In other cultures, paragraphs may be organized to build toward the main idea, which is revealed at the end.

VOA: special.2009.04.30

He also says non-native speakers generally use too much emotional language and give too many details before getting to the main idea.

VOA: special.2009.04.30

But in the United States, the main idea of each paragraph should be in the first sentence.

VOA: special.2009.04.30

American college students are expected to state their main idea at the beginning of the paper.

VOA: special.2009.04.30

He said each show has a main idea or theme.

VOA: special.2010.01.08

Bryan's main campaign idea was that the gold standard would ruin America's economy.

VOA: special.2010.07.01

McKinley's main campaign idea was that silver money would ruin the economy.

VOA: special.2010.07.01

"The original idea for Stockbridge at Christmas was actually conceived in 1956,'57 when Hallmark card corresponds with Rockwell on the idea of an image of an American main street which will symbolize Christmas in America,"

VOA: standard.2009.12.25