: If a word or phrase appears repeatedly, it is likely the topic.
: Determine the primary person, place, or thing the entire passage discusses. 3. Strategies for Spotting the Main Idea
: Represents the top of the umbrella. It is broad, often just one or two words (e.g., "Penguins"). : If a word or phrase appears repeatedly,
Once you know the topic, use these strategies to find the author's primary point:
A simple way to remember the difference is the : Strategies for Spotting the Main Idea : Represents
: Represents the handle. It supports the top and is more specific, usually expressed in a full sentence (e.g., "Penguins are uniquely adapted to survive in harsh Antarctic climates"). 2. Steps to Identify the Main Topic
To find what a text is generally about, use these techniques: It supports the top and is more specific,
: These often name the subject directly.