How do you pick out the main point in a paragraph? I have a test that I have to pass and I have a really hard time picking out the main point in a paragraph? Does anyone know how to figure it out or have a website that I can go to that will help me? Thanks alot.
2007-03-16 08:51:47 · 5 answers · asked by h.b.i.c. 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Standards & Testing
I don't know of any good websites, but here's some general advice that will help you:
- Read through the paragraph more than once. This way you become familiar with it and won't have to keep looking back.
-While you're reading, ask yourself what the author is talking about. Is there anything that he/she seems to be emphasizing?
- Remember that the first sentence of a paragraph often contains some form of the main idea. It usually introduces the subject being analyzed.
Good luck!
2007-03-16 08:56:38 · answer #1 · answered by Prue 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is typically the first sentence as it was in the paragraph you wrote. Pick the sentence that would mean the same thing on its own is another way to look at it. Or go through the paragraph and remove each sentence one by one and see how it changes the meaning of the paragraph. If the paragraph's meaning changes drastically when you remove a particular sentence, then you have found he sentence which contain the main idea.
2007-03-16 15:58:30 · answer #2 · answered by Huey from Ohio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope this doesn't sound too boring of an answer but here it goes...
The topic sentence expresses the main point in a paragraph. You may create your topic sentence by considering the details or examples you will discuss. What unifies these examples? What do your examples have in common? Reach a conclusion and write that "conclusion" first. If it helps, think of writing backwards--from generalization to support instead of from examples to a conclusion.
If you know what you main point will be, write that as clearly as possible. Then focus on key words in your topic sentence and try to explain them more fully. Keep asking yourself "How?" or "Why?" or "What examples can I provide to convince a reader?". After you have added your supporting information, review the topic sentence to see that it still indicates the direction of your writing.
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Purposes of Topic Sentences
To state the main point of a paragraph
To give the reader a sense of direction (indicate what information will follow)
To summarize the paragraph's main point
Placement of Topic Sentences
Often appear as the first or second sentences of a paragraph
Rarely appear at the end of the paragraph
another decent guide to follow is at the following link
www.dtcc.edu/stanton/wc/word_docs/RDG%20topic%20sentences%5B1%5D.doc this opens a paper
2007-03-16 16:12:04 · answer #3 · answered by Mum of 6 - newest born 8-25-07 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi ! i think you are from iran like me. and maybe you have konkoor or sth like this. but you know i think the best way is too reading so many books then after a while you will become good at understanding the main tips. i like english so much but unfortunately i dont have enough time to go to english class just sometimes in yahoo answers i can learn little new things. but anyway good luck with your exam!
2007-03-16 16:24:03 · answer #4 · answered by star.j 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read the paragraph and think about what it was about, and write it down in a short sentence. Thats all i can think about, its not something specific. Just comon sence. Include all the "importent" details
2007-03-16 15:57:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