Main Idea

What does the MAIN IDEA of a story tell the reader?

• The most important idea about a topic or a story.

• The conflict of the story

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

The main idea is supported by what?

• concluding sentences

• details

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Look at this book cover, what do you think the main topic will be?

• cars, trains, planes

• barbie dolls

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.1.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

Now look at this book cover, what might one of your key details be?

• dolphins live in the ocean

• 2nd graders take a field trip to the YMCA

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.2

An octopus isn't fast enough to swim after a fish. The octopus must wait for a fish to swim by. When the fish comes within reach, the octopus whips out his long arm to grasp it. Then the octopus has a tasty meal. What is the main idea?

• How much fish an octopus eats

• How an octopus gets its food

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Floods can cause tremendous damage.  They can ruin houses, roads and buildings. Floods can take down trees and cause mudslides. It often leaves mud, sand and debris behind.  It can take months to clean up after a flood.
 What is the main idea?

• Floods can cause a lot of damage.
• Floods cause mudslides.
• Floods damage houses and roads. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

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.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

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.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

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.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

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.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2