Topic, Main Idea, Stated vs. Implied

An important/central message about a topic; the authors point. A main idea should be big enough to address the whole text and makes a specific point about the topic.

• Topic

• Main Idea

• Key Details

• Plot

The author clearly tells the reader what the main idea is.

• Stated Main Idea

• Implied Main Idea

The author never explicitly tells the reader the main idea and the reader has to make inferences.

• Stated Main Idea

• Implied Main Idea

What is the topic of this story?

Sally was very happy. Today was her birthday. She was turning 11 years old. Sally's grandparents came to visit and the whole family went out to dinner.

• Sally's grandparents

• A dog

• Sally

• Sally's family

What is the main idea of this story?

The life cycle of a frog is very interesting. Frogs start out as eggs. Then, they become tadpoles. After a few months, they become adult frogs.

• How big tadpoles are.

• How frogs become green.

• The life cycle of a frog.

What is the main idea of this text?

Dogs and wolves are part of the same animal family. Both animals have strong senses of smell and are loyal to their packs. But dogs and wolves are quite different when it comes to people. Dogs are used to living with people and get along with them. Wolves prefer to live in the wild where they can hunt for food.

• Even though dogs and wolves are similar, dogs interact with people better.

• Dogs are more cute than wolves.

• Dogs and wolves are the same.

The subject of the text; the “who, what, or where” the text is about.

• Topic

• Main Idea

• Key Details

• Summary