The following are some of the effective ways or steps in finding the
main idea:
1. Look at the title.
Often, the title provides a good indication of the main idea of a written
or spoken text. It helps orient the reader or the listener on what is
being talked about in the text or speech.
2. Look at the first and last sentences.
Usually, the main idea is introduced in the first sentence of a written
or spoken text. Pay attention to what the first sentence is describing.
The main idea may also be found in the concluding part or summary
of a text. Read or listen carefully to what the last two or three sentences
are talking about.
3. Look for repeated words or phrases.
The frequency with which a word or phrase occurs is an indication of
its relative importance.
​