By Laura S. Young, M.A.
Dev. Reading Instructor, Northern Virginia Community College, 2004
• The word “imply” means to suggest—
the idea is not stated clearly.
• When the main idea is not stated
clearly, the reader must figure out the
main idea by considering the supporting
details.
• First, find the topic. Ask: Who or what is the
selection about?
• After finding the topic, ask: What is the
author’s main point about the topic? (This
means to infer, or figure out on your own, the
author’s unstated main idea.)
• Next, test your inference. Ask: Does all or
most of the material in the paragraph support
this idea? If your answer is “no,” then make
other inferences, testing each until you find
what inference most of the material in the
paragraph supports.
• Finally, write the implied main idea in your
own words.
SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship,
ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to
play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup
truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights
lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating
out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home
from work, wearing only what nature gave me.
Call (404) 875-6420 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting....
This has to be one of the best singles ads ever
printed. It is reported to have been listed in
the Atlanta Journal.
Over 15,000 men found themselves talking to
the Atlanta Humane Society...
Over 15,000 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta
Humane Society...
What’s the Implied Main Idea?