ELA 02/28/2022

​The main idea in an informational text is the general message it wants to send readers. An article's main ideas are also its most important ideas. Often an author writes an informational text just to share some main ideas.

When you look for the main idea in a text, think about what the "big ideas" in the text are. Ask yourself, What does the writer want to tell me? What do I learn from reading the text?

​Read the informational text below. What does the writer want to tell you about tarantulas?Some people see a tarantula and run away or try to kill it. Of course, these big, hairy spiders do look frightening. But they have a bad reputation. Tarantulas can bite, but they are not poisonous. In fact, their venom is weaker than a bee's. If people took the time to learn more about tarantulas, they would not be so afraid of them.

Did You Know?

The main idea can also be called the central idea. Their meanings are alike because they tell the reader the most important idea of the story.

​The Truth About Tarantulas

Some people see a tarantula and run away or try to kill it. Of course, these big, hairy spiders do look frightening. But they have a bad reputation. Tarantulas can bite, but they are not poisonous. In fact, their venom is weaker than a bee's. If people took the time to learn more about tarantulas, they would not be so afraid of them.

Tarantulas are found in warm places all over the world. South America has the most tarantulas. These spiders usually live in holes in the ground. But they can live in trees and on top of the ground, too. Tarantulas are unlike most other spiders that live on or near their webs. Instead, they usually do not use a web. However, some will spin a short web across an area. Then whenever something gets into this web, the spider knows that prey is near.

These slow-moving spiders eat meat. Usually, they eat insects. But they also eat other small animals, like mice. Tarantulas grab their prey with their legs. Then they shoot venom into the prey. This paralyzes it. Next, they inject an enzyme into the prey that turns it into liquid. Once this is done, the tarantula slurps up its insect shake.

As they grow, tarantulas shed their outer shells. This is called molting. When they molt, they also replace some of their organs. They can also regrow lost legs. Adult female tarantulas molt about once a year, but adult males usually do not molt.

Recently, more people have been buying tarantulas for pets. However, some people are still very afraid of them. Taking time to learn the facts about a scary creature can make it much less frightening. And although you may not want one for a pet, the next time you see a tarantula, maybe you won't run away in fear!

Open Ended

1. What is the topic of the article? (What one thing is the article about?)

Open Ended

2. What main point does the article make about people and tarantulas?

Open Ended

3. What main point does the article make about how tarantulas are different from most spiders?