What does the main idea of a paragraph represent?

The main idea of a paragraph is encapsulated in the topic sentence, which serves as the foundational statement that conveys the central point or argument the author intends to communicate. This topic sentence is typically positioned at the beginning of a paragraph and provides a clear focus for the reader, outlining what the subsequent sentences will elaborate on.

The topic sentence not only indicates the primary subject of the paragraph but also guides the reader on what to expect in terms of the information that will follow. Understanding the role of the topic sentence is crucial, as it helps in recognizing how other details within the paragraph support and relate back to this main idea. In contrast, the author's opinion may only be a part of the main idea but does not fully encompass it, supporting details elaborate on the main idea but do not define it, and a concluding statement typically wraps up the discussion rather than presenting the main idea itself.