CBSE Class 10 English

A discursive passage presents ideas, arguments or reflections on a topic, usually in several paragraphs, such as a piece on the habit of reading, on trust between generations, on the cost of fast fashion or on what a hobby teaches a person. It is a different kind of text from a story, because it is built from claims and the reasons given for them, and understanding it means following that structure. ## Reading for the main idea Most paragraphs have one central point, and the first or last sentence often states it. The rest of the paragraph supports it with examples, figures, comparisons, reasons or a short story. The main idea of the whole passage is what the paragraphs add up to, which is usually clear from the opening, from the way the argument turns and from the closing paragraph. A useful check is to say the main idea in one sentence and test it against each paragraph: if a paragraph contradicts it or has nothing to do with it, the sentence is probably too narrow or too broad. Look for words that show how one idea relates to the next. | Signal | What it shows | Examples | |---|---|---| | Addition | another point in the same direction | moreover, in addition, also, furthermore | | Contrast | a point that pulls the other way | however, but, yet, on the other hand, whereas | | Cause and result | one thing leads to another | because, therefore, as a result, consequently | | Example | an illustration | for instance, such as, to illustrate | | Concession | a point granted…