What literary term is used to describe the main supporting idea of a paragraph?

The main supporting idea of a paragraph is known as the main idea. It serves as the central concept that the paragraph revolves around and provides a clear statement that guides the discussion, allowing the reader to understand the focus of that paragraph. The main idea typically encapsulates the essence of the paragraph, summarizing what will be elaborated upon through supporting details or examples.

In contrast, supporting details further elaborate on or provide evidence for the main idea, whereas a thesis statement usually refers to the overarching argument of an entire essay or paper rather than a single paragraph. An argument may relate to the ideas being presented but does not specifically designate the core idea of a paragraph as effectively as the term "main idea" does. Therefore, identifying the main idea is crucial for comprehending the primary message in any written work.