Central Idea

What is the CENTRAL IDEA of a nonfiction text?

• What the text is MOSTLY about.

• A full paragraph SUMMARY of a text.

• The type of CONFLICT used throughout a text.

• The universal truth, moral lesson, or message that the author intends for the audience.

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What is the best question to ask yourself when you are trying to find the central idea of a text?

• Who is the main character?

• What is the significance of the main event?

• What is one important detail?

• What point is the author trying to make?

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CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

What is the central idea of the passage?

Thomas Edison’s life span is known as “The age of Edison.” If it wasn’t for Thomas Edison, we might not have electric lights, telephones, movie cameras, or computers! Think of all the ways these great products affect our lives today. Edison held over 1,000 patents and received dozens of awards during his lifetime for his inventions and contributions to science.

• The light bulb has become an essential invention

• Thomas Edison's inventions still impact society today

• Thomas Edison worked until he perfected his inventions

• The process of inventing is never-ending

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CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

What is the central idea of the passage?

The law was not exactly fair in Europe during the Middle Ages. Back then, you could blame someone in your town for committing a crime. The “criminal” could then challenge you to a fight to prove his guilt or innocence. If you lost the fight, you were charged as a liar and the criminal was believed to be innocent. If you won, the criminal was believed to be guilty.

• Laws of the Middle Ages were unfair.

• Fighting was a good way to determine guilt or innocence during the Middle Ages.

• Most people lied about crime in the Middle Ages.

• Individuals that were innocent of crimes often won the fighting challenges.

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CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What is the central idea of the passage?

In 1969, Apollo 11’s successful landing on the moon was seen on TV all around the world. At last, men had walked on the moon for the first time ever! Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin became famous American heroes. This mission was a great achievement for the U.S. space program, and led to six more Apollo flights in the years to come. The mission's success also led to further deep space explorations by the United States and other countries around the world.

• Apollo 11’s landing was an important moment in history

• Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin are heroes

• People were surprised about Apollo 11's success

• Millions watched the Apollo 11 moon landing

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

What is the central idea of the passage?

In 1969, Apollo 11’s successful landing on the moon was seen on TV all around the world. At last, men had walked on the moon for the first time ever! Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin became famous American heroes. This mission was a great achievement for the U.S. space program, and led to six more Apollo flights in the years to come. The mission's success also led to further deep space explorations by the United States and other countries around the world.

• Apollo 11’s landing was an important moment in history

• Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin are heroes

• People were surprised about Apollo 11's success

• Millions watched the Apollo 11 moon landing

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CCSS.RI.6.2