Understanding Main Idea and Supporting Idea
Main ideas and supporting ideas are the most crucial elements in a paragraph. This is because these two elements contain the content or message the author wants to convey based on the topic raised. The main ideas and supporting ideas will be compiled by the author with the principle of inter-sentence cohesion so that they become good paragraphs, i.e. one idea will complement or support another idea. In addition, the main idea has other names, including the main idea, main idea, main idea, main idea, etc. Meanwhile, supporting ideas have only one other name, namely explanatory ideas.
Actually, the main idea is what or who (subject) and why or how (predicate) is being discussed, which is located in the main sentence. Therefore, if you want to find the main idea, you must first determine the location of the main sentence. Meanwhile, the explanatory idea of its existence serves to clarify or support the main idea.
In general, the writer will first think about what the main message he wants to convey in an article is. The result of this thought will be the main idea which will be clarified with supporting ideas. For example, the author has the main idea that Indonesia is respected because of the sharpness of its vision and mission, the main sentence might be the sharpness of vision and awareness of the strategic position of the archipelago that has brought this country to be respected by other countries.
Meanwhile, the author will write supporting ideas why Indonesia is respected because of the sharpness of its vision and mission in several explanatory sentences written by taking into account the principle of coherence.
Characteristics of Main Idea and Supporting Idea
As explained above, the main idea can be said as the main thing the author wants to convey in a paragraph. Therefore, the first characteristic that can describe the main idea is that it consists of complete sentences that can stand alone (dependent clause). Because it can stand alone, the main idea must not contain reference words (this, that, that, etc.) or conjunctions between sentences (however, therefore, meanwhile, etc.).
In contrast to the main idea, because of its nature which seeks to clarify, the supporting ideas contain reference words and conjunctions between sentences or what are generally referred to as cohesion tools. Furthermore, the characteristics of the main ideas and supporting ideas are as follows.
Main Idea Features
The form of a complete sentence and can stand alone or can cause other sentences.
There should be no reference words and conjunctions between sentences.
Contains the source of the core problem.
If there is a word is, is, is, thus, and so, it is most likely the main idea.
Characteristics of Supporting Ideas
In the form of a sentence that is written because it tries to explain another sentence.
Contains reference words and conjunctions between sentences.
When interpreted, the existence of a sentence is caused by another sentence.
How to Find Main Ideas and Supporting Ideas
The main idea in a paragraph can be found how to read the whole text, and understand well the theme chosen by the author, then choose which sentence is the cause of other sentences and in that sentence is the location of the main idea. After the main idea is found in the main sentence, it is clear that the ideas in other sentences are the main idea. There are two types of main ideas: The main idea is the same as the main sentence and the main idea is different from the main sentence.
Example of the same main idea as the main sentence
SMAN 99 Jakarta is one of the best public high schools in East Jakarta. (2) This Public High School was ranked first as a public school with the highest National Examination (UN) scores in Jakarta. (3) In addition, this SMA has A+ accreditation and is ISO certified. (4) Not only that, this SMA also has the majority of its students each year succeeding in achieving State Universities (PTN).
The main sentence of the general classification section: “SMAN 99 Jakarta is one of the best public high schools in East Jakarta.” The main idea of the main sentence: “SMAN 99 Jakarta is one of the best public high schools in East Jakarta.” Meanwhile, the main ideas include:
Sentence (2): SMAN 99 was the best in the National Examination (UN) ranking.
Sentence (3): SMAN 99 with ISO predicate and A accreditation
Sentence (4): The majority of SMAN 99 students won PTN.
The main idea is not the same as the main sentence. For example,
Apart from the color, there is a difference between brown rice and white rice. (2) White rice still has the entire outer layer, while brown rice has the outer layer removed, but still leaves other parts. (3) In addition, brown rice is more consumed for someone who is on a diet program and is considered healthier because it contains less glucose than white rice.
The main sentence of the general classification section: “Apart from the color, there is a difference between brown rice and white rice.” The main idea of the general classification section: “There is a difference between brown rice and white rice.” Meanwhile, the supporting ideas, among others.
Sentence (2): There is an entire outer layer on white rice, while brown rice has the largest layer removed, but leaves other parts.
Sentence (3): Brown rice is considered healthier for health because it is lower in glucose than white rice.
Article: Main Idea (Main Idea, Main Thought) & Supporters
Contributors: Adip Prasetyo, S. Hum.
