Central Idea Lesson

Central, or Main, Idea and Supporting Details

is what the text is mostly about.

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Central Idea (also known as Main Idea)

are the examples, facts, or evidence that support or explain the author's central idea.

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Supporting Details

Multiple Choice

What is the CENTRAL, or MAIN, idea of the passage?

• Eggs are rich in protein and vitamin A.

• Eggs have many uses.

• People should always have eggs in their refrigerator.

• Eggs are a breakfast item enjoyed by

  many people.

Multiple Choice

What is the CENTRAL, or MAIN, idea of the passage?

• Professional sports leagues like

  Chicago.

• The NFL, NBA, and NHL need another

  team in Chicago.

• Chicago has many well-known

  professional sport teams.

• Chicago has many sport teams named

  after animals.

Multiple Choice

What is the CENTRAL, or MAIN, idea of the passage?

• There are many options for fishing bait.

• Artificial bait isn't as effective as live bait.

• Live fishing bait is the best choice.

• Fish are attracted to bait.

Multiple Choice

What is the CENTRAL, or MAIN, idea of the passage?

• When Jenna reads, she transports herself into the world the characters are living.

• Jenna loves reading a good book.

• Jenna's dad knows when Jenna has found a good book.

• There are few things better than a good book.

Think about details that could support the main idea.

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Sometimes you will be given the central idea...

Multiple Choice

Main Idea: Frogs are amazing jumpers.

What supporting detail would go with this main idea?

• Frogs use their tongue to catch flies.

• A tadpole is the name of a young frog.

• Frogs have long, powerful legs which help them leap long

  distances.

• The Fire-belly Toad has slightly warty skin.

Multiple Choice

Main Idea: Octopuses have many different ways to hide

themselves from predators.

What supporting detail would go with this main idea?

• Octopuses have two eyes and four pairs of arms.

• Octopuses like to live in coral reefs.

• Octopuses use camouflage to disguise themselves.

• Octopuses move about by crawling or swimming.

Multiple Choice

Main Idea: There are many famous skateboarders

in the United States.

What supporting detail would NOT go with this main idea?

• Tony Hawk became famous for his half pipe tricks.

• Shaun White is a professional skateboarder and snowboarder.

• With his own television show, Ryan Sheckler is the youngest

  skateboarder on the pro-circuit.

• The trick called the “Ollie” was created in the 1970’s.