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FINDING MAIN IDEA

Dr. Luis Quinones
EASY STEPS
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Find the topic or subject of the first
sentence.
 The
topic is the noun that tells what paragraph is
about.

 Read the first sentence.

 Whatis it about? Remember that this is a noun (the

subject of the sentence).

 Write it here_______________.

 Readnext sentences and find the subject or a

pronoun used in place of the subject.
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Find the topic, subject or subject
pronoun of the second sentence.
 Read the second sentence.
 Whatis it about? Remember that this is a
noun (the subject pronoun of the sentence).
 Write it here_______________.
 Readnext sentences and find the subject or
a pronoun used in place of the subject.
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Find the topic of the third sentence

 Read the third sentence.

 Whatis it about? Remember that this is a
noun (the subject of the sentence).
 Write it here_______________.
 Readnext sentences and find the subject or
a pronoun used in place of the subject.
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Find the topic the fourth sentence

 Read the fourth sentence.

 Whatis it about? Remember that this is a
noun (the subject of the sentence).
 Write it here_______________.
 Readnext sentences and find the subject or
a pronoun used in place of the subject.
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Find the topic or subject of the fifth
sentence.
 Read the fifth sentence.
 Whatis it about? Remember that this is a
noun (the subject of the sentence).
 Write it here_______________.
 Readnext sentences and find the subject or
a pronoun used in place of the subject.
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MI is what the paragraph says
about the topic or subject.
 Once you identify the topic or subject ask yourself:

 What are most of these sentences saying about the topic?

 The MI is what the sentences altogether say about the topic

or subject.

 It can be clearly or explicitly said in the first or last sentence

(possibly but rsely in the middle of the paragraph).

 If the MI is not explicit it is implied. This means you will have

to infer it from the paragraph.
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Practice

 Lets find the MI together.

 First, I’ll do it and you will watch.
 Second, I’ll do another one and you will
help me.
 Third, you will do it and I will help you.
 Then you will do it and I will watch you.
 Finally you will work by yourselves.