When the Main Idea Comes First

Many paragraphs state the main idea in the very first sentence.

Authors of informational texts often put the main idea right at the start of a paragraph, in a topic sentence. The rest of the paragraph then explains or proves it. This is common in textbooks and articles because it tells readers what to look for. Read: 'Camels are well built for desert life. Their wide, padded feet keep them from sinking into sand.

Thick eyelashes and closable nostrils protect them during sandstorms. They can also go many days without drinking water. ' The first sentence makes a general statement, and each sentence after it gives a specific example of how camels are built for the desert.

To check, try the 'because' test: 'Camels are well built for desert life because of their wide feet, protective eyelashes and nostrils, and ability to go without water. ' It works.

• 1A topic sentence states the main idea.
• 2It often comes first in informational paragraphs.
• 3Use the 'because' test to check it.