Main Idea and Supporting Details

What is the main idea of a text?

• The main idea of a text is the central idea that the author is trying to convey.

• The main idea of a text is the summary of the text.

• The main idea of a text is the conclusion of the text.

• The main idea of a text is the background information of the text.

Why are supporting details important in a text?

• Supporting details are irrelevant and should be ignored in a text.

• Supporting details confuse the reader and make the text harder to understand.

• Supporting details are only important in fiction texts, not in non-fiction texts.

• Supporting details provide evidence, examples, and explanations that clarify and support the main idea or argument.

How can you identify the main idea of a text?

• Read the text quickly without paying attention to the details.

• Focus only on the conclusion of the text.

• Skip the introduction and conclusion of the text.

• Analyze the title, headings, topic sentences, and key supporting details in the text.

What is the purpose of supporting details in a text?

• To provide evidence, examples, and explanations to support the main idea or thesis statement.

• To distract the reader from the main idea or thesis statement.

• To confuse the reader and make the text more difficult to understand.

• To provide irrelevant information that is not related to the main idea or thesis statement.

Why is it important to understand the main idea and supporting details of a text?

• To confuse the reader

• To overlook important information

• To comprehend the overall message and context of the text.

• To waste time and effort

If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better!
What is the main idea?

• Sometimes people feel sad.
• You should do good things for others.
• We're not always happy.
• There are many ways to make yourself feel better. 

usually one or two words

• Topic 
• Claim
• Main Idea
• Supporting details

The range of a bird refers to the area over which it flies.  some birds are able to fly great distances, and range over almost the whole world.  Other birds have a very small range.  they travel over areas smaller than one hundred miles.  What is the main idea?

• Where to find a bird range
• Why birds like to travel
• How bird ranges differ

Which sentence supports the main idea that Camp David is secure?

Camp David is a secure location where the President can get away from it all. Established in 1942 by President Roosevelt, Camp David is located in Maryland, about 70 miles from Washington, D.C. in a heavily wooded area. U.S. Marines patrol the area providing optimal security. The Marines are part of the Navy. Because Camp David is so close to Washington, the president can be back at the White House very quickly in the event of a crisis. 

• It was established by President Roosevelt.

• Camp David is in a heavily wooded area.

• Camp David is very close to Washington, D.C.

• U.S. Marines patrol the surrounding area.

Which piece of evidence could be used to BEST support this main idea:

High school students should be required to wear uniforms.

• When adding everything up, a school uniform could end up costing more than $200.

• A student reported, "Allowing us to wear our own clothes gives us a chance to show our unique style and independence."

• At one school that recently required students to wear uniforms, attendence rates went up, and behavior incidents went down.

• School uniforms can be ordered online .