Main Idea

A statement that tells what a passage is mostly about -

• Topic

• Main idea

• Claim

• Supporting detail

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.

What is a statement that tells what a passage is mostly about called?

• Topic

• Claim

• Main Idea

• Transitional sentence

Bella is going to have a birthday party. She is turning fifteen on Sunday. The dress that she will wear was bought from France. Both of her parents spent a lot for this celebration. All her friends are invited to the party. What is the main idea?

• There are balloons for the party

• Bella’s peach dress

• Bella’s birthday party

What is the main idea of the section titled, "Shark Attack?"

• Shark attacks only happen in deep water

• Sharks don't attack people very often

• Sharks are always hunting people

• Sharks NEVER attack people

Read the following passage and determine the main idea: "The exploration of space has led to numerous scientific discoveries and technological advancements. It has expanded our understanding of the universe and inspired innovations that benefit life on Earth. However, space exploration is costly and poses risks, requiring careful consideration of its benefits and challenges."

• Space exploration is expensive and risky.

• Space exploration has led to scientific discoveries and technological advancements, despite its costs and risks.

• Space exploration expands our understanding of the universe.

• Space exploration benefits life on Earth.

Read the following passage and determine the main idea: "The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the 'lungs of the Earth,' plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. However, deforestation and human activities are threatening its existence, which could have severe consequences for the planet's climate and biodiversity."

• The Amazon Rainforest is known as the 'lungs of the Earth.'

• The Amazon Rainforest is home to diverse wildlife.

• The Amazon Rainforest is crucial for climate regulation but is endangered by deforestation and human activities.

• The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world.

Which of the following is FALSE about the main idea? 

• The main idea is always the first sentence of every paragraph.

• It is the primary point the author is trying to make.

• To discover it, ask yourself what is being said about the topic.

• The author can locate the main idea within different places in a paragraph.

True or False: The main idea does not need supporting details.

• True

• False

What is the main idea?

• Mount Rushmore is a carving in a stone cliff.

• Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota

• George Washington is one of the faces on Mount Rushmore.

• Mount Rushmore attracts visitors.