The Controlling Idea and The Main Idea

 The Controlling Idea and The Main Idea

What is the Controlling Idea?

The controlling Idea is a point or idea made about the topic to tie the text together. This idea controls the context within the novel. 

It is important to always make sure that the topic sentence includes both the topic and the controlling idea.

A Controlling Idea is not just used within a topic sentence but also used as a thesis, as well as an extended metaphor and/or image. 

It is also important to note that there can be many controlling ideas. 

What is the Main Idea?

The Main Idea is a sentence that tells what the story is about. There are many details in a story that can help to give clue to or solidify the main thought or idea in a story. 

To find the main idea you must first read the work (essay, story, etc..). Then afterwards you look at the title, then re- read the topic sentence, then re-read the last sentence. 

 

I found that the class was interesting and interactive. The many examples and exercises given helped me to gain more of a clear understanding into the controlling idea and the main idea.