Central Idea

The central idea is

• What the story is mostly about

• A long, detailed summary

• The moral of the story

• The most exciting moment

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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 comprehend the text.

• that you like what you are reading.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Most people think that gorillas are mean, but actually they are shy. It seems that such a huge animal with very large teeth would be aggressive. Hollywood movies help convey this image of the scary, ferocious gorilla. In fact, gorillas only attack if they are provoked. 
This author belives that:

• Gorillas are misunderstood as vicious animals.
• Gorillas are mean animals
• Gorillas don't like other animals.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

If the main idea is “There are many different colors in a crayon box” what would a supporting detail be?

• Orange is my favorite color

• The crayon box has 24 colors in it

• I like to color in my coloring book

• Crayons are fun to use

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Apples can be used to make many delicious treats. Some people like to slice apples and dip them in caramel. Others like to cook apples and make them into applesauce. Maybe you enjoy making apples into a pie. Or maybe you just like to pick them off the tree and take a big bite! There are many ways to enjoy this fruit! What is the CENTRAL IDEA of this passage?

• Apples are tasty

• There are many ways to eat an apple

• Apples come in all different forms

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

The central idea is supported by

• Details throughout the story

• The setting

• Dialogue

• Concluding sentences

• Title

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Main Idea:
Frogs are amazing jumpers.

What supporting detail would go with this main idea?

• Frogs use their tongue to catch flies.
• A tadpole is the name of a young frog.
• Frogs have long, powerful legs which help them leaplong distances.
• The Fire-belly Toad has slightly warty skin.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

We often let others know what we are thinking without using words. The name that we give for this kind of communication is body language. Body language includes gestures, facial expressions, and posture. Body language does not always mean the same thing to everyone.

What is the CENTRAL IDEA of the above paragraph?

• We sometimes use words to express ourselves.

• We use body language to communicate with others.

• Body language may not mean the same thing to everyone.

• Body language includes gestures, facial expression, and posture.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

In complex texts, the central idea...

• is stated and can be quoted directly from the text.

• is implied, not stated, meaning you must rely on clues in the text to find it.

• is not directly said by the author, meaning you must draw conclusions.

• is said in the title, and therefore, copying the title is a great way to find the central idea.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2