Identifying Main Ideas in Texts

Front

What should you focus on if the main idea is unclear?

Back

Repeated phrases, headings, and summaries.

Front

How do repeated ideas help identify the main idea?

Back

They highlight the central focus of the text.

Front

What do supporting details do in a text?

Back

Explain or back up the main idea.

Front

Why do authors focus on a main idea?

Back

To help readers focus on the most important message.

Front

What can help identify an implied main idea?

Back

Asking what the details have in common.

Front

What is a main idea?

Back

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

Front

What are supporting details?

Back

Facts, examples, or descriptions that explain or reinforce the main idea.

Front

How can headings assist in finding the main idea?

Back

Headings often summarize the main idea of the section they introduce.

Front

What role do summaries play in understanding a text?

Back

Summaries condense the main ideas and key points of the text.

Front

Why is it important to identify the main idea?

Back

It helps readers understand the overall message and purpose of the text.