Main idea and Supporting Details

Front

What is the definition of the main idea in a text?

Back

The main idea is the central point or message that the author wants to convey to the reader.

Front

Why are supporting details important?

Back

Supporting details provide evidence and examples that reinforce and clarify the main idea.

Front

What question can help identify the main idea of a passage?

Back

Asking 'What point is the author trying to make?' can help identify the main idea.

Front

True or False: A main idea can exist without supporting details.

Back

False. A main idea typically requires supporting details to be fully understood.

Front

What is an example of a main idea from a text about giraffes?

Back

Giraffes do make noises.

Front

What is the main idea of a text about playing with Play Doh?

Back

Playing with Play Doh involves all your senses.

Front

What are some common types of supporting details?

Back

Examples, facts, statistics, anecdotes, and descriptions are common types of supporting details.

Front

How can you determine if a detail is a supporting detail?

Back

A supporting detail should directly relate to and help explain or illustrate the main idea.

Front

What is the relationship between the main idea and supporting details?

Back

The main idea is the primary message, while supporting details provide the necessary information to back up that message.

Front

What is a strategy for finding the main idea in a paragraph?

Back

Look for repeated themes or concepts, and pay attention to the first and last sentences.