Main Idea

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.

If you can't figure out the main idea of a passage, what should you do?

• Try to recall every specific detail from the passage

• Ask yourself general questions about the passage

• Read the passage over and over until you have it memorized

• Read the passage once and don't look at it again.

What is the main idea for the 2nd passage?

• Todd had a great birthday.

• Joey had a great birthday.

• Todd got lots of gifts.

• Joey got lots of gifts.

Seated on his throne, King Midas wore a golden crown. He had golden rings on each finger and held a golden scepter. His vest was embroidered with golden thread and even his shoes had golden ornaments. He had a golden box filled with gold coins. He named his daughter Marigold.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• King Midas loved gold.

• King Midas sold lots of gold.

• King Midas had a heart of gold.

• King Midas hated gold.

It was backward day at school.  The students had to do things backward.  Some of them wore their T-shirts backward.  They took a test before they studied the lesson.  Dessert was served first instead of last.  They tried to walk home backward, but they bumped into each other and fell down. 
What is the main idea?

• Dessert is supposed to come last.

• The students had a backward day.

• It is hard to do things backward.

• Students failed their tests.

You should determine the main idea by combining the supporting details.

• True

• False

The main idea can be implied or stated.

• True

• False

Someday we will all have robots that will be our personal servants. They will look and behave much like real humans. We will be able to talk to these mechanical helpers and they will be able to respond in kind! Amazingly, the robots of the future will be able to learn from experience. They will be smart, strong, and untiring workers whose only goal will be to make our lives easier.
What is this selection mainly about?

• Someday we will have robots that will be our personal servants.

• We will be able to talk to robots and they will be able to respond.

• You should give up if you are the Robots will look and behave much like real humans.

• Amazingly, the robots of the future will be able to learn from experience.

What is the main idea of the 1st passage?

• Boots is my dog.

• Boots can sit.

• Boots is very smart.

• Most dogs can't dance.

What is the main idea of the following passage? 'The city park is a great place for families. It has a playground, a picnic area, and a walking trail. Many families visit the park on weekends to enjoy the outdoors.'

• A) The city park is only for children.

• B) The city park is a great place for families.

• C) The city park is open only on weekends.

• D) The city park has a walking trail.