Identifying Main Ideas

What is the main idea of a paragraph or passage?

• Central point the author conveys

• An extension topic

• A minor detail in the text

• The conclusion of the text

What type of sentence often states the main idea in informational texts?

• Topic sentence

• Support sentence

• Closing sentence

• Question sentence

What do supporting details do for the main idea?

• Distract from it

• Reinforce or expand it

• Contradict it

• Simplify it

In literary texts, the main idea can be implied by:

• Specific facts in the text

• Straightforward information

• Themes and symbolism

• Direct quotes only

What text structure often helps reveal the main idea in informational texts?

• Persuasive

• Fictional

• Mythical

• Cause and Effect

If a passage describes events in sequence, what structure is it using?

• Cause and Effect

• Descriptive

• Chronological

• Poetic

When finding the main idea in a descriptive passage, you might focus on:

• Key dialogue

• Plot sequence

• Author’s background

• Setting or character traits

For literary passages, what should you consider to identify the main idea?

• Inspect each minor point.

• Consider the overarching theme or character's journey.

• Locate explicitly stated facts.

• Look at most complex vocabulary used throughout.

Which statement best describes an implied main idea?

• Found through supporting details and themes

• Clearly stated in the first sentence

• Always in the final sentence

• The most confusing part of the passage

If a character reflects on their past, the main idea might focus on:

• The author’s life story

• Achievements in school

• Emotional growth or forgiveness

• A detailed schedule