Figuring out the author’s main idea when it is stated or even when it is only implied by the details is the key to reading comprehension. We can also learn to recognize the supporting details which help explain, clear up, or support the main idea. With practice, we can improve both of these skills and get more out of what we read.  

The patterns of organization and their transition word clues of Part 2 will help us recognize the main idea and spot the details. 

Words to Know

Clarify

• (klăr′ə-fī), v.
• To make something clear or easier to understand.

Consumer

• (kən-soo′mər), n.
• A person who purchases goods or services for personal use.

Facilitate

• (fə-sĭl′ĭ-tāt), v.
• To make a process or action easier or more efficient.

Implied

• (ĭm-plīd), adj.
• Suggested or understood without being directly stated.

Indicates

• (ĭn′dĭ-kāts), v.
• Shows, points out, or suggests something as necessary or likely.

Infrastructure

• (ĭn′frə-strŭk′chər), n.
• The underlying framework or basic systems needed for the operation of a society, such as transportation, communication, or utilities.

Integrate

• (ĭn-tĭ-grāt), v.
• To combine parts into a unified whole.

Introductory

• (ĭn-trə-dŭk-tə-rē), adj.
• Serving as an introduction or preliminary explanation.

Mode

• (mōd), n.
• A particular way or manner in which something is done or experienced.

Mobilize

• (mō′bə-līz), v.
• To organize or prepare people or resources for action, especially in response to a need or crisis.

Motivator

• (mō′tə-vā′tər), n.
• Something or someone that provides a reason to act or achieve.

Movement

• (moov′mənt), n.
• An act of changing physical location or position; a group of people working together to advance a shared idea or cause.

Myriad

• (mĭr′ē-əd), n.
• A countless or extremely large number of something.
• (mĭr′ē-əd), adj.
• Countless or innumerable.

Profound

• (prə-found′), adj.
• Deep in meaning, intensity, or significance.

Resonate

• (rĕz′ə-nāt), v.
• To produce a strong emotional response or to echo sound or meaning.

Specific

• (spĭ-sĭf-ĭk), adj.
• Clearly defined, detailed, or particular in nature.

Strategy

• (străt′ə-jē), n.
• A plan of action designed to achieve a specific goal or result.

Subsequent

• (sŭb′sĭ-kwənt), adj.
• Occurring or coming later or after something else in time or order.

Topic

• (tŏp-ĭk), n.
• A subject of discussion, study, or writing.