What is the thesis, controlling idea, or main point?
Determining the main point can be difficult, especially when the author doesn’t make the thesis stand out clearly. Looking for the main point may require synthesizing sub-points on your own and possibly presenting key points in a different order than in the original article. Steps for finding main point: 1. Read the article through once. 2. Read again, listing all points made. 3. Look over the list for a more general purpose these points serve. 4. Write one sentence that summarizes this general purpose (i.e., the line that answers: “Why was this written?”). 5. Check that purpose for accuracy by re-reading the article. 6. Revise your summary statement as needed. How does the writer demonstrate or support his/her point? Steps for finding support: 1. Read through the article again, listing the examples, quotes, or arguments the author uses. 2. Look through your list for categories of evidence. For example, does the author use several different types of analyses or rely on other published
