Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Background
In this modern era we are supposed to mastering English so we can compete with
another country in this world. Toefl test is one of the solutions so we know our level of
English language skills, but most of the problem in toefl test is reading skill. As we know that
the one of the most important in toefl test is reading skill. Most of the problem in reading
skill is the text that too long and the difficulties of the vocabulary.
This paper is made to inform how to understanding the components of reading text
such as Main Idea, Details, Context Clue, and references easily. Based on the explanation
above, the writer want to discuss the passage with the title producers, consumers, and
decomposers.

1.2 Formulation of The Problem

1.
2.
3.
4.

What is Main idea/Topic in each paragraph?

What is the Details each paragraph?
What is the Context clue in text?
What is the Reference in text?

1.3 Purpose
1.
2.
3.
4.

To help us know the definition of Main Idea/Topic each paragraph

To know the details of paragraph
To know the type of context cluefrom the paragraph
To know the reference in each sentence

Chapter 2 Literature
2.1 Main Idea/Topic
The topic is the subject that the selection is about. The main idea can usually be
located if you can determine what the topic is. To find the topic of a selection, ask the simple
question, Who or what is the selection about?
The main idea is the point of the paragraph. It is the most important thought about the
topic.
To figure out the main idea, ask yourself this question: What is being said about the
person, thing, or idea (the topic)?
The author can locate the main idea in different places within a paragraph. The main
idea is usually a sentence, and it is usually the first sentence. The writer then uses the rest of
the paragraph to support the main idea.

2.2 Details
A paragraph contains facts, statements, examples specifics which guide us to a full
understanding of the main idea. They clarify, illuminate, explain, describe, expand and
illustrate the main idea and are supporting details.

Determining Supporting Details

1. Decide which details help to further the story line.

2. Decide which details help you to understand the main idea.
3. Answer question raised by the main idea (who, what when, why or how).

Major and Minor Details

There are two kinds of supporting details major and minor. The main idea and its
major supporting details form the basic framework of paragraphs. The major details are the
primary points that support the main idea. Paragraphs often contain minor details as well.
While the major details explain and develop the main idea, they, in turn are expanded upon
the minor supporting details.

2.3 Context Clue

Context clues are hints that an author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word.
The clue may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers, or it may follow
2

in a preceding sentence. Because most of ones vocabulary is gained through reading, it is

important that you be able to recognize and take advantage of context clues.

There are at least four kinds of context clues that are quite common:

1) a synonym (or repeat context clue) which appears in that sentence;

2) an antonym (or contrast context clue) that has the opposite meaning, which can reveal
the meaning of an unknown term;
3) an explanation for an unknown word is given (adefinition context clue) within the
sentence or in the sentence immediately preceding; and
4) specific examples (an example context clue) used to define the term.

2.4 References
Reference is a relation between objects in which one object designates, or acts as a
means by which to connect to or link to, another object. The first object in this relation is said
to refer to the second object. The second object, the one to which the first object refers, is
called the referent of the first object.
References can take on many forms, including: a thought, a sensory perception that is
audible (onomatopoeia), visual (text), olfactory, or tactile, emotional state, relationship with
other,[1] spacetime coordinate, symbolic or alpha-numeric, a physical object or an energy
projection. In some cases, methods are used that intentionally hide the reference from some
observers, as in cryptography.
References feature in many spheres of human activity and knowledge, and the term
adopts shades of meaning particular to the contexts in which it is used. Some of them are
described in the sections below.

