Central Idea - Academic Language

What is the central idea of a passage?

• A detail mentioned in the beginning of the passage

• The main message or point the author wants to convey

• An interesting fact included in the text

• A side note that adds extra information

If information in a passage is explicit, it means that it is:

• Implied

• Stated clearly and directly

• Only suggested

• Hidden or subtle

What does the word “implied” mean in reading comprehension?

• Information that is clearly stated

• Something you can ignore

• Information that is suggested but not directly stated

• A direct quote from the text

Which sentence most clearly suggests the theme of friendship?

• Tom looked out the window as the rain fell.

• Lucy stood by her friend even when others didn’t believe him.

• The sun set over the quiet town.

• Several people gathered at the park for a picnic.

When identifying the central idea, you should focus on:

• Details that seem unrelated to the main events

• Supporting details that help reinforce the main message

• Descriptions of the setting

• Random quotes from the passage

If a detail supports the central idea, it means that the detail:

• Adds humor to the passage

• Is unrelated to the main idea

• Helps reinforce the main message of the passage

• Contradicts the main idea

Which of the following sentences is an example of an explicit detail?

• She looked at the mountain, wondering if she could climb it.

• He was the best in his class, winning several awards.

• The house stood silently, as if holding secrets.

• She hoped he would understand her unspoken words.

In the sentence, “The author most clearly suggests that the character feels nervous,” what does “suggests” mean?

• States explicitly

• Implies with a hint

• Ignores completely

• Describes in detail

What does it mean when a detail is described as "supporting" the central idea?

• It contradicts the main message.

• It reinforces or backs up the main idea.

• It confuses the reader about the main idea.

• It is not important to understanding the text.

If the central idea is implied, you can find it by:

• Only reading the first and last sentences of the passage

• Identifying explicit statements

• Looking for clues in supporting details and context

• Ignoring any supporting details