Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Chapter Two: Main Ideas: "What's The Point?"
Chapter Two: Main Ideas: "What's The Point?"
Main Ideas
School bullies have been around as long as there have been schools.
Studies reveal several reasons why some children become bullies. Research
shows that a certain combination of size and personality may be one factor.
Bigger, more aggressive children are more likely to try to dominate their
smaller, quieter peers. Another factor linked to bullying is overexposure to
violent TV programs. By the time the average American child is ten years old,
he or she has watched thousands of acts of violence, including assault and
murder. Such exposure can lead to aggression and violence. Finally,
exposure to real violence is a factor in bullying. Studies indicate that victims
of bullies often turn into bullies themselves. Whether abused by family
members or tormented by other kids, bullies typically learn their behavior
from others. Look closely into the eyes of a bully, and you may be looking
into the eyes of a former victim.
Point: Studies reveal several reasons
why some children become bullies.
Think of the main idea as an “umbrella idea.” The main idea
is the author’s general point; all the other material of the
paragraph fits under it.
School bullies have been around as long as there have been schools.
Studies reveal several reasons why some children become bullies.
Research shows that a certain combination of size and personality may be
one factor. Bigger, more aggressive children are more likely to try to
dominate their smaller, quieter peers. Another factor linked to bullying is
overexposure to violent TV programs. By the time the average American
child is ten years old, he or she has watched thousands of acts of violence,
including assault and murder. Such exposure can lead to aggression and
violence. Finally, exposure to real violence is a factor in bullying. Studies
indicate that victims of bullies often turn into bullies themselves. Whether
abused by family members or tormented by other kids, bullies typically learn
their behavior from others. Look closely into the eyes of a bully, and you
may be looking into the eyes of a former victim.
A main idea may appear at any point in a paragraph.
However, it usually is at the beginning, as either the
first or second sentence.
Main Idea at the Beginning
Main Idea Introductory Detail
Supporting Detail Main Idea
Supporting Detail OR Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail Supporting Detail