Chapter 3 Discussion
3.1 Text
Lichens, of which more than twenty thousand species have been named, are complex
associations between certain algae. The lichen itself is not an organism: rather it is the
morphological and biochemical product of the association. Neither a fungus nor an alga alone
can produce lichen.
The intimate relationship between these two living components of lichen was once
erroneously though to represent mutualism. In mutual relationships, both participants benefit.
With lichens, however, it appears the fungus actually parasitizes the algae. This is one of the
conclusions drawn from experiments in which the two components of lichens were separated
and grown apart.
In nature, lichen fungi may encounter and grow around saveral kinds of algae. Some types of
algae the fungi may kill; other types it may reject. Lichen algae are autotrophic, meaning they
make their own food through photosynthesis. Lichen fungi are heterotrophic, meaning they
depend upon the algae within the lichen to supply their food. Up to ninety percent of than
food made by the green alga cell is transferred to the fungus. What, if anything, the fungus
contributes to the association is not well understood.
Lichens are hardly. They grow in many habitats and are often pioneers
in hostile environments where few other organisms can flourish.
They have been known to grow endolithically, having been discovered thriving inside of
rocks in Antartica. Lichen help reduce erosion by stabilizing soil. Several kinds of insects
glue lichens to their exoskeletons for camouflage.
Many species of birds use lichens as building materials for nests. Human have used lichens
for dyes and antibiotics.

3.2 Main Idea/Topic

Topic

: The Lichens

Main Idea

Paragraph 1
Lichens, of which more than twenty thousand species have been named, are complex
associations between certain algae.

Paragraph 2
The intimate relationship between these two living components of lichen was once
erroneously though to represent mutualism.

Paragraph 3
In nature, lichen fungi may encounter and grow around saveral kinds of algae.

Paragraph 4
Lichens are hardly.

Paragraph 5
They have been known to grow endolithically, having been discovered thriving inside
of rocks in Antartica.

Paragraph 6
Many species of birds use lichens as building materials for nests. Human have used
lichens for dyes and antibiotics.

3.3 Details

Human have used lichens for dyes and antibiotics.

This information relates 5W+1H question who (Who is used lichens for dyes and
antibiotics?)
Answer : The human have used lichens for dyes and antibiotics.

Lichens, of which more than twenty thousand species have been named, are complex
associations between certain algae.
This information relates 5W+1H question what (What is the lichen?)
Answer : The lichen is complex associations between certain algae.

In nature, lichen fungi may encounter and grow around saveral kinds of algae.
This information relates 5W+1H question where (Where lichen fungi may encounter
and grow around saveral kinds of algae?)

Answer : In nature

They grow in many habitats and are often pioneers in hostile environments where few
other organisms can flourish.
This information relates 5W+1H question when (When the lichen pioneers
in hostile environments?)
Answer : the lichen often pioneers in hostile environments

Several kinds of insects glue lichens to their exoskeletons for camouflage.

This information relates 5W+1H question what (What the insect do to camouflage?)
Answer : Insects glue lichens to their exoskeletons

Lichen help reduce erosion by stabilizing soil.

This information relates 5W+1H question how (How Lichen help reduce erosion?)
Answer : By stabilizing soil

3.4 Context Clue

Definition

Lichens, of which more than twenty thousand species have been named, are

complex associations between certain algae.

They grow in many habitats and are often pioneers in hostile environments

where few other organisms can flourish.

Synonim
o relationship between these two living components of lichen was once
erroneously though to represent mutualism. In mutual relationships, both
participants benefit.

3.5 References

It in line 2 refers to The Lichan

It in line 7 refers to The Intimate Relationship
They in line 16 refers to The Lichans
They in line 17 refers to The Lichans

Chapter 4
Conclusion & Suggestion
4.1 Conclussion
Reading test is very important and needed in every English test, such as TOEFL,
TOEIC, etc. The reading skill also important when we already work in International
Company. There are 4 components in reading test: topic/main idea, details, context clue, and
references. I hope this paper is useful for us all, and we can understand the strategies to deal
with reading test.

4.2 Suggestion
You must do a lot of exercises for reading text, because it will help you to understand
the purpose of the passage. You must practice fast reading too, so that you just need a little
time to answer the question.

References
http://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/learning/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/MAIN-IDEASAND-SUPPORTING.pdf
http://blog.dictionary.com/context-clues/
http://www.kuliahbahasainggris.com/kumpulan-soal-toefl-reading-comprehension-besertajawaban-dan-penjelasan/
http://www.kursusmudahbahasainggris.com/2013/10/contoh-soal-tes-toeflreading.html#ixzz4C5nnQRLe