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.