Main Idea

​Main Idea

What do you already know about the term 'main idea'?​

​Which of these words tells what all of the words are about?

​lime

​gray

​pink

​

​colors

​tan

​purple

​All of the words have something to do with colors. 'Colors' is what the words are mostly or mainly about. It is the key idea of the words.

Multiple Choice

claws cheetah fast big cat predator

Which of these words tells what all of the words are about?

• claws

• cheetah

• fast

• big cat

• predator

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​Let's dig a little deeper. The main idea or key idea is not usually listed in a group of words. When you're reading a passage, the main idea should be a complete sentence telling what the text was mostly or mainly about.

Open Ended

The subject of this text is Eric plays baseball. What is the main idea of this text?

Eric gripped the bat in his hands. His palms were sweaty but he took a deep breath as he stepped up to the plate. He had to score a run or his team would lose the game. When the pitcher threw a fastball, Eric’s reflexes took over and he heard the “Crack!” of the bat hitting the ball. His heart raced with excitement as he ran to first base. He was safe!

Fill in the Blank

Read the following text:

I have a dog whose name is Paco. He is almost 10 years old. Paco is very loveable with a brown face and short black fur. He is one of my best friends. He plays with me, sleeps with me, and goes on walks with me. I am so glad to have him around. I love him

Main idea of this text is....

Multiple Choice

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!

The main idea of this passage is...

• Weekends are times to travel.

• The writer enjoys spending time with family.

• The writer's grandparents live far away.

• The writer is sad to leave their cousins.