When students have the word or phrase that accurately identifies the topic, or the subject matter, of the reading assignment from the textbook, they are ready to read. The first objective when reading is to identify the author's key point, the main idea, usually presented in paragraphs as the topic sentence. Successful reading and successful learning requires students to accurately and efficiently distinguish between main idea sentences (Topic Sentences) and specific sentences of support. Often main idea sentences seem general and vague while the specific sentences seem clear and focused. It is easy to perceive the specific sentences as the main idea.

In this assignment, you will learn to look for the general sentence in paragraphs and multiple paragraph text that is the topic sentence. You will also learn to understand the connection, the relationship, between the Topic Sentence and the specific sentences that support the main idea. Let's get started!

Carefully read and review the power point presentation "Identifying Main Ideas."
Do the practice quiz: Identifying Topic Sentences
Open the essay in this module titled "Centuries of Peace" and carefully review it preparing for the next quiz
Do the practice quiz: Identifying Topic Sentences2