Finding the Implied Main Idea Finding the Main Idea – A Step by Step Process Read the paragraph slowly while talking to the text. Re-read the paragraph. Ask yourself these questions: “Who” or “what” is this paragraph about? What is the point the writer is making about the subject? Try to write a “gist” sentence of 10 words or less. This sentence should embody the answers to both questions above. Look back at the paragraph. Do you see a stated “gist” sentence that closely mimics your main idea? If so, could this be a stated main idea? IF SO, STOP! YOU HAVE THE MAIN IDEA. If you don’t see a stated Main Idea, the main idea must be implied. Double check your “gist” sentence by going back to the passage and by circling key words. With the circled key words in mind, re-write your “gist” sentence, making sure that you’ve included the most important words from the paragraph. Write that Main idea sentence clearly and neatly on the provided line. TASK In groups of 3-4, read your paragraph carefully. Choose the “gist” that best describes the main idea of your paragraph. Highlight details that support the main idea. Be prepared to present your paragraph and answers to the class. Challenge: Create a topic sentence and concluding sentence for your paragraph! (1) In Bulgaria, one nods one’s head for “no” and Finding the Main Idea “Who” or “what” is this paragraph talking about? What is the point the writer is making about the subject? What is the “gist”? (10 words) Is there a stated gist that mimics your own? If not, highlight supporting word, phrases, that support your “gist.” Gist: shakes it back and forth for “yes.” (2) If you make the “A-OK” sign in Brazil, with the index finder and thumb making a circle, it’s not only not okay, it’s very impolite. (3) To show the bottom of ones’ feet to a Turk is a serious insult, implying that “you are lower than the ground I walk on.” (4) Throughout the Middle East, to offer the left hand in a handshake-or to wave it at someone- will give deep offense. (5) The Japanese consider it polite to bow to varying levels, depending on the message one is trying to covey. (6) When a Frenchman wants to make a strong point, he waves his upraised index finger from side to side. (7) In many Mediterranean cultures, men who are nonromantic friends walk hand in hand. (8) And in Americaespecially out West- a firm handshake and a direct look in the eye are expected when men meet one another; in many other cultures, this would be considered very rude. (9) Clearly, body language that is perfectly normal or meaningless in one culture may mean something quite different in another. Paragraph 1 Cutting down on your responsibilities is one way to minimize stress in your life. You can also relax yourself by breathing deeply, rather than taking light, shallow breaths. Peaceful music is also soothing if you focus your attention on it and consciously disregard distracting thoughts. Another good way to release tension is to exercise regularly, which, rather than tiring you out, builds energy and endurance. A. Cutting down on responsibilities lessens stress. B. You can relax by breathing deeply. C. Stress has several harmful effects. D. There are several ways you can reduce stress in your life. Paragraph 2 Just as I’m about to be kissed by the most gorgeous man I ever laid eyes upon, I am jolted by a “beep…beep.” That alarm-clock buzzer has ruined more great moments for me than my kid brother and parents combined! I drag myself out of the warm bed and grope around until I find the bathroom, where the tile floor is so cold it numbs my bare feet. Then I’m somehow expected to pick out something neat and clear to wear—a bit of a challenge considering I haven’t done any laundry for six weeks now. Once I’m in the kitchen to get my caffeine fix, I must make a special effort not to bite the heads off of the people I live with. This is not easy, since they are so darned pleasant and energetic in the mornings. A. B. C. D. An alarm-clock buzzer is a terrible noise to hear in the morning. Mornings are not my favorite time of day. I have trouble finding time to do my laundry. There ought to be a law against being pleasant and energetic in the mornings. Paragraph 3 Many Americans fear that foreign investors in this country want to take over the American economy from the inside. But in reality, things don’t work that way. Of the trillion dollars in foreign investments in this country, three-quarters are in bank deposits or securities—that is, in paper only. Foreign-owned businesses in the U.S., such as hamburger chains and hotels, generate jobs and new growth because they are totally dependent on the local population for staffing and customers. Americans are the ones who must be sought after to become workers, renters, tourists, and patrons. Throughout its history, the U.S. has relied on foreign capital to finance a great deal of its development, but this has never stood in the way of our democracy. A. B. C. D. Foreign-owned businesses in America need Americans. There’s no need for Americans to fear foreign influence in this country. Most of the foreign investment in this country is on paper, not in cash. Americans need not fear that foreign investors are taking over our economy. Paragraph 4 Although we can never determine exactly how extensive drug abuse is in the United States, much is known about its effects. Driving under the influence of drugs is beginning to take its toll in highway deaths and injuries, and perhaps 15 percent of auto accidents are now associated with drugs. Alcohol, one of our most common drugs, is far more dangerous than its broad social acceptability would imply. Many people recognize alcohol’s association with about half of all deaths from automobile accidents. Few know, however, that, compared with non-drinkers, the death rate is twice as high for those who drink five or more drinks at least four times a week or that cirrhosis of the liver (a direct result of alcoholism) is the sixth most common cause of death in the United States. People are also only beginning to realize that alcohol is the third major cause of birth defects in the United States. A. B. C. D. It is estimated that 15 percent of U.S. auto accidents involve drugs. Cirrhosis of the liver is a more common cause of death than people realize. The U.S. has a significant drug-abuse problem. Drug abuse is a major problem throughout the world. Paragraph 5 Lack of gravity changes how astronauts look during their first few days in space. Body fluids at first flow more towards the head, puffing up the face. And no matter how often astronauts brush their hair, it still tends to float loosely around their heads. In addition, because in the absence of gravity open water floats in the air, astronauts are limited in how they clean themselves in space. For example, they have to swallow their toothpaste rather than rinse their mouths out after brushing. A. B. C. D. Astronauts’ faces puff up in space at first. The absence of gravity in space influences astronauts’ looks and grooming habits. When astronauts are in space, their hair tends to float loosely about their heads because of the absence of gravity. Being in space is very challenging in numerous ways.