Central Idea and Supporting Details

The central idea is the main point or message that the author wants to convey in a text.

Supporting details are facts, examples, or descriptions that help explain or reinforce the central idea.

Fact.

What point is the author trying to make?

Look for repeated themes or statements that summarize the main point.

Examples provide specific instances that illustrate and clarify the supporting details.

'They teach the tiny gorillas how to get along with other gorillas.'

The central idea is the main message, while supporting details provide evidence or examples that back up that message.

Identifying the central idea helps readers understand the main message and purpose of the text.

A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false.