Determine the main idea of a passage
key notes :
A main idea is what a text is mostly about. Usually, it is the key point that the author wants the reader to remember. The details in a text support, prove or show the main idea.
Learn with an example
🔥Read the passage.
A New Way to Help the Poor
As the daughter of a wealthy businessman from the US state of Illinois, Jane Addams did not have to worry about money. However, she was concerned about the poor. During a trip to Europe, Addams visited Toynbee Hall, a settlement house in London. Settlement houses were places offering free services to the poor. Inspired by what she saw in London, Addams opened a settlement house of her own in the US city of Chicago in 1889. Hull House was one of the first centres of its kind in the United States. It helped many families who had just arrived from Italy, Germany, Russia and Greece. The centre offered classes, childcare, food and help with finding jobs.
🔥What is the main idea of the passage?
- As a result of her visit to London’s Toynbee Hall, Jane Addams founded the first settlement house in the US city of Chicago.
- Hull House was one of the first places in the US to offer free childcare, classes and other services to poor families.
The main idea of the passage is As a result of her visit to London’s Toynbee Hall, Jane Addams founded the first settlement house in the US city of Chicago.
Notice the words inspired by what she saw. They suggest that the main idea involves a cause and its effect. Here, the main idea is about how Hull House was inspired, or caused, by Addams’s trip to London.
🔥Read the passage.
Earth and Mars
Earth is much more welcoming to life than Mars is. Earth’s thick atmosphere helps keep the planet warm, with an average temperature of 14°C. In addition, over two-thirds of Earth is covered by water. These conditions make it easy for all kinds of organisms to live here. Mars, on the other hand, has a thin atmosphere and is further from the sun. Therefore, it is much colder. Mars’s average temperature is about -51°C! In addition, the surface of the planet is mostly dry and dusty. Without enough water and warmth, most organisms would struggle to survive on Mars.
🔥What is the main idea of the passage?
- Earth has a thick atmosphere and a warm temperature.
- Earth is better able to support life than Mars is.
The main idea of the passage is Earth is better able to support life than Mars is.
The title tells you that the passage is about both Earth and Mars. The words on the other hand suggest that the text is pointing out a contrast between Earth and Mars. So, the main idea is about how the planets are different.
🔥Read the passage.
A Symbol of Freedom
Edouard de Laboulaye, a French writer and law professor, admired the freedoms enjoyed in the United States. He supported US president Abraham Lincoln’s freeing of slaves during the American Civil War. After the war, in 1865, he suggested that France present a statue to the US. The statue was meant to honour Lincoln and American democracy. At that time, the French people had little say in their government. Laboulaye hoped the statue would encourage the French to demand more freedom at home. Work began on the project in 1875. Ten years later, the statue, known as the Statue of Liberty, finally arrived in New York.
🔥What is the main idea of the passage?
- Edouard de Laboulaye came up with the idea for the Statue of Liberty after the American Civil War ended.
- Edouard de Laboulaye wanted the Statue of Liberty to inspire freedom and democracy in France.
The main idea of the passage is Edouard de Laboulaye wanted the Statue of Liberty to inspire freedom and democracy in France.
The title tells you that the main idea involves freedom. Words like admired and encourage suggest that the main idea involves Laboulaye’s good feelings about democracy.
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