BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

MAIN IDEAS
AND
SUPPORTING
DETAILS

THIS IS STRICTLY FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

Main Ideas and Supporting Details

The main idea, also known as the general idea, is the idea of the whole text. It should not be
too broad and not too narrow. It should explain what the supporting details or specific details
have in common. Sometimes, the main idea in a paragraph is written as a complete sentence.
This sentence is called the topic sentence. The supporting or the specific details include an
explanation or further elaboration for the main or general idea. The supporting details may
be in the form of facts, details and examples.
E.g.

Main Idea
(Topic The Internet has caused more damage than we realise. Firstly, it has ruined people’s Supporting
Sentence) Details 1
relationship with family and friends. People now spend less time with other people in real
life, in exchange for solitary time in front of the computer. It is harder now to have a decent
face-to-face conversation with others. Moreover, the Internet has created a financial burden Supporting
for some. Apart from service charges, Internet users who are hooked on online shopping may Details 2
get more than what they bargain for. Without realising, they may become addicted to online
shopping for the convenience and may spend more than they should than if they were to buy
Supporting
from a physical store. In addition, the Internet has caused work-related problems for some
Details 3
employers. It is a tool that can be easily misused in the workplace. Employers may find that
employees are unproductive at times, as their attention is diverted elsewhere during working
hours. Employees sometimes spend their working time surfing the Internet, engaging in
virtual chats and doing online shopping. Despite its indispensable qualities, the Internet is
undoubtedly unhealthy.

The following short outline can be written for the previous paragraph:

Main idea (Topic Sentence): The Internet has caused more damage than we realise.

Supporting details:

1. It has ruined people’s relationship with family and friends.

2. It has created a financial burden for some people.
3. It has caused work-related problems for some employers.

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

PRACTICE 1:

Read the supporting details below. Circle the main idea for each of them.

An example has been done for you.

0 Supporting details: coughing, eye irritation, headaches

Main idea:
A Health problems caused by too much video games
B Health problems caused by haze
C Health problems caused by pregnancy
Answer: B

1 Supporting details: instalments, road tax, maintenance

Main idea:
A Types of car insurance
B Service charges for car hire

C Car owner’s responsibilities

2 Supporting details: personal attention, no bullying, flexibility

Main idea:

A Home schooling benefits

B Home schooling drawbacks
C Home schooling effects

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

3 Supporting details: organ trade, ransom, human trafficking

Main idea:
A Kidnapping risks
B Kidnapping causes
C Kidnapping influences

4 Supporting details: job market demand, interest, fees

Main idea:

A Factors to consider when choosing a university abroad

B Factors to consider when choosing a university
C Factors to consider when choosing a field of study

5 Supporting details: visual effects, director, cast

Main idea: (Write your own)

Jobs in film-making
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

PRACTICE 2:
Write three supporting details for each of the topic sentences given.

An example has been done for you.

0 There are a few dangerous places that women should avoid.

(a) Dark alleys
(b) Secluded car parks

(c) Empty elevators

1 In my opinion, there are a few motivating factors of studying in a university.

(a) To become independent

(b) To have better job prospects

(c) Expand knowledge on chosen field of study

2 Sending young children to tuition classes after school has several benefits.
(a) Catch up on school syllabus

(b) Reinforce/strengthen student’s memory on a certain subject

(c) Fill extra time with beneficial activity

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

3 A good employee will have a number of characteristics that sets them apart from the rest.

(a) Hard-working

(b) Innovative

(c) Charismatic

PRACTICE 3:

Here are five topics that can be developed into paragraphs.

Choose a topic and write a short outline, followed by a paragraph of about 100-150 words.

Topics:
1. Vital soft skills for university students
2. The importance of studying in groups for university students

3. How to utilise university resources effectively

4. The dangers of social networking sites for teenagers
5. The significance of outdoor activities for students

The Outline: Vital Soft Skills for University Students

Main Idea:

There are many vital soft skills needed by university students

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

Supporting Details:

1 Communication skills are important for university students.

2 Students also need to learn time-management skills in university.

3 Problem-solving skills are also a useful soft skill for university students.

The Paragraph:

There are many vital soft skills needed by university students [Main Idea].
Firstly, communications skills are important for university students
[Supporting Detail 1]. They need to communicate with their peers and
lecturers during class and when completing assignments [Example/
Elaboration/Secondary Supporting Detail]. Secondly, students need to learn
how to manage their time well [Supporting Detail 2]. They need to allocate
time for classes, assignments, revision for exams, and also social time with
friends [Example/Elaboration/Secondary Supporting Detail]. Thirdly,
students need to have problem-solving skills [Supporting Detail 3].
University students have to conduct all sorts of projects and research work
that require them to face challenges and solve them well [Example/
Elaboration/Secondary Supporting Detail].

