Central Ideas & Concepts

What is the central idea of a text?

• The setting and time period of the story

• The most important point the author wants to convey

• A minor detail that supports the plot

• A summary of the entire text

When determining the central idea of a text, you should:

• Focus only on the first paragraph

• Ignore the supporting details

• Pay attention to repeated ideas and themes throughout the text

• Only consider the author’s tone

Which of the following is most closely related to "central idea"?

• Theme

• Setting

• Characterization

• Conflict

A central idea can best be described as:

• The emotional appeal of the story

• The specific details and facts included in the text

• The underlying message or argument the author is making

• The figurative language used by the author

How does the central idea of a nonfiction text differ from that of a fictional text?

• In nonfiction, the central idea is often an argument or explanation, while in fiction, it's usually a lesson or theme.

• There is no difference between the two.

• Nonfiction texts do not have a central idea, while fiction texts do.

• The central idea of a nonfiction text focuses solely on plot development.

Which of the following sentences would most likely express the central idea of a passage?

• "John looked out the window, seeing the clouds gather above."

• "The industrial revolution greatly impacted workers' rights, leading to social reforms."

• "The cat purred contentedly in the sun, unaware of the commotion outside."

• "Emily finished her homework before heading out for a walk in the park."

Which is the best strategy for identifying the central idea of an informational text?

• Read the first sentence of each paragraph

• Skim through the text quickly

• Consider how the details build on each other to support the main message

• Read only the conclusion of the text

In fiction, how is the central idea often communicated?

• Through the character's dialogue and actions

• Through random details in the setting

• Through irrelevant details that do not contribute to the plot

• Through the footnotes provided by the author

A passage that focuses on the importance of overcoming challenges to achieve success is most likely conveying which central idea?

• Perseverance leads to success

• Challenges should be avoided

• Success is unimportant

• Failure is inevitable

How can supporting details help develop a central idea?

• They distract the reader from the main idea

• They provide evidence and examples to clarify the main idea

• They confuse the reader by offering unrelated information

• They repeat the main idea without adding new information