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.5.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

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.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

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.5.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

The main idea is supported by what?

• topics
• details
• monkeys
• periods

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

Most of the time, Main Idea can be found ...

• at the start or end of a paragraph
• In the middle of a paragraph
• on the last page
• in the index

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Mary has a new pet. Her pet is a baby kitten. It is soft and cuddly. The kitten likes to sleep a lot. Mary put a soft blanket in a box for its bed. Mary plays with her kitten when it is awake. She never forgets to feed her kitten.

What is the central idea?

• The kitten sleeps a lot.

• Mary plays with her kitten

• Mary’s new pet is a kitten.

• Mary want a new pet.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Supporting details....

• are pointless when determining the central idea

• just give more information

• do not support the central idea

• are evidence and prove the central idea

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

Is there a hairy monster in the Pacific Northwest? Some people think so. They say it lives in the mountains. They call it "Bigfoot". No one knows for sure if Bigfoot is real. Hundreds of people say they have seen the monster, and many more claim to have seen its huge footprints. Reports state that Bigfoot looks like an ape. It doesn't run, but it walks very fast. Bigfoot is said to be a fast swimmer as well. Reports of the strange Bigfoot make the monster an interesting puzzle.

What is the main idea of the text?

• The Pacific Northwest is a nice place to visit.

• Bigfoot looks like an ape.

• Bigfoot is still a mystery.

• Bigfoot's physical features

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.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.5.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2