Main Idea 2nd Grade

The main idea of a text is....

• what the text is a little bit about

• what the text is mostly or mainly about

• what the text is sometimes about

• what the text is never about

Tom started to reel in his line. The fish tugged and pulled hard. Judging by the weight of his catch, this fish could feed his family for three days. Tom struggled to stay in the boat and not be pulled over the side. Finally his catch came into view. He had snagged a snapping turtle!

What is the main idea?

• Tom catches a snapping turtle while fishing.

• Tom finds enough food for his family.

• Tom gets pulled out of his boat by a huge fish.

• Tom didn't catch anything.

The main idea is supported by what?

• opinions

• facts or details

• topics

• captions

Mary has a new pet. Her pet is a baby kitten. It is soft and cuddly. The kitten likes to sleep a lot. Mary put a soft blanket in a box for its bed. Mary plays with her kitten when it is awake. She never forgets to feed her kitten.

What is the main idea?

• Mary’s new pet is a kitten.

• Mary wants a new pet.

• Mary plays with her kitten.

• The kitten sleeps a lot.

Which detail does NOT support the main idea of question 4?

• It is soft and cuddly.

• She never forgets to feed her kitten.

• Mary wants a new pet.

• She plays with the kitten.