Questions used to develop main idea (student)

[Englishn00b]

Whenever I read an article, especially sophisticated ones, I have trouble developing the main idea. Note, this is not the same thing as summarizing. I have no trouble recalling what the article says, but I do have trouble in analyzing the article further. In other words, I can't seem to get the moral of what the author is trying to say. What are questions that you ask yourself when you develop the main idea of articles or whatever you read? Please don't explain that after you ask yourself the questions that you "naturally" come up with an analysis, though I do somewhat believe that it all bogs down to practice, because it's not going to help me. If you could recall what you do exactly AND give the reasoning behind it, this will help me tremendously. Thanks!

[Barb_D]

Let me ask you first, is this a challenge for you when you read in your native language, or only when you read in English?

[Englishn00b]

I'm born as an American, I can only communicate verbally in my languages. And yes it's a challenge for me when I read English - sometimes. It really depends on the articles.

[Gillnetter]

Whenever I read an article, especially sophisticated ones, I have trouble developing the main idea. Note, this is not the same thing as summarizing. I have no trouble recalling what the article says, but I do have trouble in analyzing the article further. In other words, I can't seem to get the moral (it's not the moral, it's the thesis. The moral refers to the concept of good and bad) of what the author is trying to say. What are questions that you ask yourself when you develop the main idea of articles or whatever you read? Please don't explain that after you ask yourself the questions that you "naturally" come up with an analysis, though I do somewhat believe that it all bogs down to practice, because it's not going to help me. If you could recall what you do exactly AND give the reasoning behind it, this will help me tremendously. Thanks!

I read each line and make mental notes on what seems to be important. If need be, I write notes. Here is how I approach this text -

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

1. It is obivious that everyone is equal.
2. The Creator gave everyone certain rights.
3. Some of these rights are: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

— That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

1. To insure their rights, people make governments.
2. Governments are controlled by the people.
3. If the government treats people wrong, it is the responsibility of the people to get rid of that government.
4. A new government that will make people happy and safe should be formed.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

1. Govenments should not be changed easily.
2. People will generally suffer rather than change.

But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

1. When the government continues to abuse the people, it is the duty of the people to change governments.

Next, I try to put the items I have outlined into a simplier form.

1. People have rights given by the Creator. People form governments to insure those rights. If the government acts against the people, it is the job of the people to reject the present government and form a new one. Governments should not be easily forced out. People will tolerate events rather than change them. It is the duty of people to change a government when abuses continue.

You are correct, it is a matter of practice. You should read each part and then stop. Ask yourself what the writer meant. Sometimes you may have to read a part a number of times. Try to isolate the main ideas.