Main Idea and Supporting Details

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 in a text.

Front

Where is the main idea most often found?

Back

In the first couple of sentences of the paragraphs.

Front

What is a supporting detail?

Back

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

Front

What is the purpose of a thesis statement?

Back

A thesis statement presents the main idea of an essay or paper and outlines the writer's argument.

Front

How can you identify the main idea in a paragraph?

Back

Look for the topic sentence, which often contains the main idea, usually found at the beginning or end of the paragraph.

Front

What is the difference between a main idea and a supporting detail?

Back

The main idea is the primary point of the text, while supporting details provide evidence or examples to back up the main idea.

Front

What is an example of a main idea?

Back

Reading books is beneficial for knowledge and creativity.

Front

What is an example of a supporting detail?

Back

Reading improves your understanding of complex problems.

Front

What does it mean for a detail to support the main idea?

Back

It means that the detail provides evidence or reasoning that reinforces the main idea.

Front

What is a common misconception about the main idea?

Back

Many people think the main idea is always found in the title, but it is usually in the first few sentences.