Main Idea

There are many fun things to do at the beach.  Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach.  Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed.  Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun.  It is also fun to look for shells.  Some people simply like to sunbathe.
What is the main idea?

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.
• It is also fun to look for shells.
• Some people simply like to sunbathe.
• Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.  Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball.  They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.  Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.
What is the main idea?

• They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.
• Soccer players learn how to dribble.
• They learn how to work together as teammates.
• Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Jenny visited her grandmother in the hospital.  She saw how kind and helpful the nurses were to her grandmother.  Now she wants to be a nurse when she grows up.  She wants to help sick people get well. 
What is the main idea?

• Jenny got sick.
• Jenny wants to be a nurse.
• Her grandmother was in the hospital.
• Jenny was glad the nurses were being kind to her grandmother.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

Mrs. Gonzales likes to paint. She likes the pretty colors. She draws a picture first. Then she uses her paints. She gives her pictures to her son.

What is the main idea?

• Mrs. Gonzales does not paint well.

• Painting is fun.

• Mrs. Gonzales paints pictures.

What is the main idea?

• Its the authors point of view

• Is what the passage is mostly about

• It is the order and sequence of the story.

• It is the plot of a story.

A lot of the time, the main idea of a text can be found ...

• at the start or end of a paragraph.

• in the middle of a paragraph.

• as a supporting detail.

• in the index.

If the main idea is...
Trees help humans in many ways.
What could a supporting detail be?

• Trees need water to grow.
• Trees give us food.
• Trees are in danger.
• Birds live in trees.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.1

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

What is the main idea?

Bears eat many types of food. They eat fish. They also eat berries. They even eat insects and insect nests!

• They eat fish.

• Bears eat many types of food.

• They also eat berries.

• They even eat insects and insect nests!

iPods
You can do many things with an iPod.  You can listen to your own music. iPods have lots of games to download.  You can even chat with your friends on an iPod.
What is a supporting detail that was used?

• iPods are fun.
• iPods are different than iPads.
• You can listen to your own music.
• iPods

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.5.1

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?