Final answer:
The main point of an informational text is found through analyzing facts, inferences, and expert opinions, and considering author's reliability and the text's purpose. Major points should be emphasized and connected to the topic with supportive evidence. A thorough approach ensures a well-understood and credible informational text.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main point of an informational text can be discerned by assessing the facts presented, evaluating inferences made by the author, and examining the presented opinions for their base in expertise rather than emotion. It is essential to consider the reliability and reasonableness of the author, the objectivity of the tone, and whether a comprehensive scope of information, including different perspectives, is provided. One should also look at the text's purpose, whether it is to inform, persuade, entertain, describe, or explain, and what action the author intends the audience to take.
When examining an informational text, it is crucial to capture the major points that the author repeats or uses to summarize ideas, as these can be central to understanding the text's main point. In the context of argumentative texts, focusing on claim, reasoning, and supporting evidence becomes necessary, while for literary texts, language features like imagery, metaphors, and dialogue help to create character or contribute to the theme. Background knowledge is also vital in understanding new ideas and enhancing critical reading, writing, and thinking skills.
In summarizing and supporting a topic sentence, it is crucial to ensure that each point is well-explained and connected to the topic, gathering specific facts, statistics, and examples to provide trustworthy information. This approach bolsters the reader's confidence in the credibility of the text.