Determining Main Idea

How to find the Main Idea and Evidence

In this lesson, we will learn how to find the main idea, and evidence to support it. Please work with a partner if suggested.

Part 1-Main Idea

Hints to finding the Main Idea...

A hint in reading a long and boring article, is to find the main idea. Finding the main idea, might make the article or story more interesting to read.
Another little clue to finding it, is read whole paragraph, then go back and reread what you think the article is mostly about.

The difference between a Main Idea and a Topic, is what they mean and can do in the story. A topic is the big idea, and the main idea is the most important or central thought of the story. The main idea or topic can be a conversation happening in the story as well.

What's the difference

Topic- A topic is not a main idea; it is the big idea of what the story is all about. Like if my topic is Cats, my story is about cats.
Main Idea- A Main Idea is not like a topic, a main idea is what the story is about in each paragraph, like some people say it is the most important, or central thought.

Topic VS. Main Idea

Part 2-Main Idea

In this passage I will help you figure out the study of a main idea. You will follow all the directions I give you, and then you will have a little game or activity to play. Please follow all instructions given.

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Part 3-Main Idea Study...

Part 4-Main Idea Quick Notes

• Pre-read to determine the overall topic...

• Read the passage, article, or story...

• Reflect on what it was saying...

​Quick Reflection Time...

Activity Time
Instructions: Please find a partner and grab a whiteboard and eraser, with a marker. Once you have done all that, please come up and get a pink little card/sticky note from me to continue. When I have given you this piece of paper, and you have the supplies, YOU MAY BEGIN!

Open Ended

Now, with the little piece of paper I gave you, read the whole card. Write what the main idea is, and underline all your evidence and details supporting that.

How to find Evidence to support your Main Idea...

Part 1-Evidence

Why is evidence so important?

Evidence is important because it helps support you when you need the details and support when you rebuttal or are arguing or something like that. Evidence supports the main idea giving reasons why you think or know this main idea is correct.

In this passage I am going to teach you about the study of evidence. When you are seeking and finding evidence you also having to study it. You have to be able to know if this makes sense or if this is non-sense. Evidence is one of the most important things, it backs you up, and supports your claim, and your reasons.

Part 2-Evidence Study

Thank you for listening and hearing me out with my reasonings...

Think REALLY FAST

You are going to answer the following questions on the next slide with a partner I pick for you, please think fast and LISTEN TO ALL INSTRUCTIONS!

Multiple Choice

What is the MAIN IDEA?

• A guy in a book

• The moral or lesson/theme of the story

• Back-up and supporting reasons for a main idea

• The most important or central thought

Multiple Choice

What is EVIDENCE?

• A popular TV show
• A form of transportation
• A type of fruit
• Information or facts that help to prove something

Multiple Choice

What is a KEY EVENT?

• An event that occurs when a mouse button is clicked
• An event that occurs when a keyboard key is pressed or released
• An event that occurs when a screen is touched
• An event that occurs when a key on a piano is pressed

Multiple Choice

What is a THEME?

• The main subject or idea being discussed or described
• A type of animal
• A type of clothing
• A type of fruit

Multiple Select

What did you learn today in this lesson? Select all that apply.

• I learned about a Main Idea

• I learned how to collect evidence

• I learned that I am SMART

• I AM JUST AWESOME

• I learned about theme and moral of a story