The Main Idea of an Opinion Piece

In persuasive writing, the main idea is the author's claim, and the details are reasons.

In an opinion piece, such as a letter to the editor or a speech for class president, the main idea is the author's claim: the opinion they want you to accept. The supporting details are reasons and evidence. Read: 'Our town should build a skate park. Right now, kids skate in parking lots, where cars are a danger. A park would give them a safe place to practice.

It would also bring families to the area on weekends, which helps nearby shops. ' The claim is 'Our town should build a skate park. ' The reasons are safety, practice space, and helping shops. Claims often use words like should, must, best, or need to. Be careful not to choose a reason as the main idea. 'Cars are a danger' supports the claim, but it isn't the point the whole piece is making.

• 1In opinion writing, the main idea is the claim.
• 2Reasons and evidence are the supporting details.
• 3Words like should, must, and need to often mark the claim.