothes. You do not want heavy or dark clothes.
In hot weather, light clothes are best. If you are going to a city, you may need some nice
clothes. You may want to go to a special restaurant or concert. It is different if you are
traveling by bicycle in the country. Then you want comfortable clothes. But one rules is the
same for all travelers. Do not bring too many clothes!
a. __________ for warm weather are light.
b. __________ are important when you travel.
c. __________ can be heavy.

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 3
Clothes today are different from the clothes of the 1800s. One difference is the way
they look. For example, in the 1800s all women wore dresses. The dresses all had long
skirts. But today women do not always wear dresses with long skirts. Sometimes they wear
short skirts. Sometimes they wear pants. Another difference between 1800 and today is the
cloth. They were made from cotton, wool, silk, or linen. But today, there are many new
kinds of man-made cloth. A lot of clothes are now made from nylon, rayon, or polyester.

a) __________ of the 1800s were beautiful.

b) __________ are made of man-made cloth.
c) __________ today are different from the clothes of the 1800s.

Task 2
Read each paragraph. Ask yourself, “What is the topic? What is the writer’s idea about the
topic?” Choose the best main idea sentence.
1
Cats and dogs are both popular pets. But cats are nicer pets in some ways. Cats str
cleaner, first of all. They stay very clean and they do not make the house dirty. Cats are also
quieter than dogs. They usually do not make a lot of noise. Cats are safer, too. Dogs
sometimes bite people, but cats almost never do. And finally, cats are easier to take care of.
You do not have to spend much time with a cat. In fact, many cats prefer to be alone.
a. Some people prefer cats as pets
b. Cats do not make a lot of noise.
c. Cats are nicer than dogs in some ways.

2
Many children want to have pet. But parents do not like the idea of a dog or a cat in
the house. In fact, pets can be good for children. A pet means something to play with. This
can be especially important if there is only one child. Also, children can learn a lot from a
pet they can learn about animals and the natural world. Children also learn about taking
care of something. They cannot forget about their pet. This is an important lesson for all
children.
a. Children usually want a dog or a cat.
b. Pets may be good for children.
c. Parents sometimes do not like pets.

3
Most Americans think cats as pets. But not all cats are pets. Some cats help people
and others are a problem. For example, on farms and in old houses, cats can help. They kill
small animals such as rats or mice. But sometimes, people do not want cats around. Some

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people like to watch birds in their yards. Cats may kill th birds or scare them away. Cats are
also a problem in cities. In Rome, for example, thousands of cats live in the streets and old
buildings. They make a lot of noise, and hey are dirty and dangerous.

a) Cats can be a problem.

b) Most Americans think of cats as pets.
c) Cats are not just pets.

Task 3
Read each paragraph. Ask yourself, “What is the topic? What is the writer’s idea about the
topic?” Then write the main idea sentence.
1
Not all newspaper ads are for selling things. Some ads are about people. The “help
Wanted” ads give information about jobs. All kinds of jobs are found in this part of the
newspaper. There are ads for secretaries and electricians, doctors and professors. Another
kind of ad about people is the “Personal” ad. These ad are not about work. They are written
by people who are looking for friends. Sometimes these people are even looking for
husband and wives. Newspaper ads are a very good way to get people together.
Main idea ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
2
We can learn a lot about a country from the personal ads. Those ads tell us about
people and their problems. One example of this is from Spain. In a small in Spain there
were forty-two men. But there were not many women there. The men wanted to find wives.
So they put a personal ad in a city newspaper. Some women in the city were not happy
living alone. So they answered the ad by telephone. They wanted to find out more about the
town and the men. But the women did not go to live in the town. They did not really want
to work on farms. They did not really want to marry small-town men. So the men did not
find wives. And the women are still alone. Not all women in Spain are like these people.
But this ad may tell us something about larger problems in Spain.
Main Idea ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
3
Personal ads are usually written for good reasons. Most of the people who write the
really do want a friend. But sometimes people write personal ads for other reasons. They
may write ad as a joke. This is not a nice thing to do. The people who answer the ads may
be unhappy. They may need a friend very much. Some of the people who write the ads can
cause worse problems. They may want to hurt someone. So, if you answer a personal ad,
you should be careful. The ad may not mean what it says
Main Idea ___________________________________________________________

