Main

: Determine the primary person, place, or thing the entire passage discusses. 3. Strategies for Spotting the Main Idea

: These often name the subject directly. : Determine the primary person, place, or thing

: If a word or phrase appears repeatedly, it is likely the topic. : Determine the primary person

Identifying the and main idea of a text is a foundational skill for analytical reading and effective writing. While the "topic" is the broad subject, the "main idea" is the specific point or message the author wants to convey. 1. Distinguishing Topic vs. Main Idea : Determine the primary person, place, or thing

A simple way to remember the difference is the :