Main Idea/Main Claim

It is one or two words that says what a passage is generally focused on.

• topic

• supporting detail

• main idea

• topic sentence

The main point or message of the passage or article - usually takes a full sentence. The reader writes this sentence.

• topic

• supporting details

• main idea

It is the sentence in the paragraph or passage that directly states the main idea. Not all paragraphs or passage have a clearly stated main idea.

• topic sentence (which is also the main idea)

• topic

• supporting details

"The lyrics of the song "Circles" finds Miller taking responsibility for past choices and hints at having a better state of mind. This new sense of peace is best illustrated on "Surf," where he declares, "I'm starting to see that all I have to do is get up and go," a strong statement that lets you know that, in the end, all the mind needs is time." - MTV News 1/17/20

• Main Idea: The lyrics of the song "Circles" finds Miller taking responsibility for past choices and hints at having a better state of mind.

• Main Idea: This new sense of peace is best illustrated on "Surf," where he declares, "I'm starting to see that all I have to do is get up and go," a strong statement that lets you know that, in the end, all the mind needs is time."

"The song Circles finds Miller taking responsibility for past choices and hints at having a better state of mind. This new sense of peace is best illustrated on "Surf," where he declares, "I'm starting to see that all I have to do is get up and go," a strong statement that lets you know that, in the end, all the mind needs is time." - MTV News 1/17/20

• Supporting Detail or Evidence: The song Circles finds Miller taking responsibility for past choices and hints at having a better state of mind.

• Supporting Detail or Evidence: This new sense of peace is best illustrated on "Surf," where he declares, "I'm starting to see that all I have to do is get up and go," a strong statement that lets you know that, in the end, all the mind needs is time.

Main claims or ideas are the general statement that states the main point or message; while supporting evidence is typically specific and helps to prove or show how the main point is true..

• True

• False

"While you might not remember the winner (or loser) from every Super Bowl of the past 25 years, chances are, you can recall a few of the commercials. From a financially savvy baby explaining how he trades online to a dog named Weego to a red M&M named Danny DeVito, the past two and half decades have provided some of the best spots ever-the pop culture champs of Super Bowl Sunday." - USA Today 1/13/20

• Main Idea or Claim: From a financially savvy baby explaining how he trades online to a dog named Weego to a red M&M named Danny DeVito...

• Main Idea or Claim: ... the past two and half decades have provided some of the best spots ever-the pop culture champs of Super Bowl Sunday.

What is a question you can ask yourself to find the main claim?

• Which sentence does everything else support or relate to?

• Which sentence best proves the point?

• Which sentence has a specific example?

"The 49ers have more offensive firepower and less defensive holes. The Chiefs have plenty of big-play ability, too, but they also tend to give up more big plays. The 49ers are used to flying out of the gate with determination and discipline, while the Chiefs' slow starting in the playoffs is a red flag. This [The Superbowl] has the making of a high-scoring affair that comes down to the last possession." Sporting News 1/20/20

• Main Idea or Claim: The 49ers have more offensive firepower and less defensive holes.

• Main Idea or Claim: The Chiefs have plenty of big-play ability, too, but they also tend to give up more big plays.

• Main Idea or Claim: The 49ers are used to flying out of the gate with determination and discipline, while the Chiefs' slow starting in the playoffs is a red flag.

• Main Idea or Claim: This has the making of a high-scoring affair that comes down to the last possession.

"While you might not remember the winner (or loser) from every Super Bowl of the past 25 years, chances are, you can recall a few of the commercials. From a financially savvy baby explaining how he trades online to a dog named Weego to a red M&M named Danny DeVito, the past two and half decades have provided some of the best spots ever-the pop culture champs of Super Bowl Sunday." - USA Today 1/13/20

• Supporting Detail or Evidence: While you might not remember the winner (or loser) from every Super Bowl of the past 25 years, chances are, you can recall a few of the commercials.

• Supporting Detail or Evidence: From a financially savvy baby explaining how he trades online to a dog named Weego to a red M&M named Danny DeVito...

• Supporting Detail or Evidence: ... the past two and half decades have provided some of the best spots ever-the pop culture champs of Super Bowl Sunday.