HIGHLIGHTING MAIN AND SUPPORTING IDEA

HIGHLIGHTING MAIN AND SUPPORTING IDEA

What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a group of sentences developing one main idea along with supporting ideas which are related to the main idea. One paragraph may be enough for a short composition. A longer composition may include as many paragraphs as possible. Paragraphs help writers to present their ideas in an organised manner.

The Main Idea

The main idea is the sentence stating the major topic discussed in the passage. For example a composition explaining how to make something would have at least three paragraphs. The first paragraph may list the materials needed. The second paragraph may explain how to put these materials together, and the third paragraph may deal with how to use the finished product. The main idea may be found at the beginning, somewhere in the middle, or even at the end of the paragraph. Sometimes the main idea may be left unstated, and the reader is expected to draw out the main idea from the information given through the sentences used in the paragraph.

The Supporting Idea

The supporting ideas are the other sentences or details in the paragraph that help to develop the main idea. They also help the reader to understand the main idea. The supporting ideas must be related to the main idea, and also help to make the main idea clear.

Example:         Farming is a very rewarding occupation in Nigeria. It provides everyone with something they all need, namely food. You do not need a high academic qualification at all for you to become a farmer. You do not need to be rich or wealthy before you become a farmer. You can be your own employer if you choose to be a farmer. You do not need to bribe anybody to get a job as a farmer. Through farming you can be rich, wealthy and independent. Moreover, farming can help you to keep fit and to live long.

                       

Main Idea:      The main idea is captured in the first sentence. ‘’Farming is a very rewarding occupation.’’

                       

Supporting Ideas:     

·         Farming provides us with food.

·         You don’t need high academic qualification to become a farmer.

·         You don’t need to be rich or wealthy to become a farmer.

·         You can be your own employer if you choose to be a farmer.

·         Through farming you can be rich, wealthy and independent.

·         Farming can help you to keep physically fit and to live long.