Main Idea and Supporting Detail

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.

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.

When summarizing a paragraph, you should include:

• Every detail and example

• Only the main idea

• The main idea and key supporting details

• Your own opinions about the topic

Which of the following best represents the main idea?

• Specific facts and examples used to support the main idea.

• The central point or message that the author wants to convey.

• A moral or lesson that can be learned from the story.

• A brief summary of the story's events.

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

• Guessing before reading

• Focusing on the pictures only

• Reading the first and last sentence

• Asking questions about what is most important in the text

Why is it important to understand the main idea of a text?

• To improve your vocabulary

• To pass the time while reading

• To better understand the author's message

• To learn how to write long paragraphs

What is the main idea of a paragraph?

• The first sentence of the paragraph

• The most important point the author is trying to make

• A list of facts and details

• The conclusion or the last sentence

Read this description: "The library was quiet, filled with rows of books that ranged from floor to ceiling. People of all ages were reading quietly or searching for books." What detail supports the main idea that the library is a place for reading and learning?

• The library has many books.

• The library was quiet.

• People of all ages were present.

• Books ranged from floor to ceiling.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept