Central Idea Practice and Supporting Details

Smaller details within a bigger picture

• Specifics

• Plots

• Generalizations

• Claims

Main Idea:
Harry Houdini became a famous magician for his escapes from impossible traps.

What supporting detail would go with this main idea?

• Houdini liked to travel to England to perform his magic tricks.

• Houdini was a very mysterious man.

• Houdini liked to do tricks with water.

• Houdini once escaped a straightjacket whilesuspended high in the air.

An American art form began in 1938. That’s when the first comic book starring Superman came out. The Man of Steel was a superhero. Kids and adults both enjoyed these comic books.They liked the fact that the good guy always won. The comics sold well. Soon Batman and Robin had their own series of comic books. Over time Marvel Comics came up with more superheroes. They launched Spiderman and X-Men. These characters were very popular. Toys, games, and clothing featured them. Now, all these comic book characters have had their own movies.
What is the main idea?

• In a comic book, the superhero always wins.

• Superman was the first comic book hero.

• Over time, comic book superheroes have gained in popularity.

• Toys and games feature superheroes. 

What is the main idea?

• Bicycle riders need to know hand signals.

• Bicycle riders need to get reflectors.

• Bicycle riders need the right equipment to practice bicycle safety.

• Bicycle riders should always wear a helmet.

Main Idea:
Frogs are amazing jumpers.

What supporting detail would go with this main idea?

• Frogs use their tongue to catch flies.

• A tadpole is the name of a young frog.

• Frogs have long, powerful legs which help them leap long distances.

• The Fire-belly Toad has slightly warty skin.

Main Idea:
There are many famous skateboarders in the United States.

What supporting detail would NOT go with this main idea?

• Tony Hawk became famous for his half pipe tricks.

• Shaun White is a professional skateboarder and snowboarder.

• With his own television show, Ryan Sheckler is the youngest skateboarder on the pro-circuit.

• The trick called the “Ollie” was created in the 1970’s.

Main Idea:
To scuba dive you need a lot of special equipment.

What supporting detail would NOT go with this main idea?

• Scuba divers prefer the waters of the Caribbean.

• A mask is used to help the scuba diver see things underwater.

• A scuba diver uses an oxygen tank to breathe under water.

• Flippers make swimming in the ocean much easier.

Where is the main  idea located?

• First Sentence

• Anywhere in the passage

• In the End

• Nowhere

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?

When you determine the main idea and key details of a text while condensing information into a short paragraph, you are _____.

• predicting

• concluding

• summarzing

• judging