EXAMPLE
Read and think about the following sample paragraphs, in which the main idea sentences are underlined.
• Paragraph One
It is often said that lightning never strikes twice in the same place, but this isn’t true. Go ask the forest rangers. Rangers who spend their summers as fire-fighters will tell you that every thundershower brings several bolts of lightning to their lookout stations.
(Notice that the first sentence tells what the paragraph is about; the sentences that follow support the idea stated in the first sentence.)
• Paragraph Two
Costs were low that year and the output high. There was a good person for each job and the market remained firm. There were no losses from fire. All in all it was the best years in the history of the company.
(The author begins and ends with examples. The main idea is stated in the second sentence.)
• Paragraph Three
There are great numbers of deer around here. This whole area is great country for hunters and fishermen. There are bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. To the east there are streams full of trout, and there are ducks and geese.
(The author begins and ends with examples. The main idea is stated in the second sentence.)
• Paragraph Four
Advertising affects our lives everyday. Brand names are common household words. We start each day using the toothpaste, soap, and breakfast foods promoted by advertisers. Ads have made the cars we drive signs of our success. Our choices of food, dress, and entertainment are swayed by ads. Not one aspect of American life is untouched by advertising.
(The main idea is stated at the beginning of the paragraph and then restated at the end.)