Main Idea
What is the main idea of a text?
The most important idea or message the author wants readers to understand.
What does it mean to make an inference?
To use clues from the text and what you already know to figure something out that the author does not directly state.
What are context clues?
Words or information around an unfamiliar word that help readers determine its meaning.
What does it mean to use text evidence?
Using information or details from the text to support an answer or idea.
What is an author's purpose?
The reason an author writes a text.
A paragraph explains that bees collect nectar, pollinate flowers, and help plants produce food. What is the best main idea?
A. Bees are dangerous insects.
B. Bees are important because they help plants grow.
C. Bees live in large groups.
D. Flowers are colorful.
B. Bees are important because they help plants grow.
Maya grabbed an umbrella before leaving the house. Dark clouds covered the sky. What can you infer?
It will probably rain.
The puppy was timid. It hid behind its owner when people approached. What does timid mean?
A. Brave
B. Shy or nervous
C. Excited
D. Noisy
B. Shy or nervous
Which answer is stronger? Why?
A. The character is brave.
B. The character is brave because she entered the dark cave to rescue her friend.
B, because it includes evidence explaining the answer.
What are the five MAIN purposes authors have when writing?
To persuade, inform, entertain, explain, or describe.
What is the difference between the main idea and a supporting detail?
The main idea tells what the text is mostly about, while supporting details provide information that explains or proves the main idea.
Carlos looked at the clock for the third time. He tapped his foot and sighed. What can you infer about Carlos?
He is impatient, worried, or waiting for something.
The road was treacherous, so the hikers moved carefully. What does treacherous most likely mean?
A. Dangerous
B. Beautiful
C. Easy
D. Crowded
A. Dangerous
A student says, "The character is generous." What should the student do to support this answer?
Find a detail or event from the text that shows the character being generous.
An author writes an article explaining how tornadoes form. What is the author's purpose?
A. To entertain
B. To inform
C. To persuade
D. To frighten
B. To inform
A passage is mostly about how exercise helps children. Which detail best supports the main idea?
A. Some children like soccer.
B. Exercise can make muscles and bones stronger.
C. Tennis balls are usually yellow.
D. Gyms can be crowded.
B. Exercise can make muscles and bones stronger.
A character quietly returned a lost wallet to its owner even though nobody was watching. What can you infer about the character?
The character is honest and trustworthy.
What type of context clue gives a definition of the unfamiliar word?
A definition clue.
True or False: You should use evidence from the text when answering a question that asks you to prove your answer.
True
An author describes a character's hands as "shaking like leaves in the wind." What literary device is being used?
Simile
A student chooses a main idea that is only one small detail from the passage. What mistake did the student make?
The student chose a supporting detail instead of the overall main idea.
What two things should you use when making an inference?
Evidence from the text + what you already know.
The scientist was meticulous; she carefully checked every measurement before recording it. What does meticulous mean?
Very careful and precise.
Marcus had practiced for weeks for the school spelling bee. On the morning of the competition, he felt nervous as he walked onto the stage. He took a deep breath and listened carefully to each word. When the judge gave him a difficult word, Marcus paused, closed his eyes, and remembered the strategy his teacher had taught him. He spelled the word correctly and smiled as the audience applauded.
What can the reader infer about Marcus? Use evidence from the passage to support your answer.
Marcus is determined and prepared. He practiced for weeks, used the strategy his teacher taught him, and remained focused even when he was nervous.
Why might an author use dialogue in a story?
To show characters' thoughts, feelings, personalities, relationships, or move the story forward.