Indonesian Literature Alumni FIB UI
Imperative Sentence
Definition of Imperative Sentence
Imperative sentences are sentences that have intonation meaning to express orders or prohibitions so that actions or activities can be carried out by other people or the person being spoken to. Usually, these sentences are marked with a period (.) or an exclamation point (!). In addition, usually, imperative sentences can either contain harsh commands, as well as soft or polite ones, and can also be in the form of omission of certain actions or prohibitions. Some examples of imperative sentences:
Wear a mask wherever you are to avoid the spread of the corona virus.
Walk faster!
Give this skincare to him when he comes.
Imperative sentences function as follows.
Give orders, for example,
Buy snacks for invited guests.
Please, pick up the clothesline.
Giving orders, for example.
Group of 7 head south!
Attack from the east!
Ban, for example
Don’t work while resting!
Don’t get caught.
Give an invitation, for example
Come on, sir, try my wife’s soup.
Come on, let’s obey PSBB!
Making demands, for example
Take responsibility for what you have done so far!
Pay your debts tonight.
Signaling, for example
In order for his condition to improve, you can leave now.
Don’t be shy, just pretend you’ve already come.
Giving omission, for example
Leave him alone to calm down
Imperative Sentences
Like other types of sentences, imperative sentences also have the following characteristics.
If you hear from the sound, the imperative sentence is high-pitched or loud at the beginning and vice versa at the end.
Imperative sentences are coercive. The meaning of coercion in imperative sentences contains two meanings: coercion so that an action is carried out or immediately carried out and coercion which only requires a reply in the form of affirmations. For example,
Send an email ASAP! OK, I’ll send it.
Do it carefully, dangan do not disappoint your parents. Fine, I’ll do my best.
The two examples of sentences are answered with an affirmative answer, namely “Good”.
- The contents of imperative sentences are commands, prohibitions, or invitations. Both of these three things have the same nature to require the other person or the speech partner to carry out the contents of the imperative sentence.
Imperative sentences with high intonation. This is a characteristic of imperative sentences that a high intonation is required at every utterance of imperative sentences to create the impression of assertiveness.
Patterned imperative sentences begin with the predicate first and then followed by the subject. This pattern is called the inversion pattern.
Imperative sentences usually end in –lah or –kan. These two endings serve to emphasize or present.
Types of Imperative SentencesImperative sentences have various types, including:
1. Transitive Imperative Sentences
The characteristic of this imperative sentence lies in the verb which is transitive or requires an object.
Fix that broken device right away! corrective verb followed by gadget as object
Change your attitude when you meet a senior!
Get all the food in the fridge right now!
Tell me everything you know about her lies!
2. Intransitive Imperative SentenceIn contrast to transitive sentences, intransitive sentences use verbs that do not need an object as the next word. For example,
Get out of your house!
Go to the hospital now!
Let’s go home soon!
Everyone immediately line up and make three banjars!
3. Subtle Imperative SentencesThis type of imperative sentence uses a vocabulary that has a subtle meaning to give orders, prohibitions, or invitations. Usually, the vocabulary used, among others, please, sorry, please, and try. For example,
Please, don’t disturb the locals.
Sorry, quickly put the book in the bag!
Go ahead, you apply for a job elsewhere!
Try to understand this difficult situation!
4. Imperative Sentences of ProhibitionThis imperative sentence contains the meaning to limit or prevent other people from doing something and usually uses the words not or prohibited.
wish you ever did that again!
No noise here!
Don’t try to meddle in my business!
5. Imperative Sentences of RequestThis imperative sentence uses a vocabulary that contains the meaning of asking or begging. For example,
I ask you to return that important book to my friend tomorrow!
Please listen to this advice carefully.
Pray before entering the bathroom.
Wait until I pick you up to go home.
6. Imperative Sentences Call to HopeThis imperative sentence contains the meaning of an invitation or hope, which usually contains the words come on (lah), let (lah), should, etc. For example,
Let’s pray with each other’s beliefs and beliefs.
Should put obligations before rights!
Come on, let’s make the 2020 elections a success!
7. Imperative Sentences of OmissionThis imperative sentence does not prohibit someone from doing something, on the contrary, it implies omission so that the action or activity is still carried out. Usually, the words used are let-(lah) and let-(lah). For example,
Let him pursue his dream of becoming a doctor!
Let him cry all night to realize what he did.Contributors: Adip Prasetyo, S. Hum.
Indonesian Literature Alumni FIB UI