Key Takeaways
- The main idea is the central point the author wants to communicate
- Topic sentences containing the main idea are most often at the beginning of paragraphs
- Supporting details include facts, statistics, examples, and explanations
- Major details directly support the main idea; minor details expand on major details
- Always distinguish between the topic (subject) and main idea (what is said about it)
Identifying the Main Idea and Supporting Details
The ability to identify the main idea of a passage is fundamental to reading comprehension on the TEAS. This skill directly applies to nursing practice, where you must quickly understand the core message of medical documents, patient charts, and research articles.
What Is the Main Idea?
The main idea is the central point or message an author wants to communicate. It answers the question: "What is this passage primarily about?"
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main Idea | The central point of the entire passage | "Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent hospital infections" |
| Topic | The subject being discussed (1-3 words) | "Hand hygiene" |
| Theme | The underlying message or lesson | "Prevention is better than treatment" |
| Thesis | The main argument in persuasive writing | "Hospitals should mandate hand hygiene training" |
Finding the Main Idea
The main idea is often (but not always) stated in the topic sentence, typically found in:
- First sentence - Most common location for direct statements
- Last sentence - Especially in paragraphs that build to a conclusion
- Middle of paragraph - After background information
- Implied - Not directly stated; must be inferred from details
Steps to Identify the Main Idea
Step 1: Identify the topic (Who or what is this about?) Step 2: Ask "What is the author saying about the topic?" Step 3: Look for repeated words or concepts Step 4: Distinguish between general statement and specific details
Supporting Details
Supporting details are facts, examples, statistics, or explanations that develop and reinforce the main idea.
| Type of Support | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Facts | Verifiable information | "The CDC reports 1.7 million hospital-acquired infections annually" |
| Statistics | Numerical data | "Hand hygiene compliance reduces infections by 50%" |
| Examples | Specific instances | "A 2023 study at Mayo Clinic showed..." |
| Explanations | Clarifying information | "Alcohol-based sanitizers work by denaturing proteins" |
| Anecdotes | Brief stories | "One nurse's intervention saved 20 patients from infection" |
Major vs. Minor Details
Major details directly support the main idea and answer questions about it. Minor details expand on major details but are not essential.
Practice Strategy
When reading TEAS passages:
- Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph first
- Look for repeated words or phrases
- Ask yourself: "If I could only remember ONE thing, what would it be?"
- Eliminate answer choices that are too broad, too narrow, or off-topic
In a well-structured paragraph, where is the main idea most commonly found?
What is the difference between a topic and a main idea?