When the Main Idea Comes Last

Some paragraphs build up details first and state the main idea at the end.

Not every paragraph opens with its main idea. Sometimes an author lists details first and saves the main point for the final sentence, like a conclusion. This builds interest and lets readers see the evidence before the big statement. Read: 'Some trees in this forest are more than 500 years old. Rare owls nest in their branches. Streams here provide clean water to three nearby towns.

This old forest is too valuable to cut down. ' The first three sentences are specific details. The last sentence sums them up into one point. Clue words like 'so', 'this shows', 'in the end', and 'that's why' often signal a main idea at the end. When you can't find a general sentence at the start, check the last sentence before deciding the main idea is unstated.

• 1Some paragraphs give details first.
• 2The main idea can be the final, summing-up sentence.
• 3Words like so, that's why, and this shows are clues.