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

DISTINGUISHING MAIN IDEAS FROM SUPPORTING DETAILS

➢ MAIN IDEAS
What is a main idea?

A main idea is the key point, important point or heart of the matter that a speaker or
writer is making. The main idea tells us what the paragraph or the whole passage is
about. It is the author’s message about the topic, and it gives the most general
information about the topic.

How to find the main idea?

The main idea may be in any position in a paragraph. Usually, it is stated in the topic
sentence, which gives the most general information about the topic. The topic
sentence can be placed in any of the following positions:
❖ The first sentence of a paragraph
❖ The middle of a paragraph
❖ The last sentence of a paragraph
❖ Not stated in the paragraph but need to be implied of inferred

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

Task A
Read each paragraph carefully and identify the location of the main idea.

1. Melaka is known for its historical places and tourist attractions. Many people
from Europe, the Middle East and the other parts of Asia come to see A
Famosa, Hang Li Po’s well and Nyonya-Baba antique houses. Tourists are also
attracted by the beautifully decorated trishaws. In addition, they come to shop
at the famous shopping complexes of Mahkota Parade, Jaya Jusco and Tesco.
There are many beaches in Melaka too. Among the well-known beaches are
Pantai Klebang, Pantai Tanjong Keling and Pantai Tanjung Bidara. Not only that,
visitors who want to get a glimpse of Melaka as it was a few hundred years
ago could visit the Sound and Light Show.

a. In the first sentence

b. In the middle of the paragraph
c. In the last sentence
d. Not stated (implied)

2. About 300 million years ago, long before dinosaurs ruled the earth, the
cockroach had already been here for a long time. We can only guess at why it
has not become extinct, but the physical assets of the cockroach may provide
the clue to its survival. The cockroach’s body is very flat, allowing it to slip into
tiny cracks and crevices, and its six strong running legs give it unmatched
power to escape. Two small feelers detect movements and changes in air
currents, thus warning the insect of approaching danger. Its two large eyes are
made up of hundreds of separate tiny eyes that are very good for seeing
movements – an ability that helps the roach escape its enemies.

a. In the first sentence

b. In the middle of the paragraph
c. In the last sentence
d. Not stated (implied)

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BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

3. Rearing fishes is good for children because it teaches them to be responsible.

When children feed the fishes, change the water and connect the oxygen
supply, they learn to be responsible for the life of another being. Taking care
of cats also teaches children about responsibilities. Children who own a cat
learn about independence, since cats are, quick to learn this. Apart from that,
rearing hamsters teaches children about having babies because anyone who
has owned more than one hamster knows that hamsters have a lot of babies.
Having dogs, cats, rabbits, and gerbils is also good for teaching children about
cleanliness and proper bathing habits. The rearing of pets teaches children
valuable lessons.

a. In the first sentence

b. In the middle of the paragraph
c. In the last sentence
d. Not stated (implied)

4. Every game, from the latest multimedia games to old favourites like cards and
chess, can be played on home computers. Home computers are used to
balance family finances, to complete banking transactions and even to do
grocery shopping. Computers equipped with a modem allow users to go online
to “chat” with others. And, of course, students use home computers to type
up assignments, to search for information and even to do the calculations for
mathematics homework.

a. In the first sentence

b. In the middle of the paragraph
c. In the last sentence
d. Not stated (implied)

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

Task B
Read each paragraph carefully. Choose the best answer to the questions
that follow.

1. Someday we will all have robots as servants. They will look and behave much
like real humans. We will be able to talk to these mechanical helpers, and they
will be able to respond kindly. Amazingly, robots of the future will be able to
learn from experience. They will be smart, strong, and untiring workers whose
only goal will be make our lives easier.

What is the main idea of the paragraph?

a. Someday we will all have robots as servants.

b. We will be able to talk to these mechanical helpers and they will be
able to respond quickly.
c. They will look and behave much like real humans.
d. Amazingly, robots of the future will be able to learn from experience.

2. Nina, I can’t eat or sleep without you. I need to hear your husky voice and see
your lovely dimpled smile. I miss that special way you eat rojak with your
chopsticks. Please come back to me!

What is the main idea of the paragraph?

a. Nina has bad manners.

b. Nina should see a plastic surgeon.
c. Nina is missed by someday.
d. Nina has developed insomnia.

3. Another indication that climbing Mount Kinabalu’s highest peak is not very
difficult is the sheer number of people who succeed each year. After
descending from the peak sometime in August, I counted over eighty-seven
cars in the parking lot. During the previous year, I passed more than ninety
people at various heights of Mount Kinabalu. Even years ago, that was in 1977,
nearly five hundred people climbed up the mountain. Today, to accommodate
the number of visitors and climbers, its parking lot is about half a mile long.

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

What is the main idea of the paragraph?

a. Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia.

b. Many people climb and reach its peak each year.
c. People start climbing the mountain during the seventies.
d. One has to walk up a mile to the parking lot.

Task C
Write out the supporting details in each paragraph.

1. About 300 million years ago, long before dinosaurs ruled the earth, the
cockroach had already been here for a long time. We can only guess at why it
has not become extinct, but the physical assets of the cockroach may provide
the clue to its survival. The cockroach’s body is very flat, allowing it to slip into
tiny cracks and crevices, and its six strong running legs give it unmatched
power to escape. Two small feelers detect movements and changes in air
currents, thus warning the insect of approaching danger. Its two large eyes are
made up of hundreds of separate tiny eyes that are very good for seeing
movements – an ability that helps the roach escape its enemies.
The cockroach’s body is very flat, allowing it to slip into tiny cracks
Detail (a): and crevices, and its six strong running legs give it unmatched power
to escape.

Detail (b): Two small feelers detect movements and changes in air currents,
thus warning the insect of approaching danger.
Detail (c): Its two large eyes are made up of hundreds of separate tiny eyes
that are very good for seeing movements – an ability that helps the
roach escape its enemies.

2. Every game, from the latest multimedia games to old favourites like cards and
chess, can be played on home computers. Home computers are used to
balance family finances, to complete banking transactions and even to do
grocery shopping. Computers equipped with a modem allow users to go online
to “chat” with others. And of course, students use home computers to type up
assignments, to search for information and even to do the calculations for
mathematics homework.
Every game, from the latest multimedia games to old favourites like
cards and chess, can be played on home computers.
Detail (a):
Home computers are used to balance family finances, to complete
Detail (b): banking transactions and even to do grocery shopping.
Computers equipped with a modem allow users to go online to
“chat” with others.
Detail (c): _______________________________________________________
And of course, students use home computers to type up assignments, to
Detail (d): ______________________________________________________
search for information and even to do the calculations for mathematics
homework.

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

DISTINGUISHING MAIN IDEA FROM SUPPORTING DETAILS

Task D
Read each paragraph write the main idea and the supporting details on the lines below.
Remember: The main idea must be a complete sentence!

PANDA BEARS IN CHINA

1. The giant panda bear is a favourite of children and animal lovers throughout the
world. For many people, it also is symbolic of the sad situation for many other kinds
of animals. Though so well known and loved, the panda is slowly dying out. At present,
there are only about 1,230 wild pandas left in the world. They all live in China, in the
forests of the Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces. Pandas used to be common in other
areas. However, as the human population increased and the forests shrank, panda
territory gradually disappeared. And so did the pandas. Now the Chinese government
has created a number of “panda reserves” to protect the pandas. Within these
reserves, human settlement and tree cutting will be limited.

Main Idea : Though so well known and loved, the panda is slowly dying out.

Supporting Details:
At present, there are only about 1,230 wild pandas left in the world.
However, as the human population increased and the forests shrank, panda
territory gradually disappeared. And so did the pandas.

2. For the whole first year of its life, the panda bear is completely dependent on its
mother. The newborn panda is a tiny, helpless little creature. At birth, it looks like a
little pink pig, and its eyes remain closed for three to four weeks. Pandas develop
fairly, slowly, compared to most animals. The babies are completely dependent on
their mothers for a long time. In fact, they don’t even begin to walk until they are
about five months old. The only food they eat for at least a year is their mother’s milk.
That doesn’t stop them from growing, however. Pandas may weigh over fifty-five
pounds (twenty-five kilograms) by the time they are a year old.

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 BOOKLET 1 – MAIN IDEAS & SUPPORTING DETAILS

For the whole first year of its life, the panda bear is completely
Main Idea : dependent on its mother.

Supporting Details:
Pandas develop fairly, slowly, compared to most animals.

The babies are completely dependent on their mothers for a long time.

3. Chinese scientists recently had a chance to study a wild female panda bear with
a newborn baby. She was a very loving mother. For twenty-five days, she never left
her baby, not even to find something to eat! She would not let any other panda bears
come near. She licked the baby constantly to keep it clean. Any smell might attract
natural enemies that would try to eat the little panda. The mother held her baby in
her front paws much the way a human does. When it cried, she rocked it back and
forth and gave it little comforting pats. The mother continued to care for the young
bear for over two years. By that time, the panda no longer needed its mother for food,
but it stayed with her and learned about the ways of the forest. Then after two and a
half years, the mother chased they young bear away. It was time for her to have a new
baby, and it was time for the young panda to be independent.

Main Idea : Implied - How a wild female panda bear takes care of her newborn baby.

Supporting Details:

Summarised - She was a very loving mother and took care of the young bear
for over two years.

***

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