Review: The main idea must always be expressed as a sentence. It must also contain a topic and must make complete sense by itself. Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between a topic and a main idea sentence:

• Reality TV shows. No. It's a phrase, so it could be a topic. It's not a sentence, however, so it couldn't be a main idea.
• In recent years, they have become very popular. No. It's a sentence, but it does not make complete sense by itself. It doesn't tell what "they" refers to. Therefore, it could not be a stated main idea.
• In recent years, reality TV shows have become very popular. Yes. This could be a stated main idea because the sentence makes complete sense by itself.

Directions: Select true for any item that could be used as a main idea sentence. Do not base your decision on whether an item has a period at the end of it. There are periods after all of the items, but not all of them would work as main idea sentences.

1			In college and on the job, it is important to be able to follow written directions.
			A)	True
			B)	False
2			It is a group of related sentences.
			A)	True
			B)	False
3			Students learn in different ways.
			A)	True
			B)	False
4			Previewing a chapter is the first step in reading the assignment.
			A)	True
			B)	False
5			It is the best way of preventing the common cold.
			A)	True
			B)	False
6			There are three main types
			A)	True
			B)	False
7			Instant messaging is a popular way to communicate.
			A)	True
			B)	False
8			They can be dangerous to children and pets.
			A)	True
			B)	False
9			Most of them do not work.
			A)	True
			B)	False
10			A mnemonic device is used to aid in remembering.
			A)	True
			B)	False
11			Whether the new schedule will work.
			A)	True
			B)	False
12			Every hour 70 new blogs are created.
			A)	True
			B)	False
13			The public should vote against this plan.
			A)	True
			B)	False
14			How working too many hours affects college students' success.
			A)	True
			B)	False
15			Working too many hours affects college students' academic success.
			A)	True
			B)	False