Central Idea

The central idea of nonfiction text is __________________

• one word.

• what the text is mostly about.

• the meaning of an unknown word.

The CENTRAL IDEA of a nonfiction text needs to always be supported with...

• The reader's opinion

• Author's who are reliable

• Supporting Details

• Concluding sentences

What is another word for SUPPORTING DETAILS used to

identify the CENTRAL IDEA of a text?

• Conflict

• Topic

• Text Evidence

• Text Features

What is a topic?

• The writer's opinion about the text.

• The supporting detail.

• The retelling of a story.

• The general subject of a text.

Recycling things like paper, plastic, and metal is beneficial for our environment by cutting down on trash. Yet many people throw away their water bottles, shipping boxes, and cans instead of recycling them. An increased focus on getting more people to recycle is leading people to develop creative ways to make it easier for Americans. One way is to put bright colored recycling containers in more places. Seeing more recycling bins helps people remember to use them. Another idea that has been developed is reverse vending machines. These machines are the opposite of traditional vending machines since you give it a recyclable good and it gives you money or reward in return. Hopefully more places will introduce new and unique ways to get people to start recycling. What is the central idea of the passage?

• People need to start recycling in order to protect our environment.

• The amount of people who recycle will increase if innovative methods are implemented.

• Reverse vending machines that gives money for recyclable goods is a creative recycling solution.

• Bright colored collection bins will help encourage people to protect the environment.

Match the following

• pieces of information that explain, define, or add to the central idea

• supporting detail

• ideas from that text that do not directly relate to the central idea

• central idea

• a main point the author wants you to understand in a text

• additional information

Chocolate is a popular food. Today, we think of it mainly as a candy. Years ago, it started out as a drink. All chocolate is made from the beans of the cacao tree. There are many steps to follow in turning cacao beans into the kind of chocolate we eat.

Which 2 sentences are supporting details?

• All chocolate is made from the beans of the cacao tree.

• There are many steps to follow in turning cacao beans into the kind of chocolate we eat.

• Today, we think of it mainly as candy.

What is the central idea of the passage?

Millions of acres of tropical rainforest have been destroyed. Many animals and people lose their homes when the rain forest is cut down. Today, people are destroying the forests so quickly that the animals are unable to adapt. Many of these animals, such as the leopard, need miles and miles of untouched rain forest in order to live. Furthermore, as more of the rainforest is destroyed, the risk of air pollution and loss of oxygen increases.

• Leopards are losing their homes

• The destruction of the rain forest is harming humans and animals.

• The destruction of the rain forest is an interesting subject

• Forests provide oxygen for humans and animals

What is the central idea of the passage?

Thomas Edison’s life span is known as “The age of Edison.” If it wasn’t for Thomas Edison, we might not have electric lights, telephones, movie cameras, or computers! Think of all the ways these great products affect our lives today. Edison held over 1,000 patents and received dozens of awards during his lifetime for his inventions and contributions to science.

• The light bulb was an important invention

• Thomas Edison was an important inventor

• Thomas Edison was an excellent student

• Creating inventions is a difficult process

What is the central idea of the passage?

In 1969, Apollo 11’s successful landing on the moon was seen on TV all around the world. At last, men had walked on the moon for the first time ever! Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin became famous American heroes. This mission was a great achievement for the U.S. space program, and led to six more Apollo flights in the years to come. The mission's success also led to further deep space explorations by the United States and other countries around the world.

• Apollo 11’s landing was an important moment in history

• Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin are heroes

• People were surprised about Apollo 11's success

• Millions watched the Apollo 11 moon landing