Identifying the Main Idea

Front

What is the main idea of a story?

Back

The main idea is the most important point or message that the story is trying to convey.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

Front

How can you find the main idea in a paragraph?

Back

Look for the sentence that tells what the paragraph is mostly about.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

Front

What does it mean to summarize a story?

Back

To summarize means to give a brief statement of the main points of the story.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.9

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Front

What is a supporting detail?

Back

Supporting details are facts or examples that help explain or support the main idea.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.1

Front

Why is it important to identify the main idea?

Back

Identifying the main idea helps you understand the overall message of the text.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

Front

What is a topic sentence?

Back

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main idea of a paragraph.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

Front

Can a main idea be found in a single sentence?

Back

Yes, the main idea can often be found in a single sentence, usually the topic sentence.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

Front

What is an example of a main idea?

Back

An example of a main idea is: 'Dogs are great pets because they are loyal and friendly.'

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

Front

What is the difference between the main idea and details?

Back

The main idea is the overall message, while details provide information that supports the main idea.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.1

Front

How do you know if you found the main idea?

Back

If the sentence captures what the text is mostly about, then it is likely the main idea.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2