Theme vs. Main Idea

Front

What is the MAIN IDEA of a text?

Back

The MAIN IDEA tells or describes what the text was mostly about.

Front

What is the THEME of a story?

Back

The THEME is the underlying message or lesson that can be learned from the story.

Front

How long is the MAIN IDEA usually?

Back

The MAIN IDEA is usually expressed in one or two sentences.

Front

Can a text have more than one MAIN IDEA?

Back

No, a text typically has one MAIN IDEA that summarizes the main point.

Front

What is the difference between MAIN IDEA and THEME?

Back

MAIN IDEA is what the text is mostly about, while THEME is the lesson or moral of the story.

Front

What is an example of a THEME?

Back

An example of a THEME is 'friendship' or 'courage'.

Front

What does it mean to identify the MAIN IDEA?

Back

Identifying the MAIN IDEA means finding the central point or message of the text.

Front

What is a common mistake when identifying the MAIN IDEA?

Back

A common mistake is confusing the MAIN IDEA with supporting details.

Front

How can you find the MAIN IDEA in a paragraph?

Back

Look for the topic sentence or the sentence that summarizes the paragraph.

Front

What is a supporting detail?

Back

Supporting details are facts or examples that help explain or elaborate on the MAIN IDEA.