Text Structure
First, mix the flour and sugar in a large bowl. Then, slowly add the milk and eggs to create a smooth batter.
Sequence/Chronological
This punctuation mark separates items in a list or sets off introductory phrases.
Comma
This feature at the top of a page tells you what the section is about.
Heading/Subheading
What is the first question we ask ourselves when determining a main idea?
What is the topic?
The heavy rain flooded the soccer field. As a result, the game had to be postponed.
Cause and Effect
This mark connects two or more words to create a single idea, as in “well-known author.”
Hyphen
These short explanations placed next to pictures or illustrations help the reader understand what they are seeing.
Captions
What is the acronym we use to determine the main idea?
TEAM
The classroom was too noisy for students to focus. The teacher fixed this by introducing a quiet work timer.
Problem and Solution
Writers use this punctuation mark to show a pause, hesitation, or omitted words in a sentence.
Ellipses
This part of an expository text lists key terms and their definitions, usually found at the end of a book.
Glossary
Which of these is the definition of main idea?
a.) an interesting fact in the text
b.) the last detail in the paragraph
c.) the broad idea the details support
d.) a quotation from an expert
c.) the broad idea the details support
The rainforest is filled with towering trees, colorful birds, and thick vines. It’s one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.
Description
You use this punctuation mark to join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.
Semicolon
This feature helps readers find specific topics quickly by listing page numbers in alphabetical order.
Index
After finding your main idea, how can you prove your answer?
With supporting details/evidence
Dogs are loyal and social animals that enjoy human companionship. Cats, on the other hand, are more independent and prefer quiet spaces.
Compare/Contrast
What punctuation mark is needed in the blank below:
My best friend, John _ is in the 8th grade.
Comma
This feature uses numbers, labels, or symbols to show data or information visually.
Chart/graph/table