Essay

Finding the Main Idea

The topic sentence of a paragraph often includes both the topic and the main idea, but not| always. Sometimes the main idea is expressed in another sentence or in several sentences in the paragraph. In the exercises that follow, some of the paragraphs have topic sentences that include the main idea and some do not.

EXERCISE 1/A

Read the following paragraph. Underline the topic sentence and write the topic on the line below.

1. When summer brings very hot weather, many people suffer more than they need to. There are a number of ways to make life more comfortable in the heat. For example, you can try to keep your home as cool as possible. It is best to close all the Windows and curtains during the hottest part of the day. Then, when it is cooler in the evening, you can open them up again. Also, it is important to keep yourself cool by wearing 100%} light clothes. Cotton is the best material for clothes in hot weather. And finally, should try to stay calm and relaxed. You could even try a nap after lunch, like people do who live in hot climates. This way you are more rested and ready to enjoy the pool evening hours.

Topic: ___________________________________________________

Is the main idea included in the topic sentence? yes

2. In the 1950s, people thought television had a positive effect on family life. It brought the whole family together in one room. It also put an end to the usual family arguments, since everyone stayed quiet and watched TV. These days, however, psychologists think that watching television may not be so good for family life. They believe that it may be better for the family to have arguments sometimes, instead of being quiet all the time in front of the TV set. When the TV is on, in fact, there is usually little or no communication among the family members. Most of the communication that happens is one way: from the TV program to each individual.

Topic:

Is the main idea included in the topic sentence? ____

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