Some main ideas are explicit, or stated directly by the writer. Often the writer states the main idea at the beginning of a paragraph, but sometimes the main idea comes towards the end. As you read, ask yourself, “Which idea in the paragraph do all the sentences tell about?” That is the author’s main idea.
Here is a cover letter by a woman applying for a job at a clothing store. Read it and figure out the main idea of the letter.
My current position at Bridget’s, the area’s largest women’s retail store, requires exceptional sales skills. I have demonstrated my skills by generating 45 percent of Bridget’s annual sales for each of the past five years. My success in fulfilling clients’ needs has resulted in high customer satisfaction and repeat business. I have been aware of Bowman’s Boutique’s incredible growth over the past 10 years. I would now like to bring my proven sales expertise and my friendly professional manner to Bowman’s. Together we can prove the value of Bowman’s sales motto: “There are no small sales.”