Main Idea and Theme

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.

Floods can cause tremendous damage.  They can ruin houses, roads and buildings. Floods can take down trees and cause mudslides. It often leaves mud, sand and debris behind.  It can take months to clean up after a flood.

• Floods can cause a lot of damage.
• Floods cause mudslides.
• Floods damage houses and roads. 

What is the best question to ask yourself when you are trying to find the main idea?

• Who is the main character?
• What is the main event?
• What is one important detail?
• What point is the author trying to make?

Mrs. Smith is a teacher. She teaches fifth grade. Her favorite subject to teach is math. Mrs. Smith loves her job!

What is the MAIN IDEA of this passage?

• Mrs. Smith loves her job.

• Mrs. Smith is a teacher.

• Mrs. Smith teaches fifth grade.

Do you know what a mammal is? Mammals give birth to live babies. Mammals also have fur on their bodies. Other animals have feathers, scales, or smooth skin.

What is the MAIN IDEA of this passage?

• How mammals give birth

• What a mammal is

• How mammals have fur

Some kinds of bats eat many insects. Some bats can eat up to 600 mosquitoes in one hour. Bats are helpful to the environment. They help us by eating insects. Without bats, we would have too many insects.

What is the MAIN IDEA of this passage?

• Bats are mammals.

• Bats eat a lot of things.

• Bats eat mosquitoes.

The house is old and needs some work. It needs new paint and the windows are broken. The door is loose and the roof has some holes.

What is the MAIN IDEA of this passage?

• The house needs a roof.

• The house is old and needs some work.

• The windows are broken.

Recess can be a lot of fun! During recess we go outside to play on the play set. We play soccer, tag, and throw the ball to our friends.

What is the MAIN IDEA of this passage?

• Things to do during recess

• We go outside for recess

• We play tag during recess

Karen plays soccer, field hockey, softball, and basketball. Karen enjoys playing each sport she plays, and she is good too!

What is the MAIN IDEA of this passage?

• Karen plays many sports.

• Karen plays soccer.

• Karen plays softball.