Main Idea and Summary Statements

Main Idea and Summary Statements

What is a main idea statement?

A main idea statement is an important fact or idea that connects to most or all of the text. Often, it can be tied to the title and/or the beginning and ending of the text.

THINK: Would I need this fact to tell a COMPLETE summary of the story?

Multiple Choice

Is this a main idea statement that we would use ina summary of "Winter's Tail?"

It was very cold on the day Winter was rescued?

• Yes!

• No way!

Multiple Choice

How about this one:

Many people worked together to help Winter the dolphin learn to swim again after she lost her tail.

• Yes!

• No!

Multiple Choice

Let's try one more from "Winter's Tail:"

Winter's perseverance in beating the odds inspired many people.

• You bet!

• I don't think so!

How did you do?

Remember: Think about whether the sentence connects to many other parts of the text. If it's just related to a small part of the story, it's probably a supporting detail and not the main idea.

Let's try some more -- this time from "The Story of Snow"

Multiple Choice

A star-shaped snow crystal needs lots of moisture and a temperature around 5 degrees to form.

• That is a main idea!

• That is a supporting detail!

Multiple Choice

Temperature and moisture are two conditions that affect the shape of a snow crystal.

• Definitely main idea!

• Definitely a supporting detail!

Multiple Choice

A speck of volcanic ash might grow into a snowflake.

• Main idea

• Detail

Multiple Choice

Snow crystals grow from water vapor and tiny specks of ash, dirt, salt, and even bacteria.

• That is a so clearly a main idea of the text.

• Gotta be a supporting detail

Multiple Choice

One snowflake is not like another, just like no two people are exactly alike.

• Main idea

• Detail

Poll

How do you feel about spotting main idea statements? (Your answer will NOT affect your score)

• I got this!

• I can do it most of the time.

• I need more practice.

• I am totally lost. Help!