Chapter 3: Identifying Topics and Main Ideas

RDG 100-710February 6, 2012

What’s up for this class:• Discuss "Identifying Topics and Main

Ideas“• Discuss MAPPing the reading on pgs. 185-

189. Bring to class for discussion• Begin learning vocabulary on pgs. 194 &

204• Continue working on Aplia Lessons 1 and

2.

Strategic Thinking• Many people develop strategies in their

lives – specific plans to tackle tasks or problems to achieve a goal.

• For example, when grocery shopping some people visit the “50% off” shelf first, and avoid the expensive frozen food aisle. Both parts of this plan can help shoppers save money.

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Pair Share• Pair up.• Spend a minute thinking of a plan or

strategy you use in everyday life. You might consider how you work, clean, shop, budget, drive, or study.

• Share your plan with your partner. Be sure to tell your partner what the goal of your plan is – what are you accomplishing that might be difficult without the strategy?

Plans Are Important• When reading, you need a plan. It’s

important to know–What you are reading– Your purpose for reading– A reading strategy: MAPPS

• A reading plan will help keep you from “reading in circles.”

MAPPS: A Plan for Reading

Just as it is important to have a road map while

driving, it is also important to have a map for reading.

MAPPS: A Plan for Reading

MAPPS

• Ask questions as you read; and search for answers in the reading.

• Mark the answer to each question associated with other MAPPS levels About, Point, and Proof.

MAPPS

• The topic answers “What is the reading about?”

Read the title.

Look for repeated words and mark them

as you read.

Look for related words and pronouns.

Finding the Topic

MAPPS

• The point of the reading is the main idea.

• The main idea limits the topic to what the author wants to discuss.

Topic Sentences• When the topic and the main idea appear

in a single sentence, that sentence is called the topic sentence.

T MI TS topic plus main idea equals topic sentence

Finding Topic Sentences• The topic may come before or after the

main idea.

• The topic can be more than a single word.

• There may be words in the topic sentence that report the topic and main idea.

The main idea narrows the topic to the specific point the author wants to discuss

The topic is a broad, general idea.

The supporting details support the main idea with even narrower, more specific ideas.

Main Idea

Relationships:Topics , Main Ideas, and Support ing Deta i ls

Topic

SupportingDetails

Common Uses of First Sentences• The first sentence of a paragraph can be

used as a– Transition– Example– Question– General idea

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Quick Check• Each of the following 10 slides contains the

beginning of a paragraph. • Using a piece of scratch paper, decide if

the first sentence is being used as a– Transition– Example– Question– General idea

Will Android tablets outsell the iPad this Christmas? Experts say . . . .

Several former American Idol contestants have successful singing careers today. Other reality TV stars . . .

The Beastie Boys fighting for our right to party; Guns ‘N Roses crooning about a rose and thorns; Joan Jett’s defiant anthem I Love Rock ‘n Roll. All are nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . . .

Despite her popularity with tea party supporters, many politicians think Sarah Palin has little hope of winning the next election. Her best hope may be . . .

Proper food preparation helps protect against food poisoning. A few simple steps . . .

Can the average American family afford to eat organic fruits and vegetables? In this economy . . .

Flour, sugar, eggs, butter. These ingredients . . . .

Although hoodies are popular with teenagers, many schools nationwide have banned the garments. This decision . . .

The Industrial Revolution had many positive outcomes for the United States, but also caused problems. For example . . .

On the other hand, buying a hybrid car will have a positive impact on the environment. Hybrids have . . . .

Thesis Statements• (page 169) Longer passages, such as

sections of textbook chapters or groups of related paragraphs, may also have a sentence or two that summarizes the topic and main idea.– Called Thesis statement, central point, or

main idea. – This idea may not always be stated.

• Look at examples on pgs. 169-173.

Let’s try some MAPPing• MAPPing the reading on pgs. 185-189–What is the topic?–What is the main idea?– Relevancy of supporting details.

• What is author’s purpose?• Relationships?• Demonstration of using MAPPing for

reference.

For Next Time:• Vocabulary quiz on Chapter 3 vocabulary.• Read and be prepared to discuss the

assigned article:– Think about what is the topic?–What is the main idea?

• Continue working on Aplia Lessons 1 and 2.