Main Idea & Summary

Front

What is the main idea of a text?

Back

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

Front

Can you infer the main idea from a text?

Back

Yes, sometimes you have to infer the main idea based on supporting details.

Front

What is the difference between a topic and a main idea?

Back

A topic is the subject of the text, while the main idea is what the author wants to say about that topic.

Front

Is 'iPhones make the best cell phones' an example of a main idea?

Back

Yes, it is a statement that expresses the author's opinion about iPhones.

Front

What should a summary include?

Back

A summary should include the main idea and key supporting details, but not every little detail.

Front

What should a summary NOT include?

Back

A summary should not include every little or unimportant detail, your own opinion, or sentences copied and pasted from the text.

Front

What is a supporting detail?

Back

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

Front

Why is it important to identify the main idea?

Back

Identifying the main idea helps readers understand the text's purpose and focus.

Front

What is an example of a supporting detail for the main idea 'iPhones make the best cell phones'?

Back

The iPhone is made of superior, high-quality materials, which gives them a long life.

Front

What does it mean to summarize a text?

Back

To summarize a text means to restate the main idea and key points in your own words.