Central Ideas

Front

What is the CENTRAL IDEA of a nonfiction text?

Back

What the text is MOSTLY about.

Front

What information can the first and last sentences in a text give us?

Back

They sometimes give us the central idea, but not always.

Front

What is the central idea of the passage about Thomas Edison?

Back

Thomas Edison's inventions still impact society today.

Front

Why are repeated words in a text important?

Back

They may be a clue of what the central idea is.

Front

What is the central idea of the passage about laws in the Middle Ages?

Back

Laws of the Middle Ages were unfair.

Front

What does the term 'central idea' refer to?

Back

The main point or message that the author wants to convey.

Front

How can you identify the central idea in a text?

Back

Look for repeated themes, the first and last sentences, and key details.

Front

What role do examples play in understanding the central idea?

Back

Examples help illustrate and clarify the central idea.

Front

What is a summary?

Back

A brief statement that presents the main points of a text.

Front

How does context help in finding the central idea?

Back

Context provides background information that can clarify the main message.