Identify the Main Idea

There are many fun things to do at the beach.  Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach.  Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed.  Playing beach volleyball can also be a lot of fun.  It is also fun to look for shells.  Some people simply like to sunbathe.

What is the main idea?

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.

• It is also fun to look for shells.

• Some people simply like to sunbathe.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

What is the main idea of a paragraph?

• The most interesting sentence in the paragraph.

• The central point or message the paragraph is trying to convey.

• The first sentence of the paragraph.

• A random detail from the paragraph.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Why is it important to find the main idea of a paragraph?

• To memorize every detail in the paragraph.

• To understand the overall message or purpose of the paragraph.

• To count the number of sentences in the paragraph.

• To find the longest word in the paragraph.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Which of the following is NOT a way to find the main idea of a paragraph?

• Look for repeated words or phrases.

• Identify the topic sentence.

• Focus on the supporting details only.

• Summarize the paragraph in your own words.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

What question can you ask to help find the main idea of a paragraph?

• What is the paragraph mostly about?

• How many sentences are in the paragraph?

• What is the longest word in the paragraph?

• Who wrote the paragraph?

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

If a paragraph is about "The life cycle of a butterfly," what is likely the main idea?

• Butterflies are colorful.

• The stages a butterfly goes through from egg to adult.

• Butterflies can fly.

• Butterflies live in gardens.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Which sentence is most likely the main idea of a paragraph about "The importance of recycling"?

• Recycling helps reduce waste in landfills.

• Some people do not recycle.

• Recycling can be done with paper, plastic, and glass.

• Recycling is a fun activity.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

What is a topic sentence?

• A sentence that describes the main idea of a paragraph.

• A sentence that lists all the details in a paragraph.

• A sentence that is always at the end of a paragraph.

• A sentence that is unrelated to the paragraph.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

How can identifying the main idea help you in school?

• It helps you write longer essays.

• It helps you understand and remember what you read.

• It helps you skip reading assignments.

• It helps you find the main idea of every word.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Which of the following is a good strategy to find the main idea?

• Ignore the first and last sentences.

• Focus only on the adjectives.

• Look for the most important point the author is making.

• Count the number of words in the paragraph.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2