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Topic and main idea identification - Coggle Diagram
Topic and main idea identification
understanding the topic
how to find topic
Check the first sentence
Repeated words or phrases
Understand the scope
understanding the main idea
Golden formula
Topic + "So What?" = Main point
How to eliminate wrong answer
Too broad
Too narrow
Twisted facts
Off-topic
Strategies for finding
Hunt in key locations & look for signposts
In the first or last sentence
signal words and punctuation
point indicators
punctuation clues
transition words
Summarize argument
Master the "old idea" vs. "new idea"
The new idea is almost always the main point
Adapting for fiction and poetry
Fiction passage
Focus on quality of character and place
Focus on literal events
Key information
Often at the beginning or end of the passage
Poetry passage
Might be conveyed indirectly
Support by spesific word
Identify the subject
Don't stray too far from the literal meaning
The proof: Finding supporting detail
Mental model
The lawyer: Think like a lawyer: collect proof (details) to support the main idea.
Supporting details
That explain and prove the main idea
How to find
Look for information that directly explains main idea
The details often found in the middle of paragraph
Look for signal words
Why this all matters
Foundation skills
Unlocks the entire reading section
Efficiency
Doing something quickly and well without wasting time.
Answering other questions
text completions
The conclusion, align with main point
Support/undermine
Claim the text
Graphics
Extra information
Purpose questions
Author's purpose, tied to main point