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Task 4
Read each paragraph. Ask yourself, “What is the topic? What is the writer’s idea about the
topic?” Then write the main idea sentence.
1
“Black Thursday” is a day many Americans will never forget. It was October 24,
1929, the beginning of the Great Depression. Before that day, business in America was
growing fast. Between 1914 and 1929, it grew about 62%. But on “Black Thursday”
everything changed. On that day, American business suddenly stopped growing. In fact,
many businesses stopped completely. The next few years of American history are called the
Great Depression. These were terrible years for business and for the people. Five thousand
banks and 85,000 businesses failed. Many people lost all their money. About 12 million
Americans lost their jobs.
Main idea ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
2
The Great Depression of the early 1930s surprised many people. They did not think
American business could have such terrible problems. For a long time, they did not believe
the problem was serious. Many businessmen hoped for better times soon. Even President
Hoover did not think the Depression was serious. He told Americans in 1930 that the
problems were already going away. But this was not true. Millions of Americans did not
have jobs. Many of these people did not have home or food. Life was hard for many
Americans. And it did not get easier for many years.
Main Idea ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
3
The Great Depression finally ended for several reasons. One reason was a new
government with new ideas. In 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt became President of The
United States. He made many changes in the laws to help people. New laws helped
American banks and business. Other laws gave people jobs and housing. But Roosevelt’s
government was only one reason for the end of the depression. The other reason was World
War II. In the late 1930s, the United States began to get ready for the war. New factories
were built for war planes and ships. That meant more jobs. These jobs gave many people a
chance to change their live.
Main Idea ______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Task 5
A. Read each paragraph. Ask yourself, “What is the topic? What is the writer’s idea
about the topic?” Then write the main idea sentence.

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 1
Population growth is a serious problem around the world. At the beginning of the
20th century there were about 1.5 billion people in the world. In 1984 the world population
was 4.8 billion people. By the year 2000, it will be about 6.1 billion.
Main idea ______________________________________________________________
2
This growth in population is not happening everywhere. For example, in Europe the
population is not growing at all. Families in these countries are smaller now. Only about 2.1
children are born for every woman. The United States also has similar families. Its
population is only growing little every year.
Main Idea ______________________________________________________________
3
But on other areas of the world the population is growing very fast. This is true in
parts of Africa, South America, and Asia. Countries in those areas have a difficult future
ahead. Already, these countries have serious problems. First of all, food is a problem in
many countries. Many people do not get enough to eat every day. There is not enough
housing or work for everyone. Also, many people do not get education or medical care. A
larger population will make all these problems worse.

Main Idea ______________________________________________________________

4
But there is some hope for change. It may be possible to slow down population
growth. It happened in China, for example. In 1974, China’s population was growing very
fast. Then the people learned how to have smaller families. By 1984, the population was
not growing fast anymore. This is an important change. China is the largest country in the
country in the world, with over one billion people. If China can make this change, maybe
other countries can too.

Main Idea ________________________________________________________________

B. 1. What is the topic of this page? ________________________________________

2. What is the main idea? ______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Task 6
A. Read each paragraph. Ask yourself, “What is the topic? What is the writer’s idea
about the topic?” Then write the main idea sentence.

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 1
American cities changed in many ways after World War II. Many people moved out
of the city. They moved to the suburbs, areas around a city. Most of the people who moved
were rich. Poor people usually did not have enough money to move. They stayed in the
cities
Main idea ______________________________________________________________
2
During the 1950s and 60s there were another important change in American cities.
Businesses began to leave the city, too. They left because the people in the city were poorer.
Poor people do not have much money to buy things. So, many shops and restaurants moved
out to the suburbs. People in suburbs have more money to spend.
Main Idea ______________________________________________________________
3
Cities began to have many serious problems. The rich people and the businesses did
not pay the city taxes anymore. The poor people could not pay much money in taxes. So,
cities had less money for schools and housing. Sometimes they could not pay their police
officers or firefighters. And they could not take good care of their streets and parks.

Main Idea ______________________________________________________________

4
But money was only part of the problem. Many people believed that American
cities were dying. They had good reason to believe this. City streets were sadly empty.
Many neighborhood and parks were dirty and dangerous. In some places buildings were
even falling down. And nobody seemed care. This was the real problem. Most of the people
and businesses with money were in the suburbs. They did not care what happened to the
cities.

Main Idea ________________________________________________________________

B. 1. What is the topic of this page? ________________________________________

2. What is the main idea? ______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Task 7 Stating Central / Main Idea

After you read the first paragraph below ask yourself two question: (1) What is the
paragraph about? (2) What is the main understanding the author wants me to have about
the subject? To answer (1) write down in the space provided at the end of the end of the
paragraph. To answer (2) put a check before the group of words that goes with the topic (1)
To make a statement. The topic you choose and the group of words you selected will make a
statement that is central / main idea of pargraph.

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1
Small compact cars have become familiar sight throughout the United States. A steadily
increasing number of people favor these cars. They appreciate the low cost of operating a
small car that goes 25 to 30 miles on a gallon of gas. In view of many expenses involved in
operating a car today, owners consider this an important saving. They also point out that the
original purchase price of the compact car is considerably less than that of most of the
bigger models. In addition, owners praise the increased maneuverability of their small cars.
With parking space at premium in most cities today, a small car that can easily move in and
out of a tight space solves a problem for many drivers. People who select compacts are
likewise pleased with the simplicity of their styling. No wonder automobile companies are
increasing their production of small compact models. ______________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

_________________ are more economical to operate

_________________ are popular for several reasons
_________________ have a small market
_________________ are suitable for every use

