The main idea of a paragraph is what that specific paragraph is about. You have a main idea of the whole writing, but each paragraph (or "passage") has its own main idea, or main point, and each paragraph expands on the whole.
the great depression was not as bad as it could have been
The city-state of Venice should only be governed by merchants who understand business and not by Catholic clergy who only understand the Bible.Secularism
It would be its main idea or theme.
Reading the topic sentences of each paragraph, looking at headings and subheadings, and reading the introduction and conclusion can provide information about the main idea of a long passage.
sociology
dramatic irony
asurance
"What is the main idea of this passage?" This question can help provide a preview of the overall focus and structure of the passage, giving the reader a clearer understanding before diving into the details.
Where is the following passage?
The main idea of the passage is to provide an overview of the importance and benefits of environmental conservation.
Disaster
Skim the passage to identify the main idea and structure before diving into details.