Central Idea

Central ideas are the main points or messages that an author wants to convey in a text.

Central ideas are mostly found in informational texts.

It shows that you comprehend the text.

The central idea must always be supported with supporting details.

Rodeo clowns protect cowboys by putting themselves in danger.

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

Supporting details provide evidence and examples that reinforce the central idea.

Look for the main point that the author is trying to communicate, often found in the introduction or conclusion.

The central idea is the main message, while supporting details are facts or examples that back up the central idea.

The reader's opinion should not influence the identification of the central idea; it should be based on the text itself.