When the Main Idea Comes First

Check the first sentence of a paragraph for the main idea.

In many paragraphs, the author puts the main idea in the very first sentence. Then the rest of the sentences give details. Read: 'Apples come in many colors. Some apples are red. Some are green. Some are yellow.

' The first sentence tells the big idea: apples come in many colors. The other sentences name the colors. So a smart first step is to read the first sentence and ask, 'Do the other sentences tell more about this?

' If they do, you have likely found the main idea.

• 1The main idea is often the first sentence.
• 2The other sentences give details.
• 3Check: do the others tell more about it?