The Main Sentence is the Main Idea in a Paragraph, Understand Its Characteristics and Differences from Explanatory Sentences

Kapanlagi.com - The ability to understand reading is important for everyone. To understand the content of each paragraph, we must first be able to find the main sentence. This is because a paragraph consists of one main sentence and explanatory sentences that can be more than one. Meanwhile, the main sentence is the core or main idea in the paragraph.

Determining the main sentence in a paragraph can actually be done easily and quickly. This is especially true for someone who already has a reading habit. Usually, the main sentence is usually found at the beginning or end of the paragraph, depending on the type of paragraph.

On the other hand, for those who are not accustomed to reading, finding the main sentence may be quite difficult. Therefore, it is important to learn that the main sentence is the main idea of the paragraph. By doing so, you will be able to find its presence in the paragraph. Summarized from various sources, here is an explanation of the main sentence that is easy to understand.

1. Understanding Main Sentences

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The main sentence in a paragraph is also known as the main idea or main concept. Generally, the main sentence is the core discussed in a discourse in the form of a paragraph. In a paragraph, the main sentence explains the core issue in general. Therefore, in a paragraph, the main sentence always requires explanatory sentences that provide more detailed explanations.

As reported by liputan6.com, Suryono (2004) provides a more in-depth explanation of the main sentence or main idea. According to him, the main idea is everything that is supported by data, facts, information, or other supporting materials that are expected to clarify the idea. In addition, the main idea can also be used to convince readers.

2. Differences between Main Sentences and Explanatory Sentences

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As mentioned earlier, in a paragraph, there is generally one main sentence and several explanatory sentences. Therefore, in order to find the main sentence, you also need to differentiate between them first.

If the main sentence is the main idea, then the explanatory sentences are sentences that contain additional information. The presence of explanatory sentences will support what is expressed in the main sentence. In other words, the main sentence and the explanatory sentences are interrelated.

3. Characteristics of Main Sentences

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In addition to the above differences, main sentences also have several specific characteristics that distinguish them from explanatory sentences. This means that we can more easily identify the main sentence by identifying these characteristics. The characteristics of the main sentence are as follows.

1) The main sentence contains one topic or problem.

2) The main sentence can stand alone as a sentence, not a paragraph, if not accompanied by explanatory sentences.

3) The main sentence already has a clear meaning even if it is not connected to other sentences.

4) The main sentence usually does not have or is not formed from conjunctions.

5) In an inductive paragraph (a paragraph with the main sentence at the end), the main sentence is usually marked by words such as: as, so, importantly, therefore, thus, or sentences that contain conclusions.

4. How to Find the Main Sentence

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The main sentence is the most important part of a paragraph. In order to understand the content of a paragraph, we must first be able to find the main sentence. Here are some ways to find the main sentence in a paragraph.

1) Read each sentence in the paragraph or passage carefully. Pay attention to the beginning and the end, as the main sentence is usually found in those parts.

2) Identify the topic or issue raised in the paragraph.

3) Summarize the content of the paragraph or passage in a short sentence.

4) Pay attention to any repetition of words or sentences. This repetition can often indicate the main sentence.

5) Determine the sentence according to the type of paragraph, such as deductive, inductive, or a mixture.

5. Main Sentence Examples in a Paragraph

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In general, the main sentence can be located at the beginning, middle, end, or even scattered depending on the type of paragraph. For an inductive paragraph, the main sentence can be found at the end of the paragraph. On the other hand, in deductive paragraphs, the main sentence will be located at the front. Meanwhile, scattered main sentences are found in mixed paragraphs.

To make it easier for you to understand the location of the main sentence, you can pay attention to the following examples.

1) Example of the main sentence at the beginning of the paragraph (deductive)

The Sumatran tiger is becoming increasingly rare. Many people hunt them. They target the tiger's skin to sell to leather craftsmen. Moreover, now the habitat of these animals is getting narrower due to deforestation and mining.

2) Example of the main sentence at the end of the paragraph (inductive)

Discipline is very necessary within a family. Discipline is also the beginning of an achievement in school. Not only that, discipline in the environment will have a positive impact on society. Apparently, discipline is very important in our lives.

3) Examples of main sentences spread in mixed paragraphs

If we rarely consume green vegetables, it can have a negative effect on our health. First, we are vulnerable to diseases. We can suffer from anemia or lack of blood. Due to the lack of fiber, we are also prone to constipation. Apparently, rarely consuming green vegetables can be dangerous for our body.

Those are some reviews about the understanding of main sentences as the main idea in a paragraph. Hope it is beneficial and can increase knowledge!

(kpl/gen/psp)