Main Idea & Details

The main idea is what the story is ______________ about.

• mostly

• never

• very

• only

There are many fun things to do at the beach.  Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach.  Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed.  Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun.  It is also fun to look for shells.  Some people simply like to sunbathe.
What is the main idea?

• It is also fun to look for shells.

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.

• Some people simply like to sunbathe.

• Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.  Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball.  They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.  Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.

What is the main idea?

• They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.

• Soccer players learn how to dribble.

• They learn how to work together as teammates.

• Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

Where in the text can you sometimes find the main idea?

• Beginning/end

• Middle

Detail Sentences give important information to support the main idea.

• True

• False

Choose the Detail Sentence detail that best supports this topic sentence.

-People should get enough sleep.

• Many people sleep later on the weekends.

• Caffeine keeps some people awake at night.

• Dark rooms are best for sleeping.

• Seven to nine hours keeps people refreshed the next day.

Which Detail Sentence best supports this Topic Sentence?
- It takes a lot of hard work to become a professional athlete. 

• The pros live the good life.

• People like professional football players make a lot of money.

• Professional athletes spend countless hours practicing their sports.

• All of us can be professional athletes. 

Which Detail Sentence best supports this Topic Sentence?
- Subway is a healthier option than McDonald's.

• It's best to just cook food at home.

• A lot of people choose to eat Subway for lunch and dinner.

• McDonald's french fries are salty and delicious.

• Subway uses fresh ingredients whereas McDonald's has processed fried food.

Mount Rushmore is a huge carving in a stone cliff. The carving shows the faces of four U.S. presidents. They are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota. Each year many people visit this amazing sight.

What is a detail that tells about the main idea?

• how the four presidents were chosen

• why Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota

• which presidents are at Mount Rushmore

"Animals" is a main idea.

• True

• False