Reading Comprehension Success in 20 Minutes a Day, 3rd Edition

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F I N D I N G T H E M A I N I D E A
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3 0

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F I N D I N G T H E M A I N I D E A
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3 1
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A paragraph, by definition, is a group of sentences about the same idea. As you read today and the rest
of the week, notice how texts are divided into paragraphs. What idea holds each paragraph together?
Can you identify any 
topic sentences
?
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Formulate 
topic sentences
about things that you come across in your day. Make assertions about these
people, places, and things. For example, you may eat in the cafeteria every day. Make an 
assertion
about
it: “This cafeteria needs remodeling,” for example. Or, make an assertion about a coworker: “June is a
very hard worker,” you might say. Then, support your assertions. What “evidence” could you supply
for your paragraph? Why do you say the cafeteria needs remodeling? Is there paint peeling off the walls?
Is it still decorated 60s style? Is it not wheelchair accessible? What evidence do you have that June is
a hard worker? Is she always at her computer? Does she ask informed questions in staff meetings?
Does she look like she needs more sleep?
Skill Building until Next Time

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S
ometimes in your reading, you come across words or phrases that are unfamiliar to you. You might
be lucky and have a dictionary handy to look up that word or phrase, but what if you don’t? How
can you understand what you’re reading if you don’t know what all of the words mean? The
answer is that you can use the rest of the passage, the 
context,
to help you understand the new words.