Determining Central Idea

central idea

By Lizbeth Aguilera

Open Ended

What do you think central idea means ?

​what is central idea?

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The central idea in a text is the purpose of the text.

• Why did the author write this ?

• What was their point?

( The message the author is trying to get to you)

What the text is mainly about.

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​why is it important?

​Knowing what the central idea of a text is KEY in your understanding of what you read.

Understanding the central idea also helps you better remember what you read.​

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​how do we find the central idea in a text?

To find the central idea we first need to ​

• Identify the topic (the title)

Then we,

• ​Re-read the first sentence

• Re-read the last sentence ​

​Finally,

• Look for ​any repeating words or phrases

Let's try!

Multiple Choice

What is the central idea of the text?

• Storms are created by cumulonimbus clouds.

• Thunderstorms need moisture.

• Thunderstorms produce thunder and lightning

• All thunderstorms are dangerous.

Multiple Choice

What is the central idea of the text?

• A habitat is an animals home

• Polar bears have different habitats from lizards

• Animals don't need habitats

• Food and water are necessary

Multiple Choice

What is the central idea of the text?

• The statute of liberty is cool.

• The faces were carved using dynamite.

• Mt. Rushmore is located in South Dakota.

• Mt. Rushmore has faces of four famous presidents.

now you try!!!!

Multiple Choice

What is the central idea of the text?

• George Crum was a chef

• French fries are George Crums favorite food

• The potato chip was accidentally invented

• Potato chips are made from potatoes

Multiple Choice

What is the central idea of this text?

• Rocks can change.

• sedimentary rocks are formed from soil

• Rocks are named according to how they were created

• There are sedimentary, weathered, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.

Multiple Choice

What is the central idea of the text?

• Kids eat 15 ponds of cereal.

• Cereal is a popular breakfast food.

• You have four boxes of cereal in your kitchen.

• Homes without kids eat about 28 boxes of cereal a year.

Open Ended

What is one thing you learned today?

​in conclusion

The central idea of a text is the purpose of which it was written for, and it is what the text will be mainly about.

It is important to know how to find the central idea in a text since it will help you understand what you are reading. ​