Shalzahirah Rakita Putri

E041181329
Ilmu Politik

MAIN IDEAS AND PATTERNS OF ORGANIZATION

MAIN IDEA is the most important or central thought of

a paragraph or larger section of text, which tells the readerwhat the text is about. The main
idea of a paragraph is the primary point or concept that the author wants to communicate
to the readers about the topic. Hence, in a paragraph, when the main idea is stated directly,
it is expressed in what is called the topic sentence. It gives the overarching idea of what the
paragraph is about and is supported by the details in subsequent sentences in the
paragraph. In a multi-paragraph article, the main idea is expressed in the thesis
statement, which is then supported by individual smaller points. Think of the main idea as a
brief but all-encompassing summary. It covers everything the paragraph talks about in a
general way, but does not include the specifics. Those details will come in later sentences or
paragraphs and add nuance and context; the main idea will need those details to support its
argument.
Finding the Main Idea
Step 1
Read the title. Some paragraphs or passages will have a heading or title that
describes the main idea of the passage. If a title is "Popular Garden Flowers," then
the following paragraph will likely describe what kinds of flowers are common in
gardens.
Step 2
Read the first sentence of the paragraph. Many paragraphs begin with a topic
sentence that outlines the main idea or point of the entire passage. The sentences
that follow the topic sentence provide supporting details. For instance, read the
following passage. "Roses are a popular type of flower in gardens. Roses are easy
to grow and beautiful to look at. Roses give off a pleasant aroma once they are in
bloom. Even though roses have thorns, they remain a common choice for
gardeners." The first sentence lets us know that all subsequent sentences will be
discussing the popularity of roses.
Step 3
Read the passage from beginning to end. If the main idea is not stated in the first
sentence, it may be stated in the last sentence. In the following passage, the main
idea is in the final sentence. "Daisies, lillies, and roses are good flowers for
gardeners. They are easy to grow and look beautiful. Carnations are also a popular
choice because they come in many colors. In warm climates, hibiscus flowers are
popular, but in cold climates grasses and hearty bushes are the plants of choice.
There are many popular flower choices available to gardeners." The last sentence
summarizes the list that precedes it.
Step 4
Read the full passage. If the first and last sentences do not identify the main idea,
use a highlighter while rereading the paragraph. Highlight words or ideas that
repeat themselves. Highlight phrases that begin with marker phrase s like, "The
most important aspect is ..." or, "It's most interesting that ..." Ideas that are
repeated are likely evidence of the author's main idea. The following passage
repeats a concept throughout that leads to the main idea. "Water, soil, sun
exposure and climate are all factors that contribute to flower growth. Choosing
the right flowers for your garden should depend on these factors. There are many
varieties of flowers available to gardeners. Exotic flowers require more care than
popular flowers. Common flowers are usually easy to care for but still visually
interesting." The repetition of the words "flower," "care" and "common/popular"
suggests that the passage is about common flower varieties and the reasons they
are popular.
Checking Your Selection
Step 1
After reading the passage, place it face down in front of you. Use a clean sheet of
paper and rewrite what you remember from the passage. It is likely that the key
ideas you remember are the author's main points. After you make your list, reread
the paragraph. If there are any major points that are not on your list, you likely
have not identified the main idea.
Step 2
Rewrite the passage in your own words. Give a friend or classmate a copy of your
rewrite and a copy of the original paragraph. Ask t he friend to compare the
paragraphs. If they are essentially the same, then you have identified the main
idea. If there are large differences in meaning, then you probably have not
identified the main idea.
Step 3
Restate the main idea as a question. Replace the topic sentence with your
question version of the main idea. If all subsequent sentences answer the
question, then you have correctly identified the main idea. For example, read the
following passage. "There are many reasons why some flowers are more popular
than others. Common flowers are typically easier to care for and require less
water. Popular flowers come in a wide variety of colors. Many common flowers
attract wildlife like butterflies and bees, which help in pollination." The first
sentence can be written in question form as, "Why are some flowers more
popular than others?" Every sentence following the topic sentence answers the
question. The main idea is "why some flowers are more popular than others."

PATTERNS OF ORGANIZATION. Text structure is how information is organized in writing.

Text structures, or patterns of organization, not only vary from writing to writing, but text
structures may also change frequently from paragraph to paragraph within a single piece of
writing. Though not all text can fit snugly into one of the patterns of organizations explained
in this website, the purpose of this website is to prepare students to identify text structure
on standardized tests. Though requirements vary from state to state, in many states,
students are required to accurately identify the text structure in specific passages.
Listing: In this pattern, the writer’s main idea is stated in the form of a generalization. This is
followed by a list of supporting details.
Sequence: In this pattern, the writer’s main idea includes a series of events or steps that
follow one after another
Comparison/ontrast: In this pattern, the writer’s main idea explains similarities and/or
difference
Cause/effect: When the main idea is that one event or action causes another, authors use
the cause and effect pattern.