California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) English Practice Exam

Where can the main idea usually be found in a paragraph?

1. Last sentence

2. Middle sentences

3. First sentence

4. Throughout the entire paragraph

The correct answer is: First sentence

The main idea of a paragraph is typically found in the first sentence because it serves as a topic sentence that introduces the central theme or point that the paragraph will discuss. This strategy provides readers with immediate context and sets the stage for the supporting details that follow in subsequent sentences. By establishing the main idea upfront, it helps the reader understand what to expect, facilitating better comprehension of the overall message being conveyed. While it's possible for the main idea to appear in other parts of the paragraph, such as the middle or last sentences, the first sentence is the most common placement, especially in well-structured writing.