Central Idea 8 RN 2.2

Informational Text

8 RN 2.2: Summary and Central Idea

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Central Idea

The central idea of a passage is the idea that most of the passage covers. It is the basic point that the author wants to convey to the reader. The sentences that explain, describe, or support the central idea are called supporting details.

Think about the last book or article you read. When you are looking for the central idea of a passage, ask yourself these questions:

• Why did the author write this passage? What is the point he or she is trying to make?

• What is the passage mostly about? What idea is conveyed in the passage?

Checking it Twice

Once you think you have the central idea, check it against the passage. Look at the supporting details. If they all support, describe, or explain your possible central idea, then you are right. If not, look again. See what idea the details do support or explain.

Central Idea vs. Topic

One important thing to remember is that a central idea and a topic are not the same thing. The central idea is a specific point the author is making, while the topic is the general idea of the passage. For example, a passage might be about violence in movies. That is the topic. It is very general and gives the reader only a basic idea of what the passage will include. The central idea of the same passage might be that violence in movies has steadily increased in the last ten years. That is a specific idea that lets the reader know the point the author will try to convey. The sentences in the passage will provide supporting details that explain this point or support it.

Example:

What is the central idea of this passage?

Central Idea

Mike Lummus withdrew from the mayoral election after he found out that his opponent shared his goals for the city.

Explanation:

This passage is mostly about Mike Lummus withdrawing from the race for mayor. The point that the author is making is that Lummus decided to withdraw when he found out that his opponent shared his goals for the city. Mike Lummus withdrawing from the mayoral race because of shared goals with his opponent is the central idea of this passage. The rest of the passage details what those goals were and who his opponent was.

Multiple Choice

Paragraphs 4 and 5 are mostly about

• The quality of the music shows arranged by La Opera's team

• La Opera's connection with the Samaaya Music Company

• La Opera's success and achievements in the field of music

• Music artistes and groups that La Opera has worked with

Multiple Choice

What is the central idea presented in this article?

• Abiron Jakobe has been appointed managing director of Samaaya Music Company.

• Samaaya Music Company only works with its own music artistes.

• Abiron Jakobe is a popular figure in national and international music circles.

• Samaaya Music Company hosts music shows all over the world.

Multiple Choice

What is the central idea of this article?

• Some Hays County citizens are paying $300 to have their cases heard.

• Quick population growth has strained Hays County's court system.

• San Marcos only has one court room in which to hear felony cases.

• The Justice Center in Hays County is actually a former supermarket.

Multiple Choice

Paragraph 4 is mostly about

• the solution proposed by the Commissioners Court.

• the current population of Hays County and San Marcos.

• the description of the Hays County Justice Center.

• the current state of the Hays County court system.

Multiple Choice

Which fact from the article specifically supports the central idea that growth in Hays County is extremely rapid?

• At this time, Hays County has only one courtroom for district court.

• Hays County has experienced a 50% increase in population since 1990.

• Hays County is in a judicial district with both Comal and Caldwell counties.

• The Commissioner's Court has allowed expansion into an auto parts store.

Multiple Choice

What is the central idea of the second paragraph?

• why children make the "Guy" dummies

• how Guy Fawkes' plan failed

• how King James upset the Catholics

• why Guy Fawkes' led the plot

Multiple Choice

The passage is mainly about

• the origins of Guy Fawkes Night

• King James I

• fireworks in England

• how to build a bonfire

Multiple Choice

What is the central point of the passage's last paragraph?

• the conspirators who launched the plot

• how the holiday is celebrated today

• who discovered the conspiracy

• why the Gunpowder Plot began

Multiple Choice

Which statement is supported by the passage?

• The Houses of Parliament came under attack for years afterward.

• Lord Monteagle was responsible for beginning the holiday.

• "Guys" are burned to celebrate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot.

• King James I was a beloved ruler of the people.