Which term refers to the main idea of a paragraph?

The term that refers to the main idea of a paragraph is known as the topic sentence. A topic sentence serves as a summary of the paragraph's content, clearly indicating what the paragraph will discuss or elaborate on. It sets the tone and provides direction for the reader, giving insight into the specific focus that will be addressed in the following sentences.

In contrast, while a thesis typically refers to the central argument or claim of an entire essay or paper, the topic sentence is more specific to individual paragraphs. The conclusion provides a summary of the overall argument or points made in a text, and supporting details are the examples and evidence used to back up the main idea presented in the topic sentence. Thus, the topic sentence plays a crucial role in guiding the reader’s understanding of the paragraph's main idea.