Other clues vary in frequency of usage. The total number of main idea clues used in these composition texts is large. The mean number of clues appearing in these texts is roughly 2.5 per paragraph. Table 4 indicates the comparison of clue usage in English composition texts and that in sociology texts. After position, examples are the prime clue in each type of text.
Repetition is next in both, although it is used less frequently in sociology.
Subheadings are important in both types of text, though the composition texts contain more of them. Highlighting, possibly because of the larger number of important terms set off in the text, is more frequent in sociology texts. This seems to indicate a cross-disciplinary concern for helping readers to find important material. Conclusion Main idea statements exist and are pointed to by clues as frequently in English composition texts as in sociology texts. Strategies for finding the main idea.