ENGLISH: Implied Main Idea Tier 3

ENGLISH: Implied Main Idea

Tier 3 Students

Figuring Out Implied Main Ideas in Paragraphs

Remember, to find implied main ideas, it often helps to decide on the topic first.

Do so by asking yourself, “Who or what is the selection about?”  

After you find the topic, then ask yourself, “What is the author’s main point about the topic?”

Redo the assignment until you earn all the points!!

EXAMPLE

  You’re in your car headed home from school, but traffic is barely moving and, according to the radio report, getting worse by the minute. Suddenly, another motorist nearly removes your fender trying to cut into your lane. Your pulse accelerates as you shout insults at the driver, who cannot even hear you. Your stomach tenses as you contemplate the term paper that you have to work on tonight. If you don’t finish the paper soon, you won’t have time to study for your math test, not to mention your biology quiz. Then you remember that you promised the person you’re dating that the two of you would get together tonight, but there’s no way that can happen; another fight looms on the horizon. Your classmate asks your opinion of the tuition increase the college announced yesterday, which you’ve been trying not to think about. You’re already in debt, and your parents are bugging you about changing schools, but you don’t want to leave your friends. Your heartbeat quickens as you contemplate the debate you’ll have to wage with your parents. You feel wired with tension at all this stress in your life.

1. What is the topic of this paragraph?   ANSWER: Stress

2. What is the author’s implied main idea about the topic? ANSWER: Many different circumstances can create stress in people’s lives.