How to figure out the main idea of a story

The main idea of a story is usually not openly stated. The main idea is what the story is about or what the story teaches. You can find this by reading the story and seeing how the author develops his/her theme. Whatever the author focuses on or emphasizes will most likely be the main idea.

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The main idea is usually the thing that sums of the book, the main thing you would use in a summary or a persuasive writing.

The american colonists strongly opposed the tax laws imposed by the british government. the american colonists were angered by the presence of british soldiers who had found employment in america