Main Idea

The main idea of a text is....

• what the text is a little bit about

• what the text is never about

• what the text is sometimes telling you

• what the text is mostly or mainly about

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

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. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What at is the main idea of this paragraph?

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.

• 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.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Every day Dylan loves to play basketball outside. He practices bouncing the ball in the morning. After school, Dylan shoots baskets with his friends. He even plays basketball when it's raining!

What is the main idea of the text?

• Dylan enjoys the rain.

• Dylan enjoys playing basketball.

• Dylan shoots baskets.

• Dylan bounces the basketball.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

Koala's fur has many uses. Their thick fur protects them from the heat and the cold. The fur is like a raincoat when it's raining. Fur on the koala's bottom is extra thick so the koalas can easily rest in trees.

What is the main idea of the text?

• How koalas rest in trees

• How fur helps koalas

• How koalas keep warm

• How koalas' fur is like a raincoat

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

Lauren could not find her math paper. She searched all through her desk. Lauren looked in her math book and notebook. When she saw the pile of papers on the teacher's desk, she realized she already turned in her paper.

What is the main idea of the text?

• the papers on the teacher's desk

• Lauren looking in her desk

• Lauren's lost math paper

• Lauren looking through her math book and notebook

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

Staying indoors on rainy days can be fun. My brother and I play several fun games in the morning. After lunch, I help my mom bake yummy sugar cookies. I end the day with reading a good book in bed.

What is the main idea of the text?

• Staying inside can be fun.

• Going outside is the best.

• Making cookies is fun.

• I love reading books.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

Sharks have a lot of teeth. A shark may have up to 3,000 teeth at one time. Shark teeth grow in rows. When a shark loses a tooth, it is replaced by a new tooth from the row behind it. A shark may have over 20,000 teeth over the course of its life.

What is the main idea of the text?

• Shark have a lot of teeth.

• Shark teeth grow in rows.

• When a shark loses a tooth, it is replaced by a new tooth from the row behind it.

• Shark bites hurt!

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2