Finding the Main Idea in Informational Texts

Why is it important to find the main idea of an informational text?

• To memorize every detail.

• To check if you understood what you read.

• To critique the author's writing style.

• To find specific vocabulary words.

What is the main idea of a text?

• The author's personal opinion.

• The most important point or key thought the author wants you to know.

• A summary of all the details in the text.

• The title of the text.

Which of the following is NOT listed as a type of informational text?

• Reports

• Explanations

• Procedures

• Fables

Where is the main idea of a body paragraph often explicitly stated?

• Only in the middle sentences.

• In the first or last sentence.

• Only in the title of the text.

• Nowhere, it's always implied.

Which of the following text features can help you find the main idea?

• Only the font style.

• Titles, headings, images, and graphs.

• The number of pages.

• The author's biography.