Finding Central Idea

The central idea is...

• the focused idea of the text.

• a detail from the text.

• the first sentence of a paragraph.

• a quote you provide from the text.

How is central idea different from theme?

• Theme incudes specific names and details from the text.

• Central idea includes specific names and details from the text.

• The central idea tells the lesson or moral of the text.

• The theme is the main topic or focus of the text.

True or False: The central idea is directly tied to the author's main point or argument.

• False

• True

Being able to identify the central idea of a text shows...

• that you can cite evidence from the text.

• that you know how to write.

• that you understand the text.

• that you like what you are reading.

Which of the following is NOT a type of specific detail that could support the central idea?

• points made

• events

• conversations

• citations

True or false: You do not have to read all of the supporting details to determine the central idea.

• True

• False

True or False: One supporting detail could change what your central idea says.

• True

• False

How ready do you feel to start determining and analyzing the central idea?

• Very Ready

• Somewhat ready

• I need more information

• What are we talking about?

Find the central idea
 Being a clown isn't all fun and games.  Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform.  When cowboys dismount or are bucked off of bulls at riding competitions, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention.  In this way rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider.  So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business

• Being a clown isn't all fun and games.
• Rodeo clowns protect cowboys by putting themselves in danger.
• Rodeos are exciting.
• Clowns are good at riding bulls.

Because lambs are sometimes eaten by coyotes, ranchers may hunt or trap the coyotes. However, killing coyotes may upset nature's balance. Scientists have found a way to protect sheep without killing coyotes. Coyotes are fed lamb meat treated with a drug. When they eat the meat, they get sick. Later, coyotes won't even go near lambs. They'll hunt rabbits instead.

This story mainly tells.....

• Coyotes prefer rabbits to lambs.

• Killing coyotes upsets nature's balance.

• Scientists are trying to protect sheep and coyotes.