Main Idea
What is the main idea of a text?
What the text is mostly about; the big idea
What does it mean to make an inference?
Make an educated guess; conclusions about the text using context clues and background knowledge.
What are context clues?
Clues in a text that can help you find the meaning of words, or make an inference.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Eating healthy helps us grow strong and stay healthy. We can eat healthy by choosing foods that are good for us, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods give us important vitamins and nutrients that our bodies need to function properly. Eating healthy can also help us feel more energized and focused. By making healthy food choices, we can take care of our bodies and feel great.
Eating healthy is important to our health.
What can you infer about where Tanya's friend is?
Tanya walked into the classroom and looked at the empty desk next to hers. She noticed that the desk was cleaned out, with no books or pencils in it. Tanya sighed and wondered where her friend could be.
Tanya's friend probably moved away, since her desk was empty.
Use context clues to determine the meaning of the italicized word:
The scientists gathered around the microscope, peering through the eyepiece. They were studying a microbe, a tiny living organism that was invisible to the bare human eye. They could see its wriggling flagella, which helped it move through its environment.
A tiny organism invisible to the human eye
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Taking care of our planet is very important! Our planet is our home, and we need to make sure we keep it clean and healthy. We can do this by reducing our use of plastic, recycling, and conserving energy. By taking care of our planet, we can make sure it stays beautiful for generations to come.
Taking care of our planet is important.
What game do you infer Lily is playing? What can you infer about how Lily is feeling after these events?
As the final seconds of the game ticked away, Lily dribbled the ball down the court. She knew that she was their only hope for winning the championship. She took a deep breath and went for the shot. The ball soared through the air and swished through the net, just as the buzzer sounded.
Lily is playing basketball. Lily is probably very excited and happy.
Use context clues to determine the meaning of the italicized word:
Anna's family was having a barbecue in their backyard. As the family ate, Anna noticed that the hot dog she was eating had a burnt exterior, but still tasted good on the inside.
The outer surface of something
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
Exercising helps us stay strong, keeps our heart healthy, and improves our mood. We can exercise in many ways, like playing sports, going for a walk or run, or dancing. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins, which are natural chemicals that make us feel good. By exercising regularly, we can stay healthy and feel great.
Exercising regularly helps us stay healthy and feel great.
What can you infer about how Rachael is feeling?
Rachael was sitting on the couch, watching a movie with her family. She was cuddled up under a blanket, and she could feel her eyelids getting heavy. She yawned and stretched her arms, and then snuggled back down into the soft cushions.
Rachael is tired/sleepy.
Use context clues to determine the meaning of the underlined word:
Taylor ran a marathon, covering 26 miles of hilly terrain. Shew as not used to running on this type of landscape, so she trained for months, pushing herself to run faster and farther than she ever had before.
Land or ground
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
The ocean is full of fascinating creatures and mysterious depths. Exploring the vastness of the ocean can reveal a plethora of secrets and undiscovered lifeforms. The constantly changing tides and currents make it a dynamic environment that never ceases to amaze. Despite the dangers of the deep, many scientists and adventurers are drawn to the ocean's mysteries and continue to push the boundaries of what we know about this vast, blue expanse.
The ocean is full of fascinating creatures and mysterious depths.
What can you infer about how Connor is feeling?
Connor walked up to the door of the school and paused. He took a deep breath and adjusted his backpack on his shoulders. He looked around at the other kids milling about and tried to calm his nerves. He had just moved to the area and today was his first day at a new school.
Connor is probably feeling nervous.
Use context clues to determine the meaning of the italicized word:
The artist used a variety of hues to paint the sunset, blending shades of pink, orange, and yellow. She carefully mixed the colors of her palette until she achieved the perfect combination.
Different colors or shades