Finding Main Idea

Which term best describes the main idea of a piece of writing?

• A supporting detail

• A central point

• A broad topic

• A statement of opinion

Which question would be most helpful for figuring out the main idea of a book?

• what is the main thing that the author wants to say?

• what else do I know about the subject?

• who is the author of the passage?

Three ways to find the main idea. Look for general versus specific ideas. Use the topic to lead you to the main idea. Use key words to lead you to the main idea.

• True

• False

What is the formula for finding the main idea?

• General subject (topic) + what the author say (supporting details) = main idea

• General subject (topic) + what you say = main idea

• General subject (topic) + general point = main idea

• General point + specific point = main idea

How do you figure out the implied main idea in a paragraph or passage reading?

• Locate the general subject or topic

• Identify and record the supporting details

• Decide how the details relate back to the topic (make inference)

• All of the above

What is the stated main idea?

• The author come right out and tells the reader the main idea

• The author makes you guess what the main idea is

• The author underlines the main idea

• The author does not have a main idea in the paragraph or passage

These connect directly back to the central/main idea.

• Sentences

• Paragraphs

• Supporting Details

• Summaries

This is the most common place to find the main idea in a text.

• The mddle of a text.

• The end of a text.

• The beginning of a text.

What text features can give you a clue of what the main idea is?

• Title

• Headings

• Pictures

• All of these

A Supporting Detail...

• Deepens understanding of Main Idea

• Strengthens the Main Idea

• Provides no help and is useless.

• Provides support for the Main Idea