2
A trip to Europe is a fascinating experience for many reasons, not at least of which is
breakfast. At an English hotel this meal is a hearty one: juice, cereal, milk, bacon, eggs,
toast, jam, and coffee. A short trip across the Channel and you are in Holland. The Dutch
breakfast seems to be missing a few items. However, slices of cheese and ham, sweet dark
bread, jam, butter, and coffee make an appetizing meal. In a Belgian hotel, breakfast grow
still smaller. Gone are the Dutch ham and cheese, but rolls, butter, jam, and coffee will
satisfy most travelers. Breakfast changes again in a Parisian sidewalk café. While most
Frenchmen content themselves with several cups of strong black coffee, the tourist often
makes use of a basket of rolls and a plate of butter that are also offered. _______________
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________ consist of many different kinds of food

_______________ are very unlike American breakfast
_______________ are a surprise to the foreigner visiting Europe for the first time
_______________ vary in size and in offering from country to country

3
People came from miles around the small Pennsylvania town to see the first run of the
steam locomotive, the Stourbridge Lion. The engineer refused to let anyone ride with him
perhaps because neither the engine nor the trestle had been tested. As the signal to start was
given, there was a moment of suspense. Then, slowly, the wheel began to turn. Cheers went
up as engineer Allen opened the throttle wide and began his historic trip. All along the
route, men waved their hats, small boys shouted, and women stared in amazement as the
Lion thundered past the fantastic speed at ten miles an hour. Who would have believed that
anything so big could move so fast without a horse to pull it! _______________________
_______________________________________________________________________

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_______________ was an exciting event
_______________ occurred in Pennsylvania
_______________ took place in1830
_______________ attracted many people

Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details

Sometimes the main idea in a paragraph is not easy to identify. Usually it is stated in the
first sentence of the paragraph, but many may come in the middle, at the end, or not at all.
It is useful for your comprehension if you are able to recognize the main idea in the
paragraph and its supporting sentences.

Example:
Some words are loaded with pleasant associations. Such words as home, happiness,
tenderness, contentment, baby, and other usually bring out favorable feelings or
connotations. The word mother, for instance, makes most people think of home,
safety, love, care, food, security and the like.

What would you say the paragraph is about? In this example the paragraph is about words
with pleasant association, therefore the main idea is in the first sentence.
What evidence is supplied to support the main idea? The following details support the
main idea: a) Examples: home, happiness, tenderness, contentment, etc. b) specific
example: mother creating thoughts of home, safety, love, etc.

Task 8

Read the following paragraphs, and then write the main ideas and their supporting details.

1
It is now believed that the earth’s outer layer of rock, called lithosphere, is divided into
large, rigid plates that fit together like jigsaw puzzle. There are twelve major plates (and
numerous subplates), each about sixty miles thick and some almost as wide as the Pacific
Ocean. They float on a layer of dense, viscous rock called asthenospehre, which in turn,
surrounds the earth’s hot core.
Main Idea ________________________________________________________________
Supporting details __________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

2
Caffeine has various effects on the body. It speeds up the heart, promotes the release of
stomach, and increase urine production; also, it dilates some blood vessels while narrowing
others. In large amount, caffeine may cause convulsions, but this is unlikely. It takes about
10 grams of caffeine, the equivalent of 100 cups of coffee, to run a serious risk of death.

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Psychologically, caffeine suppresses fatigue or drowsiness and increases feeling of
alertness.
Main Idea ________________________________________________________________
Supporting details __________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

3
Sometimes we bury or hide our undesirable emotions. We do this because we have been
programmed to do this. By the time we are five years old, our parents have influenced to
be affectionate, tender, angry, or hateful. We moralize our emotions. We tell ourselves it is
good to feel grateful, but bad to feel angry or jealous. So we repress emotions we should
release. We got into “value conflicts”. Boys and men are not supposed to cry or show fear.
So some men attempt to bury their true feelings and create a false self-image.
Main Idea ________________________________________________________________
Supporting details __________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

4
Cocaine has a long history of use and misuse in the United States. At the turn of the
century, dozens of non-prescription potions and cure-alls containing cocaine were sold. It
was during this time that Coca Cola was indeed the ‘real thing’. From 1886, when it was
first concocted, until 1906 when the Pure Food and Drug Act was passed, Coca Cola
contained cocaine (which has been replaced with caffeine). In the 1930s, the popularity of
cocaine declined when cheaper synthetic amphetamines became available. This trend was
reversed in the 1960s when a federal crackdown on amphetamine sales made this drug less
available and more expensive. Today, cocaine is becoming one of most widely abused
illegal drugs.
Main Idea ________________________________________________________________
Supporting details __________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

5
Despite the central role breathing plays in our lives as organism, few of us have been
taught how to breathe. Most of us are unaware that we use probably only a third of our
lung capacity. Our breathing is shallow and occurs about fifteen to seventeen times a
minute, taking in about a pint of air each time. Yet our lungs can hold eight times much air.
Therefore shallow breathing provides only a limited amount of fresh oxygen and doesn’t
fully expel all the burnt gases, such as carbon dioxide.
Main Idea ________________________________________________________________
Supporting details __________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

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