What is the main idea of the article?
What is the issue/topic outlined in the first paragraph?
What is the issue/topic outlined in the second paragraph?
What is the issue/topic outlined in the third paragraph?
Continue noting down issues/topics for any remaining paragraphs.
Make a list of the topics above– or make a diagram. [A simple picture of boxes or a spider diagram can often be helpful.]
Write a one or two-sentence account of each section (topic) you identify. Focus your attention on the main point. Leave out any illustrative examples.
Write a sentence which states the central idea of the original text.
Use this (above) as the starting point for writing a paragraph which combines all the points you have made.