2.4: Reading Skills
- Page ID
- 62465
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Topic
The topic of a reading is a word or phrase that tells what the entire (whole) reading is about. You can find the topic of a sentence, a paragraph, an essay, an article, a book, or any piece of writing.
Think back to Chapter 1, “Stephanie’s Story.” What was the topic of that chapter?
a. University
b. Students
c. Stephanie
The best answer is “c. Stephanie.” It’s true that the story takes place at a university, and that students are in the story. However, the entire reading is about Stephanie.
Now look at the second paragraph of “IELP Expectations of Students.” What is the topic of that paragraph? Choose the best topic below.
a. Be in Class
b. Attendance
c. The attendance policy
d. The importance of attendance
The best answer is “d.”
Explanations:
a. “Be in Class” is actually the title or heading of this paragraph. It tells about the topic in this case but not always.
b. “Attendance” is too general. The paragraph is about attendance, but the topic is really more specific than that.
c. “The attendance policy” is a detail. This is not the topic of the entire paragraph. It is explained in the paragraph, but so are several other points.
d. “The importance of attendance” is the topic because every sentence in the paragraph gives us information about this topic.
Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\):
Identifying the Topic
Choose the best topic for each section of the article indicated below. Only 1 answer is correct for each.
- “Be Organized,” Paragraph 3
a. make a schedule
b. be early
c. benefits of organization
- “Be Prepared,” Paragraph 4
a. how to prepare
b. be focused
c. organization
- “Be Open-Minded,” Paragraph 5
a. have an open mind
b. teaching styles are different
c. new methods
- “Be Respectful,” Paragraph 6
a. how to focus
b. ways to show respect
c. don’t disrupt
Main Idea
The main idea is different than the topic. The main idea is a sentence that tells the general idea that the writer wants to tell the reader. It includes the topic. All the sentences in the article are related to the main idea.
Exercise \(\PageIndex{2}\):
Main Idea
Read the statements below. One is the main idea of the article. Label it “M.” One is too narrow, or small, to be the main idea. Label it “N.” One is too broad, or general, to be the main idea. Label it “B.” One sentence is unrelated to the article. Label it “U.”
- If you have the proper attitude and behavior, you will always succeed and get As in your classes.
- The right attitude and behavior will help you do well in the IELP.
- Respect is an important part of success.
- There are many ways to become successful.
Exercise \(\PageIndex{3}\):
Details and Support
Show that you recognize details be answering the following questions. Write complete sentences. Do not copy sentences from the article. Use the information in the article to write your own sentences.
- What is one possible result of not attending your classes?
- What is one way to become more organized?
- What are some examples of “the proper tools” that you should always take to class?
- What are some different teaching methods you might see in the US?
- List all the ways the article gives for being respectful in the classroom.