Main Ideas & Details

Front

What is the main idea?

Back

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

Front

What is a supporting detail?

Back

A supporting detail is a piece of information that helps explain or support the main idea.

Front

How can you find the main idea of a passage?

Back

Ask yourself, 'What point is the author trying to make?'

Front

What is an example of a main idea?

Back

The author enjoys spending time with her family.

Front

What is an example of a supporting detail?

Back

Recycling paper saves trees from being cut down.

Front

What does it mean to summarize a text?

Back

To summarize a text means to give a brief statement of the main points.

Front

What is the purpose of details in a text?

Back

Details provide information that supports and explains the main idea.

Front

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

Back

The main idea is the central point, while supporting details are facts or examples that back up the main idea.

Front

What is a good question to ask when identifying the main idea?

Back

What is the author trying to communicate?

Front

What is the main idea of a recipe passage?

Back

The main idea is usually about how to prepare a specific dish.