How to write the main idea
The topic is the general subject of a paragraph or essay. Topics are simple and are
the topic and what the author wants to say about it. If the author states the main idea in
his paragraph it is called a “topic sentence.”
Writing the Topic and Main Idea
Find the Topic
Ask yourself, “Who or what is the paragraph (or article) about?” or “What is the author
teaching me about?”
Write a single word or phrase that answers who or what the paragraph is about. In your
mind think, “The author is teaching me about” but only write down what you would put
in the blank space.
CORRECT TOPICS INCORRECT TOPICS
Growing up in rural Jamaica
Informal settlements
(These are complete sentences)
The author is teaching me about
Informal settlements are dangerous.
Lesson 1 - How to write the main idea
Page 1 LANGUAGE ARTS PERFORMANCE TASK GRADE 4