Main Ideas & Details

Front

What is the main idea of a passage?

Back

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

Front

What are supporting details?

Back

Supporting details are facts, examples, or descriptions that help explain or reinforce the main idea.

Front

How can you identify the main idea?

Back

Ask yourself, 'What point is the author trying to make?' or 'What is the passage mostly about?'

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

True or False: Key details give important information to support the main idea.

Back

True

Front

What is the purpose of the main idea in a text?

Back

The main idea provides the reader with the overall message or theme of the passage.

Front

What question should you ask to find supporting details?

Back

What information helps explain or support the main idea?

Front

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

Back

The main idea is the overall message, while supporting details provide evidence or examples that back up the main idea.

Front

What is a good strategy for summarizing a passage?

Back

Identify the main idea and then list the supporting details.