Foundations of Informational Text

The author's statement on what the text is mostly about.

• Central idea

• Opinion

• Author's purpose

• Theme or message

Even if you change the details in a text, the central idea just stays the same.

• True

• False

What do you use to support a central idea?

• details/evidence

• opinions/facts

• vocabulary words

• explaining the text

What is the formula for main idea?

• Points and details

• Topic + Point

• Main idea+ evidence

Select 3. What are the actual correct steps for determining a central idea?

• Underline most of the text evidence details

• Identify the topic

• Look for repeating words/ideas

• Think about what the details all have in common

• Find all of the author's opinions

What would the main idea be if the details provided were 'They help the blind', 'They help police' and 'They help sick people'?

• Dogs can assist humans in many ways.

• Dogs are hard to care for.

• Dogs need time to adjust to a new home after adoption.

What would the main idea be if the details were: 'exercise improves mental health', 'Reading improves mental health', and 'eating right improves mental health'?

• Mental health can get better if you make good choices

• Mental health is important

• Mental health can be a difficult problem to fix

What is the easiest way to figure out a central idea?

• Look for ideas and words that are repeating

• Underline every detail

• Ask yourself why you are reading this article

• Read it many times

'Why' the author wrote the text.

• Main idea

• Theme

• Author's purpose

• Evidence details

Which one is NOT A TYPE of author's purpose?

• Persuade

• Inquire

• Inform

• Entertain