LOCATE THE MAIN IDEA.THE MAIN IDEA OF ACONVERSATION, CLASS DISCUSSI...
1. Locate the main idea.
The main idea of a
conversation, class discussion, or lecture is different
from its main topic. The topic is the subject—what a
conversation or lecture is about. The main idea is what
the speaker wants to say or express about
the subject.
The main idea is a general
statement that brings
together all of the ideas in a conversation or talk.
Main topic:
what the conversation or lecture is about
Main idea:
what the speaker wants to express about his or
her topic
Here’s an example. Listen to an instructor begin a lecture:
Today we’re going to talk about the body’s immune system. As
you may know, the immune system is what defends the body from
infections. It’s really a remarkable system—in the body, millions
and millions of cells, organized into sets, or smaller units called
subsets, make a complex communications network that pass infor-
mation back and forth, almost like bees swarming around a
hive. The result is a sensitive system of checks and balances the
produce a prompt, appropriate, and effective immune response.
Question: What is the instructor’s main point?
a.
The immune system has its own system of checks and
balances.
b.
The immune system protects the body.
c.
The immune system is a remarkable and complex
communications network.
d.
When the immune system breaks down, it can be dev-
astating.
Choice c
is correct—it gives the main idea or point that the
instructor is trying to express. It’s a general statement that
holds together all of the information in the passage. Choice
a
is too specific to be the main idea. Choice b
is too general
to be the main idea. Choice d
may be true, but the passage
does not give this information.