Finding the Central Idea

The central idea is...

• the focused idea of the text.

• a detail from the text.

• the first sentence of a paragraph.

• a quote you provide from the text.

How is central idea different from theme?

• Theme incudes specific names and details from the text.

• Central idea includes specific names and details from the text.

• The central idea tells the lesson or moral of the text.

• The theme is the main topic or focus of the text.

True or False: The central idea is directly tied to the author's main point or argument.

• False

• True

Being able to identify the central idea of a text shows...

• that you can cite evidence from the text.

• that you know how to write.

• that you understand the text.

• that you like what you are reading.

Why are we working on central idea in high school?

• The central idea is harder to identify in complex texts.

• Identifying the central idea is a new standard in high school.

• The central idea is very easy and it is ridiculous that we are still learning about it.

• Analyzing the central idea involves more than identifying it.

In complex texts, the central idea...

• is stated and can be quoted directly from the text.

• is implied, not stated, meaning you must rely on clues in the text to find it.

• is not directly said by the author, meaning you must draw conclusions.

• is said in the title, and therefore, copying the title is a great way to find the central idea.

Which of the following is NOT a type of specific detail that could support the central idea?

• points made

• events

• conversations

• citations

True or false: You do not have to read all of the supporting details to determine the central idea.

• True

• False

True or False: One supporting detail could change what your central idea says.

• True

• False

How ready do you feel to start determining and analyzing the central idea?

• Very Ready

• Somewhat ready

• I need more information

• What are we talking about?