Main Idea and Details

The main idea must be supported by key __________.

In order for the reader to find the main idea of a passage the reader must read carefully and think critically about the passage. If the reader is not sure they should reread the passage.

• True

• False

The main idea is a broad or general statement explaining what the passage is mostly or mainly about.

• True

• False

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 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.
• Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.  Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball.  They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.  Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.
What is the main idea?

• They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.
• Soccer players learn how to dribble.
• They learn how to work together as teammates.
• Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

Jenny visited her grandmother in the hospital.  She saw how kind and helpful the nurses were to her grandmother.  Now she wants to be a nurse when she grows up.  She wants to help sick people get well. 
What is the main idea?

• Jenny got sick.
• Jenny wants to be a nurse.
• Her grandmother was in the hospital.
• Jenny was glad the nurses were being kind to her grandmother.

Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are bakers.  They work at a store called Bake Goods to Go.  Mrs. Jones works nights.  She bakes cakes, cookies, and pies.  Mrs. Brown works in the daytime.  She bakes bread and rolls.  Both Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are very good bakers.
What is the main idea?

• Mrs. Jones bakes pies.
• Mrs. Brown bakes rolls.
• Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Brown are bakers
• They work at a store called Bake Goods to Go.

Mary has a new pet.  Her pet is a baby kitten.  It is soft and cuddly.  The kitten likes to sleep a lot.  Mary put a soft blanket in a box for its bed.  Mary plays with her kitten when it is awake.  She never forgets to feed her kitten.
What is the main idea?

• The kitten sleeps a lot.
• Mary plays with her kitten
• Mary’s new pet is a kitten.
• Mary want a new pet.

Which sentence is a supporting detail that recycling is important?

• There are many landfills available for waste.
• Recycling paper saves trees from being cut down.
• Clean jars before recycling them.
• Separate your paper, cans, and glass jars before recycling.

Read the following details and determine the main idea of the words.
-theater
-candy
-popcorn
-dark

• Playing at the park.
• Going to school.
• Playing a soccer game.
• Going to the movies.