FIND THE MAIN IDEA

FIND THE MAIN IDEA

WHAT IS A MAIN IDEA?

The main idea is the point of the paragraph. It is the most important thought about the topic.It tells us what the reading is about.

The main idea is usually in the first sentences of a paragraph.

Find the main idea of the paragraph.

Summer is a wonderful time to spend at West Beach. It is a beach with light- colored, soft sand. People enjoy walking along it. Children like to play in the surf and collect shells. This is a fun beach for people of all ages. 

In this paragraph:    

the topic: West Beach

the main idea: (what the writer is saying about the topic) summer is a wonderful time at West Beach

Find the main idea of the paragraph.

The movie Apollo 13 was a fantastic movie for the summer of 1995. It is an exciting story about space. It is a true story. In the movie, the astronauts have problems while they are going back to Earth. It makes you feel excited.

the topic:the movie Apollo 13

the main idea( in the first sentence): Apollo 13 was a fantastic movie for the summer of 1995

Find the main idea of the paragraph.

Everyone has a dream job. Some people want to be a doctor because they like to help others. Some would like to be a pilot because they like traveling. Some people want to be a vet because they like animals.

the topic: dream jobs

Main idea: everyone has a dream job.

Multiple Choice

The storm

The rain began early in the morning. It fell as hard drops. The sky was full of grey clouds. Thunder began and became louder and louder. Lightning crashed every few minutes, making the

sky a brilliant white.

• The farms needed the rain.

• The thunder hurt the people’s ears.

• Everyone enjoyed the storm.

• The storm was very strong.

Multiple Select

James and his sister, Anna, went to the carnival on Saturday. They rode the merry-go-round, the roller coaster and the Ferris wheel. James ate popcorn. Anna ate an apple. They drank lemonade.They saw many exciting shows. They were tired when they went home.

• James and Anna were hungry.

• James and Anna did many things at the carnival.

• They were tired on Saturday.

• The carnival was on Saturday.