Main Idea

Where do you normally find the central idea?

• In the first sentence
• At the end of the Paragraph
• All of the answers are correct!!
• It is implied

The central idea can be found in which of the following?

• The first sentence of the paragraph
• Any sentence in the paragraph
• It can be implied
• All of the above

The central idea is supported by which of the following?

• concluding sentences
•   details
• transitions
• reliable topics

The general subject that the passage is about is which of the following?

• Topic
• Claim
• Central Idea
• Supporting details

The broad subject usually made up of one or two words is which of the following?

• Topic 
• Claim
• Main Idea
• Supporting details

Read the following paragraph.  Which sentence in the passage contains the central idea of the paragraph?
(1)The first U.S. zoo opened in Philadelphia in 1874. (2)Visitors were thrilled to see animals from all over the world.  (3)The zoo had six giraffes, an elephant named Jennie, and many colorful birds.  (4)It also had some animals from Australia.  (5)People were amazed at the kangaroos, wombats and dingoes.

• Sentence 1
• Sentence 2
• Sentence 3
• Sentence 5

What is the implied central idea? 
When tigers hunt, they hunt alone. In contrast, lions hunt in groups; they work together to drive their prey into an ambush. Cheetahs are known for their speed when they chase prey. Leopards are able to climb trees when they are prowling for prey. Surprisingly, jaguars often hunt in water. There is great diversity in the hunting habits of large cats. There is also great diversity in the places in which they hunt.

• There is great diversity in the hunting habits of large cats, and there is also great diversity in the places in which they hunt.
• When tigers hunt, they hunt alone, but in contrast, lions hunt in groups.
• Cheetahs, leopards, and jaguars have different methods of hunting.

True or False
The title can contain hints about the central idea.

• True
• False

True or False
Making a summary of the paragraph is a good way to locate the central idea and supporting details.

• True
• False