To determine the central idea of an essay on man, what should the reader do first?
o
paraphrase the author's argument
locate key details
decide the author's message
identify the topic

D). Identify the topic.

Explanation:

Topic sentences are usually employed to convey the major idea or claim of the poem. Therefore, in order to identify the topic, it becomes vital to 'recognize the topic' as then only a reader could move forward to understanding or analyzing a poem or text.

The poem "An Essay on Man" functions to define and advocate the human relations with the universe or society and justify divine workings of God and as humans we must accept them without questioning.

As per the question, while determining the central idea of the poem "An Essay on Man" the readers must 'identify the topic' as topic sentence or description is chiefly surrounded by the dominant idea of the poem. The next would be to look for the pieces of evidence that elaborate and support this topic or idea and reach a conclusion or interpretation of the poem. Thus, option D is the correct answer.

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Explanation: