5-Main idea

Look at these details from a paragraph about the same topic:

• Gazelles are animals that can run fast to escape from predators.

• In addition, young gazelles can hide in tall grass for protection.

• When they sense a predator nearby, gazelles warn the herd by stomping their feet.

Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.

• Gazelles use more than one strategy to avoid predators.

• Gazelles are prey for several types of large animals.

• Gazelles use their quick speed to avoid different kinds of predators.

Look at these details from a paragraph about the same topic:

• Bogs contain layers of sand and dead leaves that help cranberries grow for many years.

• Cranberry plants have shallow roots to absorb food from the soil in the bog.

• When bogs flood, the extra fresh water helps the cranberries to grow even more.

Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.

• Cranberries grow best in freshwater wetlands known as bogs.

• Cranberries are mostly grown in the northern part of the United States.

• Cranberries need a lot of freshwater.

Look at these details from a paragraph about the same topic:

• In a play, the actors are the ones who perform onstage.

• Stage managers help run the stage lights during the play.

• Set designers make the sets and change the stage in between scenes.

Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.

• Costume designers put together the costumes and find props for the play.

• Several groups of people have to work together to produce a play.

• There are strategies that can help actors learn lines for plays.

Look at these details from a paragraph about the same topic:

• Slow down and pronounce words clearly when speaking in front of a group.

• When speaking to a group of people, take deep breaths to stay calm.

• Stand up straight and smile often if you're speaking in front of a group.

Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.

• There are many reasons you may need to speak in front of a group.

• Public speaking skills can be improved by following some helpful tips.

• Breathe deeply when speaking in front of a group.

Look at these details from a paragraph about the same topic:

• Before a tornado, the sky may turn very dark and sometimes green.

• When a tornado is near, you may hear a loud roaring sound that lasts a long time.

• There can be hail or very heavy rain before a tornado strikes.

Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.

• There are some signs that show a tornado is coming.

• Heavy rain and hail can be signs of a tornado.

• As a tornado approaches, you may see a large cloud of dust.

Look at these details from a paragraph about the same topic:

• You can locate things more quickly when everything has its place.

• Knowing your house is organized can make you feel calmer and happier.

• Having a neat bedroom can help you sleep better.

Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.

• If your house is organized, unexpected vistors won't stress you.

• You won't waste time looking for things if your house is organized.

• Having things in order can make your life better and easier.

Look at these details from a paragraph about the same topic:

• Floodwaters can add nutrients to the soil, improving the land for crops.

• The extra water from floods can help some plants grow more quickly.

• On the other hand, floodwaters can carry dangerous diseases.

Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.

• Floods can destroy buildings and farmland.

• Floods can have both good and bad effects.

• Floods can help new plants grow.

Look at these details from a paragraph about the same topic:

• In the warmer months, visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes can hike the dunes.

• Visitors can ski in Sleeping Bear Dunes when there is snow.

• When it is cold, visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes can ice fish.

Choose the main, or central, idea that ties all the details together.

• Sleeping Bear Dunes offers something to do all year round.

• There are various animal species living in Sleeping Bear Dunes.

• When there is snow, visitors can go skiing in Sleeping Bear Dunes.