Main Idea and Central Message

Being able to identify the central idea of a text shows...

• that you can cite evidence from the text.

• that you know how to write.

• that you understand the text.

• that you like what you are reading.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

Find the central idea

Being a clown isn't all fun and games. Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform. When cowboys dismount or are bucked off of bulls at riding competitions, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In this way rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider. So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business

• Being a clown isn't all fun and games.

• Rodeo clowns protect cowboys by putting themselves in danger.

• Rodeos are exciting.

• Clowns are good at riding bulls.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

True or False: The central idea is directly tied to the author's main point or argument.

• False

• True

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

We often let others know what we are thinking without using words. The name that we give for this kind of communication is body language. Body language includes gestures, facial expressions, and posture. Body language does not always mean the same thing to everyone. What is the central idea of the paragraph?

• We sometimes use words to express ourselves.

• Body language may not mean the same thing to everyone.

• We use body language to communicate with others.

• Body language includes gestures, facial expression, and posture.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

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 central (AKA 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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

What is a central idea?

• It's the authors point of view

• What the passage is mostly about

• It is the sequence of the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

You should determine the central idea by combining the supporting details (AKA text evidence).

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

“The rain forest is home to many creatures. Monkeys, toucans and macaws live in the rain forest. Butterflies and anteaters also live in the rain forest.”
What is the central idea?

• Sloths and tapirs are other creatures that live in the rain forest.

• The rain forest is home to many creatures.

• Monkeys, toucans and macaws live in the rain forest.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

There are several events that can change the Earth's surface very quickly. Volcanoes can erupt and spread lava, rock and ash for several miles.  Earthquakes can leave large cracks in the Earth's surface. What is the central idea?

• Several events can change the Earth's surface.

• Earthquakes can cause large cracks. 

• Volcanoes can be dangerous.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.2.2

Central idea is ​ (a)  

• what the text is mostly about

• a summary

• the message or lesson

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.2.2