The main idea of a paragraph

On page 155 of your book, Poorvi, you find the main idea of each paragraph of Ila Sachani's story. The main idea is what the whole paragraph is mostly about, in a few words. The supporting details are the smaller facts in the paragraph that tell us more about that main idea.

Your book fills in some of the table to start you off. Paragraph 1: the main idea is 'an introduction to Ila Sachani's colourful embroidery', and its two details are the examples of embroidered things (cushions, bedcovers, pillows) and Ila's use of a shiny needle. Paragraph 2: the main idea is 'early challenges and family support'. Paragraph 6: the main idea is 'recognition at a state exhibition'. Paragraphs 8 and 9 together have two details: independence with a regular income and joy, and the lesson that challenges can be turned into victories.

Here is what each paragraph of the story tells, in short, in this order. Paragraph 1: Ila's tiny room in Moti Vavdi village, full of bright embroidered things she makes with a shiny needle. Paragraph 2: she is born in Amreli into a farmer's family and cannot use her hands, so she cannot draw on a slate like other children. Paragraph 3: her mother and grandmother teach her embroidery with her feet, and her parents help her learn to eat and comb her hair with her legs. Paragraph 4: threading a needle is hard, but she becomes an expert; her brother and sister help; she learns Kachhi, Kashmiri and Lucknawi styles.

Paragraph 5: embroidery becomes her way to express herself; her family and friends are amazed, and the village comes to know her skill. Paragraph 6: the government office in Surat shows her work at a state exhibition; people buy it and she becomes famous. Paragraph 7: she takes part in national exhibitions, wins awards and receives the President's Medal. Paragraph 8: her new independence — a regular income and joy — and how she proved that challenges can be turned into victories. Paragraph 9: her art rises above the limits of the body.