Locating Main Ideas and Thesis Statements

Main Idea

Describes the point of a paragraph.

Thesis Statement

Presents the main argument of an essay.

Topic Sentence

Introduces the main idea of a paragraph.

Purpose Statement

Explains the aim of the study or paper.

Strong Thesis Statement

Clear, specific, and debatable argument.

Weak Thesis Statement

Broad or ambiguous, lacks clarity and evidence.

Strategies for Locating Thesis

Methods to identify the thesis in texts.

Reading Title Inference

Inferring purpose from the text's title.

First Paragraph Strategy

Thesis often found in initial paragraphs.

Conclusion Check

Thesis may be summarized in the conclusion.

Declarative Sentence

A statement that expresses a complete thought.

Signal Phrases

Phrases introducing purpose statements in texts.

Example of Strong Thesis

School uniforms promote unity and affordability.

Example of Weak Thesis

Technology is helpful; lacks specificity.

Main Idea Location

Identified in the first sentence or concept.

Identifying Purpose

Understanding the intent behind the paragraph.

Writing Style Observation

Analyzing author's style for main ideas.

Advertising Impact

Ads influence daily choices and perceptions.

Lightning Example

Lightning strikes frequently in certain locations.

Company Success Example

Best year due to low costs and high output.

Glasses Care Tips

Proper maintenance for glasses fitting and cleaning.

Banana Herb Tea Risks

Promotes weight loss but may harm health.

Kinship Ties in Families

Cultural views on consanguineal marriage and family.

Internet Marketing Potential

Companies should utilize web for advertising.