TOPIC, MAIN IDEA AND SUPPORTING DETAILS

 

The topic is the subject that the oral text is about. One way to identify it is related to the following question: who or what is the text about? Another way to find the topic in an oral text is to identify whether one word is repeated. As you count, it is important to consider whether the author is using any synonyms for a word that might be the topic.

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Example:

Diamonds are said to be a girl's best friend. In fact, these beautiful sparkling stones may be a jeweler's best friend. In the United States it is customary for the male to give the female a diamond ring as a sign of engagement. These beautiful stones are often quite expensive.

What word is repeated the most in this paragraph, including any synonyms? The answer to this question leads you to the topic, which is diamonds. In this paragraph, the author uses synonyms to refer to the topic. The author's four references to the topic are:

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                 1. diamonds               2. sparkling stones             3. diamond                 4. beautiful stones

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All of these words refer to the topic of diamonds. It is important to remember that the topic may appear more times in a text when the writer uses synonyms.

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The main idea is the point of the paragraph. It is the most important thought about the topic. To figure out the main idea, ask yourself this question - What is being said about the person, thing, or idea (the topic)?

The author can locate the main idea in different places within a text. The main idea is usually a sentence, and it is usually the first sentence. The writer then uses the rest of the text to support the main idea.

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Example: 

Summer is a wonderful time to spend at West Beach. It is a beach with light- colored, soft sand. The coastline goes on for a long way and many people enjoy walking along it. Children like to play in the surf and walk along the rocks that are visible at low tide. This is a fun beach for people of all ages.

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In this paragraph:   

• The topic is West Beach

• The main idea (what the writer is saying about the topic) is that summer is a wonderful time at West Beach

 

The supporting details of a text allow us to comprehend the text because through which the author clarifies, explains, illustrates, proves main idea.

The supporting details are classified as: details for comparison, contrast, statistics, quotations, vivid descriptions etc.

 

Identifying Supporting Details

1. Decide which details help to further the storyline.

2. Decide which details help you to understand the main idea.

3. Answer question raised by the main idea (who, what when, why or how).

 

TYPES OF SUPPORTING DETAILS

 

Comparative detail: one thing is considered as similar to another. Example: Olympic swimmers are like a shark due to they swim very fast.

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Contrast detail: one thing is considered different to another. For instance: Cats and dogs differ because cats are less playful than dogs.

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Statistical detail: the presentation of statistical result of researches.  Example: 75 % of the students who do not attend class regularly receive grades of C or worse.

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Quotation detail: the presentation of authority or theoretical postulations, i.e. Professor Smith admits, “I tell students they don’t need to attend my class if they don’t want to. I know, however, that if they don’t come, they won’t pass".

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Vivid description: It involves an specification of sensorial stimulus, so it uses the five senses to provide to the listener a sensation of proximity to the text, such us: the wind is fresh as the cold Peace river.

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Taken from http://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/learning/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/MAIN-IDEAS-AND-SUPPORTING.pdf

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