Main Idea

The main idea is supported by what?

• concluding sentences
• details
• a chair

Jon held the ball in his hands.  He bounced it slowly on the ground.  Once. Twice. He crouched low and then jumped.  The ball flew into the air.  Up, up, up, it went.  Then down, down, into the basket.  “Yes!” he yelled.  “Nothing but net!”
What is the main idea?

• How to throw a basketball.
• Jon could jump.
• Jon liked basketball.
• Jon makes a basket.

Many people have not heard giraffes make noises.  Giraffes do not use sounds to “talk” with each other.  When hurt, giraffes make a low moo, something like a cow.  When frightened, they make a short, high sound.
What is the main idea?

• Giraffes do make noises
• Giraffes talk all the time.
• Cows and giraffes talk to each other.
• Lots of people have heard giraffes talk.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better!
What is the main idea?

• Sometimes people feel sad.
• You should do good things for others.
• We're not always happy.
• There are many ways to make yourself feel better. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

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!
What is the main idea?

• Weekends are times to travel.
• The author enjoys spending time with her family.
• The author's grandparents live far away.
• The author is sad to leave her cousins.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Tom started to reel in his line. The fish tugged and pulled hard. Judging by the weight of his catch, this fish could feed his family for three days. Tom struggled to stay in the boat and not be pulled over the side. Finally his catch came into view. He had snagged a snapping turtle!
What is the main idea?

• Tom finds enough food for his family.
• Tom gets pulled out of his boat by a huge fish.
• Tom didn't catch anything.
• Tom catches a snapping turtle while fishing.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

What is the best question to ask yourself when you are trying to find the main idea?

• Who is the main character?
• What is the main event?
• What is one important detail?
• What point is the author trying to make?

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

I really like my new room. It's painted a nice shade of blue. It has soft, new carpet. A large closet has several shelves. Two windows make the room bright and airy. The best part of the room is the window seat which overlooks the backyard. 
What is the main idea?

• The author enjoys her new room.
• The author misses her old room.
• The author is disappointed she moved.
• The author dreams about having her own room one day.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

It was so dark! Her flashlight was in the kitchen. Without thinking, she reached for the light switch, but of course it didn't work. Lea felt like she was trapped in a dark cave. Why did the power go out at night during a thunderstorm? This wouldn't be as scary during the daytime.
What is the main idea?

• Lea is enjoying being home alone.
• Lea enjoys playing hide and seek during a thunderstorm.
• Lea is afraid when the power goes out.
• Lea is stuck in a dark cave.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

A man from another country counted all the car accidents.  He found out that cars painted pink or any light hade seem to be safer.  The light colors are more easily seen.  Cars of two or three different colors may be even safer.   What is the main idea?

• Which color cars are safest
• How to paint a car
• What colors can't be seen

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2